Arahanga was born Julian Sonny Arahanga in Raetihi, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand. His father is screenwriter Larry Parr. Arahanga is 5 foot and 10 inches. His mother is a New Zealander of Estonian and Māori descent.
Of Māori descent, his family identifies with Ngāti Rangi and Atihaunui a Paparangi and is the half brother of Kiwi actor, Tammy Davis.
Julian is best known for his role in the movie Once Were Warriors from 1994, where he plays Nig Heke, the son of Jake "the Muss" and Beth Heke. Arahanga also stars in the sequel What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? from 1999, that centers around Jake's search for redemption after the first movie. Again, he plays the son.
In 1996, Arahanga won a starring role in the Gregor Nicholas romance Broken English which won praise from American reviewers.
Also in 1999, he starred in the action-sci fi movie The Matrix playing the role of Apoc.
Filmography
Director
-
Colonial Combat 2 (TV Series) (post-production)
2021
Te Waiora (TV Series documentary)
2019
Colonial Combat (TV Series) (10 episodes)
- Episode #1.10 (2019)
- Kua Hinga te Kauri Nui (2019)
- Sign of the Times (2019)
- Eliminate the Negative (2019)
- Dirty Secrets (2019)
- A Star is Born (2019)
- Nobody's Child (2019)
- Break the Shackles (2019)
- All Eyes on Me (2019)
- Return of the Mack (2019)
2018
Takes A Village (TV Series)
2018
Tongue Tied (TV Series)
2017
Beyond the Battalion (TV Movie documentary) (co-director)
2012
Songs from the Inside (TV Series documentary) (21 episodes)
- Hope (2014)
- Integrity (2014)
- Courage (2014)
- Commitment (2014)
- Choices (2014)
- Freedom (2014)
- Beginnings (2014)
- Finale (2012)
- Courage (2012)
- Hope (2012)
- Aroha (2012)
- Unity (2012)
- Challenges (2012)
- Origin (2012)
- Purpose (2012)
- Inspiration (2012)
- Choice (2012)
- Freedom (2012)
2008
Turangaarere: The John Pohe Story (TV Movie documentary)
Producer
-
Koka (producer) (announced)
2023
River of Freedom (Documentary) (producer)
2021
Te Waiora (TV Series documentary) (executive producer)