This Way of Life

By Cloud South Films, NZ - PG

Shot over four years, This Way of Life is an intimate portrait of Peter Karena and his family. Masterful in the saddle and Hollywood handsome, Peter lives by an internal code of values and honour largely lost in modern times. Though European, Peter was adopted into a Maori family and is Maori in all but skin. He is a horse-whisperer, philosopher, hunter, and builder, a husband and father. Despite seemingly overwhelming challenges, Peter refuses to compromise. Especially troubling to Peter is his broken relationship with his adopted father – a malevolent man who refuses to leave him alone. In This Way of Life, the Karenas unite their philosophy with their circumstances, turning hardship into a meaningful and satisfying life.

The film was made by New Zealand film-makers Tom Burstyn and journalist Barbara Sumner Burstyn (Cloud South Films) "We believe in factual storytelling. Our documentaries are personal, well researched, visually compelling and socially relevant. For us, this is the only medium worth investing in."

This Way of Life prize list
Oscar shortlist, feature documentary, USA,
Jury Prize, Berlin International Film Festival, 2011
Best Documentary, 2012, Victoria Independent Film Festival, Texas USA
Bend Film Festival, 2011, USA, Best Documentary
Bend Film Festival, 2011, USA, Best of Festival
Iowa Indie Film Festival, 2011, USA, People’s Choice
Iowa Indie Film Festival, 2011, USA, Best Documentary
Prix du Jeune Public, Anuu-ru Aboro (Shadow of Man) Film Festival, New Caledonia, 201
Best Aotearoa Documentary, Wairoa Maori Film Festival, 2010
Best Documentary Director, NZ Qantas Film & TV Award
Best Arts / Festival / Feature Documentary, NZ Qantas Film & TV Awards 2010
Documentary Edge Festival, Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Documentary 2011
Big Sky Documentary Festival, Best Feature, Montana, USA, 2011
FIFO, Jury Prize, Tahiti, 2011
Plus Cameraimage, nominated Best Cinematography for feature documentary, Poland, 2010
Docville, Official Selection, 2011, Belgium,
HotDocs, Official Selection, Canada 2010

Screening in the cosy 42 seater Benwell Cinema.
Cash sales only.
Tel: 09 446 0100