Women & babies take the lead in new independent feature

Women & babies take the lead in new independent feature
The Great Maiden’s Blush in cinemas for Mothers Day

Fans of high quality Kiwi cinema now have a date to diary for the release of the latest independent feature film by directors Andrea Bosshard and Shane Loader. Already coined as the best film yet from the renowned duo known for their skilful directing of actors, The Great Maiden’s Blush will hit the cinemas on 5 May in time for Mothers Day.

Here is what Dame Fiona Kidman says of the film:

“Stories of mothers separated from their children at birth may be familiar territory, but the anguish never loses its power to break the heart. In this beautifully crafted film, Bosshard and Loader have achieved the remarkable feat of finding unexpected redemption. Wonderful! I am truly impressed.”

After an eighteen year gestation, this proudly female-centred story brings to the screen a side of life rarely seen in New Zealand or international films - motherhood and the intense, life-changing experience of the first few days of being a parent.

To view trailer http://www.greatmaidensblush.com/

In a time where male lead roles dominate the film industry, The Great Maiden’s Blush breaks the mould with two scintillating lead performances from Miriama McDowell (The Dark Horse, Hope & Wire, Mahana) and rising star Renee Lyons. Beautifully filmed by Alun Bollinger and Waka Attewell, and edited by Annie Collins (Gardening with Soul), the project, despite its miniscule budget, attracted such industry veterans eager to work on a film that is independent in spirit, style and story.

Women are the mainstay audience of arthouse cinemas in New Zealand, and there is a hunger for films that speak to women’s experience. The Great Maiden’s Blush comes out at a time of international and domestic concern about the dismal number of women in key creative roles behind and in front of the camera. The Torchlight team have tenaciously continued over the years to make character-driven films which give women a voice, and provide sustenance to an audience which doesn’t thrive on Hollywood blockbusters or the male-centred stories so prevalent in NZ cinema.

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