Reel Life on the West Coast

Sorry, this event’s been and gone

When:

Sat 15 Oct ’11, 2:00pm–3:30pm

Where: Regent Theatre, 23 Weld St, Hokitika Show map

Restrictions: All Ages

Ticket Information:

General admission: $5.00
Booking fees may apply

Websites:

The West Coast will be showcased in all its cinematic glory during October 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.

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.