Reel Life On The West Coast

SEPTEMBER 23, 2011, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

Reel Life On The West Coast

The West Coast will be showcased in all its cinematic glory next month when the New Zealand Film Archive and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust partner to present a programme of early 20th century films.

What better setting than seven NZHPT-registered heritage buildings on the West Coast as venues for a selection of films from the Film Archive vaults. Paying tribute to the rich and diverse heritage of the West Coast, rail, mining, early mountaineering and tourism are among themes explored.

Curated by Jane Paul (NZFA National Programmes Manager) and Zoë Roland (NZHPT Area Coordinator for Canterbury & West Coast) and presented in NZHPT registered historic buildings, the programme is accompanied by acclaimed Greymouth born pianist Jan Preston, a specialist in composition and performance for silent film.

A local historian will be at each venue to discuss the area’s heritage and recent restoration projects.

“The partnership with the New Zealand Film Archive and the venues for the films made perfect sense,” says NZHPT Southern Region General Manager Malcolm Duff.

“Both organisations help protect, preserve and promote New Zealand’s heritage. Two of the venues were originally theatres which have been recently restored. As well as each being a wonderful event it will also acknowledge and celebrate community efforts to restore and retain their heritage.”

The distinctive characteristics of New Zealand’s buildings are important to the way we shape our communities; socially, economically, aesthetically and culturally. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust conservation of this heritage enables New Zealanders to develop a greater understanding of history and identity.

The Film Archive draws on items from their collection for regular screenings in its cinema and gallery at the head office in Wellington. As part of its commitment to reaching audiences nationwide screenings are held regularly around New Zealand as part of the Traveling Film Show.

This programme is a compilation of 18 short films, showcasing stories from Buller to South Westland, including footage originally toured by vaudeville companies around New Zealand, shown in regional halls; alongside West Coast themed films, some of which display the best of early colour processes.

Films by Greymouth cinematographers Lawrie Inkster and Len Schaef feature, and Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 visit is presented in full colour glory. A 1943 film profiling the coal mining towns of Westland explores the lives of those who live there, comparing the town of Runanga, where mining has brought affluence and a strong community life, with Denniston, which is set in rocky, inhospitable land. A record of the twice-yearly drive of cattle from South Westland through 200 miles of New Zealand’s finest forest, mountain, lake and river scenery, shows scenes of the Nolan estate, Cascade Valley, Okuru, Fox and Franz Josef and Whataroa in 1951. We're also treated to a selection of feature film trailers, including Wild Man and Dagg Day Afternoon (1977) featuring Fred Dagg (John Clarke) and Bruno Lawrence.

This tour of film and architecture details are as follows:

FRIDAY 7 OCTOBER

Donovan's Store, Okarito

7.30pm, $5. Door sales only.

SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER

Fox Glacier Hotel, 11 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier

2pm, $5. Door sales only.

SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER

Formerly The Blackball Hilton, Hart Street, Blackball

3pm, $5. Door sales only.

WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER

Oddfellows Hall, 56 Bridge Street, Reefton

7.30pm, $5. Door sales only.

THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER

Masonic Lodge, 51 Russell St, Westport

4pm & 7.30pm, entry by gold coin donation.

FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER

Regent Cinema, Corner Herbert and Mackay Streets

Greymouth. 6pm, $5. Screening as part of the

New Zealand Film Festival.

Bookings on www.nzff.co.nz/greymouth

SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER

Regent Cinema, 23 Weld St, Hokitika

2pm, $5. Bookings on www.hokitikaregent.com

FOR FULL PROGRAMME DETAILS VISIT

www.filmarchive.org.nz

www.historic.org.nz

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