Cliff kicks off live-action shoot

Vitalthrills website reports that Producer Jon Landau has revealed on his Facebook page that the Avatar live-action filming is officially underway in Wellington, New Zealand. Cliff Curtis, who plays Tonowari in the Avatar sequels, brought 42 members of his family from the Ngati Rongomai tribe to conduct a traditional Māori Karakia (“blessing”) to kick off the Avatar live-action filming.

“Was blown away,” Landau said.  “I had asked Cliff Curtis if he would surprise James Cameron on the first day of live action filming by doing a small Māori blessing. Cliff showed up with 42 members of his family from the Ngati Rongomai tribe. All of whom made the 7-hour bus ride to give the entire crew the treat of a lifetime with beautiful original Waiata Songs and a powerful original Haka. To Cliff and his family, thank you. Aroha nui.”