From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia Rena Owen is a New Zealand actress in film theatre and television She is of Maori and Pakeha European descent Owen is most well known in the lead role of Beth in the cult classic movie Once Were Warriors 1994 directed by Lee Tamahori The role earned Owen a number of awards including Best Actress at the Montreal World Film Festival and San Diego International Film Festival Owen has also worked with arthouse director Rolf de Heer one of Australias most well known directors in the film Dance Me to My Song 1998 Owen played the role of Rix in the movie which earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the AFI Awards Description above from the Wikipedia article Rena Owen licensed under CCBYSA full list of contributors on Wikipedia