WELLINGTON 28 JULY – 13 AUGUST 2017 BOOK AT NZIFF.CO.NZ L New Zealand Films Smash Palace Mauri

How Far is Heaven The Last Dogs of Winter

The World’s Fastest Indian Lambs

Madam Black Giselle

Night Shift Once Were Warriors

Watch your first f ilm for free We have 200 free views to give away for f irst-time subscribers, for a limited time only. Visit ondemand.nzf ilm.co.nz and register. It takes just a few seconds. You will receive a conf irmation of registration by email. Forward your conf irmation to [email protected] and we will send you your unique free-to-view promo code. It’s as easy as that!

This offer is limited to the first 200 new subscribers who forward the NZFC ([email protected]) their confirmation email and is one free viewing per new subscriber. Your free viewing must be used by 31 October 2017. This offer expires at the earlier of 200 new confirmation emails received or 31 August 2017. 46th Wellington Film Festival

Presented by New Zealand Film Festival Trust under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand

EMBASSY THEATRE PARAMOUNT SOUNDINGS THEATRE, TE PAPA PENTHOUSE CINEMA ROXY CINEMA LIGHT HOUSE PETONE NGĀ TAONGA SOUND & VISION 28 JULY – 13 AUGUST 2017 CITY GALLERY WELLINGTON

Director: Bill Gosden General Manager: Sharon Byrne PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY Communications Manager: Rebecca McMillan Wellington Festival Manager: Caroline Palmer Assistant to General Manager: Lisa Bomash Publicist (Auckland): Liv Young Programmer: Sandra Reid Assistant Programmer: Michael McDonnell Animation NOW! Programmer: Malcolm Turner All Ages Programmer: Nic Marshall Incredibly Strange Programmer: Anthony Timpson Online Content Coordinator: Kailey Carruthers Content Manager: Ina Kinski Materials and Content Assistants: Ian Freer, Jule Hartung Technical Adviser: Ian Freer Publications Coordinator: Tim Wong Administration Coordinator: Estela Sangkop Audience Development Coordinator: Alice Vilardel Wellington Communications Assistant: Abby Cattermole Guest Coordinator: Pamela Harvey-White Festival Accounts: Alan Collins Ticketing Supervisor: Tim Keats Festival Interns: Miles Chan (Auckland), Kezia Dwyer (Wellington) Publication Design: Ocean Design Group Publication Production: Greg Simpson Cover Design: Ponui Patuaka, Meri Gracia Cover Illustration: Tom Simpson Animated Title: Anthony Hore (designer), Aaron Hilton (animator), Tim Prebble (sound), Catherine Fitzgerald (producer)

THE NEW ZEALAND FILM FESTIVAL TRUST Chair: Catherine Fitzgerald Trustees: Louise Baker, Adrienne Bonell, James Every-Palmer, Tearepa Kahi, Robin Laing, Andrew Langridge, Tanya Surrey, Chris Watson Financial Controller: Chris Prowse

The New Zealand Film Festival Trust Box 9544, Marion Square Wellington 6141, New Zealand ph: (64 4) 385 0162 [email protected]

PROUDLY SUPPORTED AND PRINTED BY

Contact Jim Rendell ph: 0274 774026, (+64 9) 477 0115 [email protected]

CONTENTS 07 16 26 52 54 Big Nights Aotearoa World For All Fresh Ages

64 68 76 80 82 Thrill Framing Game Music Portrait Reality Changers of an Artist

86 90 91 Incredibly Shorts with Meet the Strange Features Filmmakers

WELCOME

In a year fraught with changes you might not want to be reminded about, we bring you the 2017 NZIFF catalogue, cleverly contrived to look like business as usual. Yes, indeed, we have made our choice of the best the world had to offer us and the assortment is as rich and varied as it always has been. But the world’s best filmmakers move as the world moves, and it is impossible to deny the darkness of the new films that dominated Cannes this year – or to ignore the fact that recently so many filmmakers have felt compelled to address the imperilled rights of the young.

We’ve screened numerous very long great films before, so we’re a little surprised that our inclusion of Top of the Lake: China Girl has been hailed as the falling of a barricade. We are just pleased that we get to give such enthralling, original work the big-screen treatment it deserves. A more telling sign of the times may be that, thanks to the sponsorship of Shift 72, we have quietly launched NZIFF On Demand to extend the life of our cinema programme.

Of course we are delighted that so many of our supporters stay the same. The Wellington City Council’s custodianship of the Embassy Theatre is the rock on which we stand. 2degrees Mobile returns as sponsor of our World cinema section for a second year. Resene join us for their fourth year as sponsors of another stunning bunch of New Zealand films. Flicks.co.nz, RadioLIVE and Metro magazine remain proactive media partners. We also welcome Herald.co.nz as our digital news partner. Seeing how responsive they all are to our programme energises us when we most need it. Thanks to Wellington Community Trust for a second year’s support and to our longstanding Gala sponsors Russell McVeagh.

Ultimately it’s the support of its audience that keeps our non-profit enterprise in action, and, it always bears saying, the perseverance of independent filmmakers who did whatever it took to get these films made. 25% of your ticket money goes their way. Ticket sales contributed 88% of our income in 2016. The major sponsorship we receive from the New Zealand Film Commission is a gratifying institutional contribution to that support system.

Come in out of the rain, says our poster. Though not every great film yielded by the last turbulent year was intended to fold you in a warm embrace, there’s fun in store at NZIFF and life to be had together at the movies.

Bill Gosden Director 1 TICKET PRICES 2 BUYING TICKETS BOOKINGS OPEN ON THURSDAY 6 JULY AT 10.00 AM A CODED SESSIONS Advance bookings will be available for all NZIFF screenings. You can select your own Sessions starting after 5.00 pm weekdays and all weekend sessions seats if you book online. Book early to secure your favourite seats, and to ensure your (unless otherwise indicated). tickets for screenings at the smaller venues. » Full Price $18.50 ONLINE www.nziff.co.nz » Film Society/Film Industry Guilds $15.00 You have the option to select your own seats if you book online, using the ‘CHANGE SEAT’ button before you complete your purchase. Tickets purchased online will » Student/Community Service Card $15.00 be emailed to you, allowing you to print them at home. Please ensure you print » Child (15 and under)/Senior (65+) $12.50 your ticket, not just your confirmation letter, and bring your ID if you have booked concession discount tickets. You may also present your ticket on your mobile. Please B CODED SESSIONS ensure your ticket is loaded and ready for presentation. Sessions starting before 5.00 pm weekdays or of a shorter duration and IN PERSON BEFORE NZIFF (from Thursday 6 July to Thursday 27 July) others as indicated. Advance tickets for all NZIFF screenings will be available at the NZIFF box office at » Full Price $15.00 the Paramount, 25 Courtenay Place. 10.00 am – 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Saturday and Sunday. » Child (15 and under)/Senior (65+) $12.50 IN PERSON DURING NZIFF (from Friday 28 July) C CODED SESSIONS Embassy, Paramount, Penthouse Cinema, Nga¯ Taonga Sound & Vision, » All tickets $11.50 City Gallery, Light House Petone: From Friday 28 July tickets to all NZIFF screenings are available from these box offices. Each box offce will open 45 minutes prior to the first ✪ SPECIAL EVENT­ Top of the Lake: China Girl NZIFF session of the day and close 15 minutes after the start of the final NZIFF session. » Full Price $45.00 Te Papa: Tickets to all NZIFF screenings are available from the NZIFF box offce outside Soundings Theatre. This will open 45 minutes prior to the first NZIFF session of the day » Film Society/Film Industry Guilds $40.00 at Te Papa and close 15 minutes after the start of the final NZIFF session. » Student/Community Service Card $40.00 Roxy Cinema: The box office at the Roxy Cinema can only sell tickets for their » Senior (65+) $40.00 own NZIFF screenings. The box offce opens 45 minutes before each NZIFF session commences and closes 15 minutes after each session starts. Box offce closed ONLINE DISCOUNT between sessions. Purchase ten Full Price tickets or more in one online transaction and automatically Please note: Patrons buying tickets for sessions about to start may be given priority receive a discount of $2.00 per ticket. over patrons seeking advance bookings. TEN-TRIP PASS MAIL BOOKINGS A booking form can be found on the NZIFF website. Once printed and completed, post Valid for all sessions (excluding Special Events), subject to seat availability. to: New Zealand International Film Festival, PO Box 9544, Marion Square, Wellington Venue sales only. 6141. Alternatively, you can call (04) 802 2579 and we can post you a booking form. » Ten-Trip Pass $150.00 TELEPHONE – Please note that we have very limited phone booking services The Ten-Trip Pass can be purchased in advance from the NZIFF Paramount Box Offce Hours before NZIFF (from Thursday 6 July to Thursday 27 July) (or from NZIFF venues during NZIFF dates). It can be used to book tickets in advance 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Saturday and Sunday. or on the day at NZIFF box offces for any session that is not sold out. The Ten-Trip Ph: (04) 801 8054 Pass cannot be used for online, phone or mail bookings. The pass cannot be used Hours during NZIFF (from Friday 28 July to Sunday 13 August) to secure tickets for Top of the Lake: China Girl. 10.30 am – 5.00 pm daily. TICKETING FEES Ph: (04) 801 8054

A $1.00 per ticket transaction fee is already included in the price of the ticket. SCHOOLS AND GROUP BOOKINGS There are no additional service fees except for where a courier delivery is selected ($5.50). For groups of 20 or more people, contact Alice Vilardel on (04) 802 2571 or [email protected] CONCESSION DISCOUNTS (Film Society/Film Industry Guilds/Student/ Community Service Card) METHOD OF PAYMENT Students, Film Society members and Film Industry Guild members and Community Cash: Accepted for box office and venue bookings. Service Card holders are entitled to purchase one ticket per session at the discount EFTPOS: Accepted for box office and venue bookings. rate. Student/Membership/CSC ID is required – please ensure you bring it with you Visa/Mastercard: Accepted for all bookings. to the venue to present to staff on request; failure to do so will result in the full price Cheque: Personal cheques are accepted for mail bookings only, and must be received being charged for attendance. Film Society ‘Three Film Sampler’ holders are not five working days prior to your first screening. Cheques payable to NZ Film Festival Trust. entitled to the concession discount. TICKET COLLECTION Prices are GST inclusive and in NZD. For phone and mail bookings, tickets can be mailed or couriered out if booking is received at least nine days prior to your first screening. Otherwise they will be held for collection at the cinema box office of your first screening. Please bring your reference number and/or credit card and any concession ID as verification of your ticket purchase. REFUNDS Please note that NO REFUNDS will be given for uncollected tickets or tickets collected late. Bookings once made cannot be altered. Please choose carefully as there are no seat swaps, exchanges, or refunds except as required by law. GENERAL ENQUIRES Before NZIFF Ph: (04) 802 2579, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. During NZIFF Ph: (04) 801 6483, 10.30 am – 8.00 pm daily. VENUE GENERAL 3 INFORMATION 4 INFORMATION FOR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS VISIT www.nziff.co.nz OUR WEBSITE HAS IT ALL www.nziff.co.nz Embassy Theatre (EMB) & Embassy Deluxe (ED): 10 Kent Tce, Ph (04) 801 6483 Register on our website to customise your view of NZIFF, select your favourite flms, Embassy Deluxe is a 70-seat cinema downstairs at the Embassy. send flms to your friends, and create your own schedule. You can also sign up for Paramount (PAR) & Paramount Bergman (PB): 25 Courtenay Pl, Ph (04) 801 8054 news updates and the chance to win movie tickets and DVDs. The site also features Paramount Bergman is a 60-seat cinema at the Paramount. an at-a-glance planner that shows you exactly when each movie is scheduled to start Soundings Theatre, Te Papa (TP): Cable St, Level 2, top of stairs and sharp right. and fnish. Ph (04) 381 7000, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Nga¯ Taonga Sound & Vision – formerly The Film Archive (NT): cnr Taranaki and www.facebook.com/nzfilmfestival Ghuznee Sts, Ph (04) 384 7647 Become a friend, watch trailers and take part in competitions and discussions. Penthouse Cinema (PH): 205 Ohiro Rd, Brooklyn, Ph (04) 384 3157 www.twitter.com/nzff Take buses 7 or 8 from Lambton Quay/ Willis Street. Check www.metlink.org.nz Keep up to date with our Twitter feed. for timetables. All screenings this year will be held in Cinema 3. Roxy Cinema (RX): 5 Park Rd, Miramar, Ph (04) 388 5555 www.youtube.com/nzintfilmfestival Take buses 2, 24, 31, 43 or 44 from Courtenay Place to Miramar shops. Watch trailers, interviews and much more. Check www.metlink.org.nz for timetables. Light House Cinema Petone (LHP): 52 Beach St, Petone, Ph (04) 939 2061 www.instagram.com/nziff Take the Hutt Valley train or buses 81, 83, 84, 85 or 91, from Courtenay Pl or Take a peek behind the scenes. Lambton Quay to Jackson St. Check www.metlink.org.nz for timetables. City Gallery Wellington (CG): Civic Square, 101 Wakefeld St, Ph (04) 913 9032 PROGRAMME CHANGES We reluctantly reserve the right to change the schedule by amending dates or replacing flms. From Friday 28 July, confrmation of daily session times can be made by calling the NZIFF box offce on (04) 801 8054. Any necessary changes will be KEY TO VENUE CODES advertised on our website or at our venues.

EMB Embassy Theatre RX Roxy Cinema PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY ED Embassy Deluxe LHP Light House Petone There are no advertising flms or trailers at NZIFF. We reserve the right to ask latecomers to wait until the conclusion of any introductions or short flms before they are seated, PAR Paramount NT Nga¯ Taonga Sound & Vision or to seat latecomers in seats other than those originally purchased, to minimise (Formerly The Film Archive) PB Paramount Bergman disturbance to other patrons. TP Soundings Theatre, Te Papa CG City Gallery Wellington MOBILE PHONES PH Penthouse Cinema Please ensure mobile phones and other electronic devices are switched off before entering the auditorium. WHEELCHAIR ACCESS/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS KEY TO ICONS All venues are accessible by wheelchair. Wheelchair accessible seats can now also be identifed and purchased online. The Embassy and Soundings Theatre are equipped Guest Appearance World Premiere with hearing loops with good coverage for all seats. The City Gallery is equipped with a hearing loop with best coverage in rows A, B and C. All other venues except Nga¯ Short Preceding Feature Cannes Selection 2017 Taonga Sound & Vision and Roxy Cinema have amplifed infra-red headphones (used without hearing aids), which can be obtained from the box offce. Please note that Lunchtime Session Major Festival Award where flms are indicated as having subtitles, this is not the same as full captioning for the hearing impaired. Please advise the ticket seller when purchasing your tickets if you have any special requirements. Visit our website for venue specifc information. CENSORSHIP CLASSIFICATION G – Suitable for general audiences PG – Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers M – Unrestricted. Recommended as more suitable for mature audiences 16 years and over RP13 – Restricted to persons 13 years and over, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian RP16 – Restricted to persons 16 years and over, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian R13 – Restricted to persons 13 years and over R16 – Restricted to persons 16 years and over R18 – Restricted to persons 18 years and over Classifcations will be published in NZIFF’s daily newspaper advertising and displayed at the venues’ box offces. Children’s tickets are available only for flms classifed G, PG and M. At the time of printing some flms have not been rated. Until they receive a censor rating, they are considered R18 (unless clearly aimed at children) and can only be purchased by and for people aged 18 and over. For more information please visit the ticketing and venue information page on our website. Please note: ID may be requested for restricted flms. MEET THE FILMMAKERS Interviews and panel discussions with NZIFF guests will be announced soon on our website. Admission to these events is FREE and open to everyone. SPONSORSHIP, BROCHURE AND WEBSITE ADVERTISING Contact: Sharon Byrne Ph: (04) 802 2570 FURTHER INFORMATION Contact us: [email protected], www.nziff.co.nz 6

HELPING TO BRING YOU THE COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT OF WORLD CINEMA PROUD SPONSOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SINCE 2002

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Wellington Auckland Dimension Data House, 157 Lambton Quay Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street PO Box 10-214, Wellington, New Zealand PO Box 8, Auckland, New Zealand P +64 4 499 9555 F +64 4 499 9556 P +64 9 367 8000 F +64 9 367 8163 BIG NIGHTS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 7

The Square Opening Night

We open our 46th edition with a blast, Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or winner, a sprawling, jaw-dropping satire, centred Director/Screenplay: Ruben Östlund on a Swedish museum curator (Claes Sweden/Germany/France/Denmark 2017 | 147 mins Bang), an exhibit, a stolen phone and Producers: Erik Hemmendorff, Philippe Bober HELPING TO BRING an American journalist (Elisabeth Moss). Photography: Fredrik Wenzel “The Square [is] a sardonic, darkly Editors: Ruben Östlund, Jacob Secher Schulsinger With: Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss, Dominic West, funny picture about a dashing Terry Notary, Christopher Laessø, Marina museum curator whose dysfunctional Schiptjenko, Elijandro Edouard, Daniel Hallberg, Martin Sööder YOU THE COLOUR institution is a microcosm of the Festivals: Cannes (In Competition) 2017 larger world. Can art, or the tools Palme d’Or (Best Film), Cannes Film Festival 2017 In English and Swedish, with English subtitles used to promote it, cross the bounds Censors rating tbc of moral responsibility? What does AND EXCITEMENT OF PROUDLY SPONSORED BY it take to jog the upper classes out of their comfortable insularity? The Square is both outlandishly funny and WORLD CINEMA biting – and features a fascinating and sometimes disturbing performance by Terry Notary, the gifted actor and PROUD SPONSOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND [Hobbit] movement choreographer.” — Stephanie Zacharek, Time organizing principle relating to the “The Square is set in the rarefied chasm between the social faces we “Östlund’s eye for the INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SINCE 2002 reaches of Sweden’s art world, but wear and the self-interested creatures subtleties of human from that vantage point takes pot we really are. Snip by snip, in scenarios shots at marketing, the media, the dripping with acidly observed behavior, especially public Swedish culture of militant political discomfort, Östlund clips precisely behavior, never fails.” correctness as well as the pretension, through the barbed-wire barrier — Emily Yoshida, Vulture self-deception, and pseudospeak of the fences of culture, sophistication and cultural elite… socialization that refined middle-class A EMB Fri 28 Jul, 8.15 pm While the targets are many and modern humans erect between our B EMB Thu 3 Aug, 3.15 pm Östlund, admirably, almost always public selves and our private, animal punches up, there is a kind of natures.” — Jessica Kiang, The Playlist

Faces Places Visages villages Centrepiece

88-year-old Agnès Varda, working in collaboration with the young photo- muralist JR, reminds us that big themes Directors/Screenplay: Agnès Varda, JR can live in small places – and that every France 2017 | 89 mins Photography: Claire Duguet, Nicolas Guicheteau, life yields something to celebrate. As Valentin Vignet, Romain Le Bonniec, the two travel across France, looking Raphael Minnesota, Roberto De Angelis, Julia Fabry Editors: Agnès Varda, Maxime Pozzi Garcia up old friends and creating artworks Music: M (Matthieu Chedid) from photographs of the people they With: Agnès Varda, JR meet, a friendship blossoms – and Festivals: Cannes (Out of Competition) 2017 In French with English subtitles with it a wonderful free flow of ideas Censors rating tbc and observations. “She is nearly 90; he is 34. She PROUDLY SPONSORED BY worked with Jean-Luc Godard; he looks like Jean-Luc Godard (and, much to Varda’s consternation, will similarly not take off his sunglasses). And yet, the movie is barely five minutes old before it’s clear that these two are a screen duo for the ages... Varda has always possessed a warm and compulsively watchable screen nearly 60-year career, this is one of presence, and the pint-sized iconoclast her most profoundly personal and “Serendipities fly as www.russellmcveagh.com still has more pep in her step than exuberantly populist works. A tour cinema’s greatest most of us have ever had… JR is an de France that is both a romp and a absolute joy (and a mensch, to boot)… meditation on photography, cinema, gleaner goes rambling Teasing at times, quietly deferential and mortality, with brief appearances in the cine-van of magnum Wellington Auckland at others, he taps into his co-star’s by Mimi, the scene-stealing cat, it is muralist JR.” Dimension Data House, 157 Lambton Quay Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street inherent sense of wonder and creates at once poetry and the naked truth, A EMB Sat 5 Aug, 7.00 pm — Isabel Stevens, Sight & Sound PO Box 10-214, Wellington, New Zealand PO Box 8, Auckland, New Zealand a canvas big enough for her to fit all shape-shifting before one’s eyes, and B PH Wed 9 Aug, 11.30 am of the ideas that she’s still dying to promising ever more pleasure with B EMB Thu 10 Aug, 12.00 pm P +64 4 499 9555 F +64 4 499 9556 P +64 9 367 8000 F +64 9 367 8163 project.” — David Ehrlich, Indiewire each viewing.” — Amy Taubin, Film B RX Fri 11 Aug, 1.00 pm “In her magnificent, groundbreaking, Comment A PH Sat 12 Aug, 6.15 pm Let your broadband speed take off with 2degrees Fibre Fasten your seatbelt

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Let your broadband Good Time Closing Night For action fans, our official Closing Night choice offers hyper-adrenalised thrills. (For a kinder, gentler final Directors: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie Sunday night at the Embassy, see USA 2017 | 100 mins Call Me by Your Name, below.) Producers: Oscar Boyson, Sebastian Bear-McClard speed take off with Screenplay: Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein “This eyes-open-to-the-world NYC Photography: Sean Price Williams crime thriller from filmmaking brothers Editors: Benny Safdie, Ronald Bronstein Music: Oneohtrix Point Never Benny and Josh Safdie is cocky, With: Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, grubby and electric. It features Robert Jennifer Jason Leigh, Buddy Duress, Barkhad Abdi, Taliah Webster Pattinson on top form as Connie, a Festivals: Cannes (In Competition) 2017 2degrees Fibre quick-thinking chancer who we first CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc meet extracting his mentally challenged PROUDLY SPONSORED BY brother Nick (Benny Safdie) from a therapy session so they can spend the morning robbing a bank. Connie Fasten your seatbelt is violent and dangerous, but he’s also quick-witted and charismatic, so he’s teasingly fun and rewarding company – for us at least; not for those he meets… Once the Brooklyn bank job goes best post-Twilight performance to date: south the film stays on the move, he’s quick and coarse yet he also lends “A riveting race-against- running, punching, tumbling, stumbling the character a glint in the eye and a time thriller with over 24 hours as the fallout drags us spark in the brain – he’s always more through streets, vehicles, homes, jail, than just bad. The Safdies are show-off a pounding heart.” a hospital, a theme park and more. filmmakers, for sure – this is a directing — David Rooney, Hollywood Racing through the gutter of the city, tour de force. But what makes the Reporter it’s all shot in a scuzzy, real-world style film more than just a hugely enjoyable … It also boasts a terrific, throbbing thriller is that it so clearly has its eyes B EMB Thu 10 Aug, 4.15 pm electronic score by Daniel Lopatin, aka on the world around it.” — Dave A LHP Sun 13 Aug, 8.00 pm Oneohtrix Point Never. Calhoun, Time Out A EMB Sun 13 Aug, 9.15 pm Pattinson is great in this, surely his

Call Me by Your Name Special Presentation

Luca Guadagnino, the Italian writer- Director: Luca Guadagnino director of I Am Love and A Bigger Italy/France 2017 | 132 mins Splash, winds back the flamboyance Producers: Peter Spears, Luca Guadagnino, Emilie Georges, Rodrigo Teixeira, Marco Morabito, to powerful effect in this languorous, James Ivory, Howard Rosenman sun-filled and wonderfully empathetic Screenplay: James Ivory, Luca Guadagnino, Walter Fasano. Based on the novel by André Aciman tale of first love. Timothée Chalamet Photography: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom is riveting as Elio, a smart, musically Editor: Walter Fasano Music: Sufjan Stevens gifted 17-year-old hanging out for With: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, the summer of 1983 with his parents Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, Victoire Du Bois at their villa in northern Italy. Elio is Festivals: Sundance, Berlin 2017 obliged to move out of his bedroom In English, Italian and French, with English subtitles to make way for his father’s American RP13 sex scenes research assistant, 20-something Oliver (Armie Hammer). Brash and handsome, Oliver immediately sets local hearts aflutter and irritates the hell out of Elio. But the two increasingly find themselves together. A dance of attraction and retreat begins and gradually consumes them both. “Luca Guadagnino likes to show off Find out more at Elio’s great leap into emotional risk his homeland as a place of sensual self- “A swirling wonder, a film touches everyone in his idyllic world: discovery… But he’s never mounted the about coming of age, the depth of understanding granted to total swirl of sultry weather, budding 2degreesbroadband.co.nz him in this film feels like a gift to every libidos and teenage confusion that about the secrets of youth, one of us. marks his new drama, Call Me by Your the magic of summer, the Proud sponsors of the World Strand The film’s stock of sensual pleasures Name, a triumphant, heartbreaking beauty of Italy.” extends to its exquisite use of music, tale of coming out based on André including the Psychedelic Furs, Elio’s Aciman’s acclaimed 2007 novel… Sweet — Richard Lawson, Vanity Fair A PH Sat 29 Jul, 8.30 pm amusingly bad-tempered renditions of and salty, his movie burns like a suntan.” B PH Tue 1 Aug, 3.30 pm Bach and three perfectly attuned songs — Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out NY B EMB Fri 4 Aug, 1.00 pm A EMB Sun 13 Aug, 6.15 pm Fibre broadband not available everywhere. See 2degreesbroadband.co.nz for T&Cs by Sufjan Stevens.

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BPM (Beats Per Minute) 120 battements par minute Special Presentation

The personal and the political are as vitally connected as the chicken and the egg in Robin Campillo’s moving and Director/Screenplay/Editor: inspiring Cannes Grand Prix winner. Robin Campillo France 2017 | 144 mins The writer/director draws on his own Producers: Hugues Charbonneau, experience as a member of AIDS activist Marie-Ange Luciani organisation ACT UP in 90s Paris, Photography: Jeanne Lapoirie Music: Arnaud Rebotini embedding an intimately observed love With: Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Arnaud Valois, story within a vivid evocation of the Adèle Haenel, Antoine Reinartz, Félix Maritaud, Ariel Borenstein, Aloïse Sauvage, Simon Bourgade, dynamics of radical protest. Médhi Touré, Simon Guélat, Coralie Russier Hunky Arnaud Valois plays Nathan, Festivals: Cannes (In Competition) 2017 Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival 2017 a wary, HIV-negative newcomer to the In French with English subtitles movement who falls for firecracker CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc Sean (incandescent Argentinean actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart), HIV-positive and irresistibly impatient with the group’s more pragmatic leadership. Campillo wrote Laurent Cantet’s The Class and this year’s The Workshop (p33). His skill for catching the currents of a CELINE NIESZAWER group discussion is as persuasive as ever. The film’s political and moral weight The issues that once exercised ACT UP should not overshadow the artistry of “A slice-of-life look at a take on clear and present life in 2017 as its design, nor the quiet profundity of time in history that feels the young activists brainstorm, strategise its unreserved and admirable approach dramatic interventions and storm the to gay intimacy. Campillo has given incredibly urgent in institutions that would let them die. his movie the breath of true life. It today’s torn-up world.” “It’s both devastating and heartening grieves and triumphs and haunts with — Nikola Grozdanovic, The Playlist to watch, these horrifyingly young abounding grace and understanding, people bravely confronting vast and its heartbeat thumping with genuine, A EMB Fri 4 Aug, 8.30 pm seemingly unmovable systems… while undeniable resonance.” — Richard B EMB Wed 9 Aug, 3.15 pm attending to their own fears, their own Lawson, Vanity Fair fragile mortality…

Top of the Lake: China Girl Special Event

Jane Campion made history at Cannes again this year with Top of the Lake: China Girl, one of the first Directors: Jane Campion, Ariel Kleiman two television shows ever to premiere Australia/UK 2017 | 350 mins + intermissions of 15 mins and 45 mins a season on the official programme. Executive producers: Emile Sherman, Ian Canning, We are delighted to provide NZIFF Jane Campion, Jamie Laurenson audiences the same rare opportunity to Producers: Philippa Campbell, Libby Sharpe Screenplay: Jane Campion, Gerard Lee see one of the year’s most anticipated Photography: Germain McMicking series before its television premiere on Editors: Alexandre de Franceschi, Scott Gray Music: Mark Bradshaw UKTV on SKY. Join us to experience With: Elisabeth Moss, Gwendoline Christie, Top of the Lake in one glorious day of David Dencik, Ewen Leslie, Alice Englert, Nicole Kidman enthralling giant screen entertainment. Festivals: Cannes (Special Screenings) 2017 The new series, written by Jane Censors rating tbc Campion and Gerard Lee, is a crime Top of the Lake: China Girl mystery that finds Detective Robin is produced by See-Saw Films for UKTV Griffin (Elisabeth Moss) recently returned and SKY in New Zealand. to Sydney and trying to rebuild her life. PRESENTED BY When the body of an Asian girl washes up on Bondi Beach, there appears little hope of finding the killer, until Robin realises ‘China Girl’ didn’t die alone. it pays off its pathos; by the end, “Campion, along with co-director even the most outlandish of subplots “Top of the Lake: China Ariel Kleiman and co-writer Gerard Lee, are resolved with a profoundly Girl is as beautiful and has crafted a monumental latticework of moving emotional flourish... It’s emotional threads, seamlessly weaving an overwhelmingly ambitious and soul-stirring as anything together dozens of different characters unforgettably thoughtful piece of fiction you’ll see on any kind into an intimate epic that touches upon that’s told with the lightest of touches of screen this year.” everything from sex work and surrogacy – you won’t believe how fast the whole to patriarchy in the digital age and the thing zips by, or the dark laughs it — David Ehrlich, Indiewire ✪ EMB Sat 29 Jul, 1.15 pm instinctive push towards parenthood… inspires along the way – and brought SPECIAL PRICES APPLY – see page 4 This is such an astonishing miniseries to life by a cast that lacks a single weak in large part because of how well link.” — David Ehrlich, Indiewire BIG NIGHTS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 11

The Farthest Special Presentation

More than 12 billion miles away a Director/Screenplay: Emer Reynolds spaceship the size of a bus has left our Ireland 2017 | 121 mins Solar System and is entering deep space. Producers: John Murray, Clare Stronge Photography: Kate McCullough Slowly dying within its heart is a nuclear Editor: Tony Cranstoun generator that will beat for perhaps Music: Ray Harman With: Fran Bagenal, Jim Bell, John Casani, another decade before the lights on Timothy Ferris, Suzanne Dodd, Amahl Drake, Voyager finally go out. But this little Frank Drake, Don Gurnett, Heidi Hammel, Candy Hansen-Koharcheck, Andrew Ingersoll, craft could travel on for millions of years, Charley Kohlhase, Lawrence Krauss carrying the ‘Golden Record’ bearing Festivals: Tribeca, Sydney 2017 recordings and images of life on Earth. In this spectacular and immensely enjoyable documentary, some of the women and men who have worked on NASA’s Voyager mission look back in wonder and sheer joy at what they achieved and the extraordinary wealth of knowledge that the tiny spaceship has beamed back to earth. As many of them ruefully acknowledge, it’s the most inward- looking, least scientific aspect of the best science project of all time, their project – that famous Golden Record passion for exploring the great beyond “This 40-year retrospective with its Bach, Beethoven, Balinese is inspiring. of the ongoing Voyager gamelans and Chuck Berry – that’s “It’s the right film at the right time, dominated the public imagination a cathartic moment in which audiences missions brings the around Voyager. This film, in which will shed tears for a little machine made humor and humanity they retrace Voyager’s 40-year journey of silicon and aluminium, wrapped in to the science.” and successive revelations from Jupiter tin foil and running on less computing (1979), Saturn (1981), Uranus (1986) power than our smartphones, yet — Tasha Robinson, The Verge A EMB Sun 30 Jul, 12.15 pm and Neptune (1989), provides the which will outlive us all – perhaps A RX Sun 6 Aug, 2.45 pm best possible hope of changing that. by billions of years.” — Fionnuala B EMB Fri 11 Aug, 10.30 am A LHP Sun 13 Aug, 3.30 pm When these enthusiasts talk about the Halligan, Screendaily

My Year with Helen Special Presentation

Gaylene Preston’s My Year with Gaylene Preston Helen delivers a fascinating portrait of Helen Clark on a mission – and a Director/Producer: Gaylene Preston laconic account of the exasperating New Zealand 2017 | 93 mins Co-producer: Catherine Madigan circumstances wherein she hit the glass Executive producer: Alexander Behse ceiling at the United Nations. Photography: Sam Russell, Colin Sonner, Early in the film the former PM spells Gaylene Preston Editor: Paul Sutorius out her primary professional objective: Music: Jan Preston find herself a job where she can “do With: Helen Clark Festivals: Sydney 2017 a power of good.” Keen to discover what that might look like in 2015, Preston followed Clark to Botswana in her position heading up the UN Development Programme. She didn’t know that in the year that followed Clark would also be campaigning for the position of secretary general. The election of the UN’s top official had once been so secretive that not even the candidates knew they were in the official running. For 2016 the UN singles out a wealth of clued-up announced that the contest would be commentators and shrewdly observes “We do have a way much more transparent. Considering multiple angles to the story. Nothing of women taking charge the organisation’s remits around gender anyone has to say is intended to equality, the time felt ripe for the first convince you that this was a transparent that a lot of other female SG in its 80-year history. process, or even, in fact, a race. nationalities don't.” The media love a horse race, and Clark is dignified and resilient in the — Gaylene Preston politicians, diplomats and feminist face of loss. She can always congratulate organisations were immediately abuzz herself on having had Preston on hand A EMB Sun 30 Jul, 3.00 pm with speculation and opinion. Shuttling to mine her disappointing experience B EMB Tue 1 Aug, 1.00 pm between a forthright Clark and UN and discover in it the fuel for future fire. briefings which reveal nothing, Preston 12 BIG NIGHTS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

The Killing of a Sacred Deer Special Presentation

This new movie by the Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Dogtooth) is a meticulously wrought Director: Yorgos Lanthimos chiller, visiting the retribution of Ireland/UK 2017 | 109 mins Producers: Ed Guiney, Yorgos Lanthimos classical tragedy on a fatally flawed Screenplay: Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthimis Filippou surgeon, played by Colin Farrell. Photography: Thimios Bakatakis “The rich vein of unsettling darkness Editor: Yorgos Mavropsaridis With: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, and psychological unease that ripples Raffey Cassidy, Sunny Suljic, Alicia Silverstone, like a treacherous underground stream Bill Camp Festivals: Cannes (In Competition) 2017 beneath the absurdist humour of Best Screenplay, Cannes Film Festival 2017 Yorgos Lanthimos' work becomes a Censors rating tbc brooding requiem of domestic horror in his masterfully realized fifth feature, The Killing of a Sacred Deer. Reaching back to classical Greek tragedy for inspiration, this hypnotic tale of guilt and retribution provides an even more riveting role for Colin Farrell after his collaboration on the director's English-language debut, The Lobster. He's flanked by a never- better Nicole Kidman and a performance who cares about bold filmmaking… of chilling effectiveness from emerging This is a movie that closes its grip “When absurdism feels Irish talent Barry Keoghan in a thriller on our fears by infinitesimal degrees, this wrong, you know it’s that frequently invites comparison to demonstrating that bone-deep, tightly vintage Polanski… clamped anxiety can be scarier than being done right.” The new film's grim scenario of screaming terror.” — David Rooney, — Robbie Colin, The Telegraph a family under dire threat will make Hollywood Reporter it hard for some to watch. But the “A film of clean hands, cold impressive rigor of its craft, the skilfully heart, and near-Satanic horror, it was A EMB Sat 5 Aug, 9.15 pm subdued intensity of the acting and garlanded with boos at its Cannes press A RX Thu 10 Aug, 8.15 pm the startling originality of the story will screening and it is absolutely fucking B EMB Fri 11 Aug, 3.45 pm make the film unmissable for anyone brilliant.” — Jessica Kiang, The Playlist

Loveless Nelyubov Special Presentation

Andrey Zvyagintsev (Leviathan) won the Cannes Jury Prize for his stark and gripping tale of a divorcing couple Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev caught in a missing-child procedural. Russia/France/Belgium/Germany 2017 128 mins “Andrey Zvyagintsev has produced Producers: Alexandre Rodnyansky, another masterpiece in this apocalyptic Serguey Melkumov study of a failed marriage and the Screenplay: Oleg Negin, Andrey Zvyagintsev Photography: Mikhail Krichman subsequent disappearance of a child. Editor: Anna Mass Loveless is a stark, mysterious and Music: Evgeni Galperin With: Maryana Spivak, Alexey Rozin, terrifying story of spiritual catastrophe: Matvey Novikov, Marina Vasilyeva, a drama with the ostensible form of a Andris Keishs, Alexey Fateev Festivals: Cannes (In Competition) 2017 procedural crime thriller. It has a hypnotic Jury Prize, Cannes Film Festival 2017 intensity and unbearable ambiguity In Russian with English subtitles which is maintained until the very end. 4K DCP | CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc This is a story of modern Russia whose people are at the mercy of implacable forces, a loveless world like a planet without the full means to support human life, a place where the ordinary need for survival has mutated or upgraded into an unending aspirational demand prepared for the crystalline perfection for status, money, freedom to find an of Russian genius Andrey Zvyagintsev’s “Loveless is a tragic advantageous second marriage which style… There is no way to do the fairytale we can all believe brings a nice apartment, sex, luxury and film justice while also selling it as an the social media prerogative of selfies appealing way to spend two devastating in.” and self-affirmation. But all of it is hours. But Zvyaginstev’s skill as a — Bilge Ebiri, Village Voice underpinned, or overseen, by intensely filmmaker is such that as discomfiting conservative social norms of Christianity, as it is, it’s deeply compelling and A PH Fri 4 Aug, 8.30 pm conformism and nationalism.” — Peter immersive.” — Jessica Kiang, The Playlist A RX Tue 8 Aug, 8.15 pm Bradshaw, The Guardian B EMB Wed 9 Aug, 12.30 pm “After four films, including the B PH Thu 10 Aug, 1.15 pm brilliant Leviathan, we are almost A EMB Sun 13 Aug, 3.15 pm BIG NIGHTS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 13

Mountain Special Presentation

Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom Jennifer Peedom* follows her extraordinary Sherpa with a giant screen celebration of the allure of Director: Jennifer Peedom the mountains, created in collaboration Australia 2017 | 74 mins Producers: Jennifer Peedom, Jo-anne McGowan with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Screenplay: Robert Macfarlane, Jennifer Peedom Spectacular images, shot in 21 Photography: Renan Ozturk countries by legendary mountaineer/ Editors: Christian Gazal, Scott Gray Music: Richard Tognetti, the Australian Chamber cinematographer Renan Ozturk (Meru, Orchestra Sherpa) and others, have been cut Narrator: Willem Dafoe Festivals: Sydney 2017 together thematically to an orchestral CinemaScope score drawing on Chopin, Grieg, Vivaldi, Beethoven and new works by Richard JENNIFER PEEDOM’S VISIT IS SUPPORTED BY Tognetti. The orchestra will perform live when the film tours Australia in August, but we’re delighted to have secured NZIFF big-screen engagements for the soundtracked version. Drawing from Robert Macfarlane’s book Mountain, read on the soundtrack by Willem Dafoe, the film considers the changes in humanity’s relationship to capture the exultant top-of-the-world mountains over recent times. Not so imagery that makes this film such an “To those who are long ago they represented the divine exhilarating experience. As Peedom enthralled by the and mysterious; to many indigenous offers us a jaw-dropping montage communities living on their flanks they of people throwing themselves off mountains, their wonder is always will. By the time Hillary and precipices for the sheer thrill of it, beyond all dispute. Tenzing ascended Everest, mountains her film revels both in the dramatic To those who are not, their had been colonised by the west and grandeur of the mountains and in the A EMB Mon 31 Jul, 6.15 pm filled our imaginations as personal glorious irrationality which may be the allure is a kind B EMB Wed 2 Aug, 4.15 pm challenges to be overcome. only sane human response. of madness.” A LHP Fri 4 Aug, 8.15 pm That spirit of conquest may be hard Jennifer Peedom will introduce the A PH Sun 6 Aug, 8.00 pm — Robert Mcfarlane, Mountain to separate from the risks taken to July 31 screening. A PH Tue 8 Aug, 8.30 pm

The Other Side of Hope Toivon tuolla puolen Special Presentation

Aki Kaurismäki, Finland’s deadpan laureate of life at the bottom of the heap, responds to Europe’s refugee Director/Producer/Screenplay: crisis with a seriously funny film about Aki Kaurismäki Finland/Germany 2017 | 98 mins a young Syrian mechanic (soulful Photography: Timo Salminen Sherwan Haji) who finds his way into Editor: Samu Heikkilä Finland by stowing away on a container With: Sherwan Haji, Sakari Kuosmanen, Ilkka Koivula, Janne Hyytiäinen, Nuppu Koivu, ship full of coal. “Show me to the Kaija Pakarinen, Niroz Haji, Simon Hussein police station,” he asks the first person Al-Bazoon Festivals: Berlin, Sydney 2017 he meets, intending to take the legal Best Director, Berlin International Film Festival 2017 path to political asylum. “Are you In Finnish, English and Arabic, with English subtitles sure?” comes the reply. M violence The refugee is slowly drawn, by a newly flush (though hopelessly melancholic) entrepreneur, into life under the radar working and living in what is surely Finland’s dodgiest sushi restaurant. “It’s difficult to imagine anyone coming away from Aki Kaurismäki’s MALLA HUKKANEN gorgeous tragicomedy about the Not unlike the salted herring with refugee crisis in Europe, the challenges wasabi that gets served to a busload of “The warmest, most of the restaurant business and the unfortunate Japanese diners, this is a life-enhancing film I’ve rewards of self-reinvention without movie about foreign elements coming feeling gentle elation sparked by the together, whether it’s displaced Middle seen this year.” story’s evidence of human kindness Easterners fleeing atrocity in sleepy — Saskia Baron, The Arts Desk amid cruelty and indifference. This Scandinavia or two men from different is a world that reeks of cigarette worlds forging a mutually enriching smoke and cheap vodka, yet as always friendship that speaks of selfless B EMB Wed 2 Aug, 2.00 pm in the work of Finland’s maestro of compassion without sentimentality.” A EMB Sun 6 Aug, 6.15 pm droll melancholy, the perfume that — David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter A PH Fri 11 Aug, 6.15 pm lingers longest is empathy… A PH Sun 13 Aug, 5.45 pm 14

John Stezaker Lost World

City Gallery Wellington 26 August – 19 November 2017 Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu 24 March – 22 July 2018

Part of Principal Funder

image John Stezaker Mask (Film Portrait Collage) CCVII 2016. Courtesy The Approach, London. CLASSIC CINEMA 15

Belle de Jour

John Stezaker The unchallenged classic of elegant kink, wrought by the cinema’s great surrealist Luis Buñuel on the Director: Luis Buñuel cool beauty of Catherine Deneuve, France/Italy 1967 | 100 mins Lost World returns, direct from its 50th-birthday Producers: Robert Hakim, Raymond Hakim Screenplay: Luis Buñuel, Jean-Claude Carrière. celebrations in Cannes in a stunning Based on the novel by Joseph Kessel new 4K restoration. Photography: Sacha Vierney City Gallery Wellington Editor: Louisette Hautecoeur “Catherine Deneuve is married to the With: Catherine Deneuve, Jean Sorel, Michel Piccoli, handsomest, wealthiest young doctor Geneviève Page, Francisco Rabal, Pierre Clémenti, 26 August – 19 November 2017 Françoise Fabian, Maria Latour, Francis Blanche, in the land, but she can’t bear to have Georges Marchal, François Maistre, Macha Méril, Christchurch Art Gallery him touch her – instead, she spends her Muni Festivals: Cannes (Classics), Sydney 2017 Te Puna o Waiwhetu afternoons in a discreet Paris brothel, In French with English subtitles brusquely handled by gangsters, R18 cert 24 March – 22 July 2018 kinksters, and one Kalmyk with a magic PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH box. Between workdays she dreams of even more humiliating encounters, starring her husband and different kinds of knots. The endless appeal of Belle de Jour, I won’t be the first to say, is its insistence on the fantasy and the reality; one doesn’t replace or resolve power of the film resides more in the the other, just as cobbling together an mesmeric audacity of Buñuel’s method. “It’s whatever you want origin story to explain our most singular The productive friction – be it between it to be, and one of the obsessions cannot exorcise them. As the salacious material and the ‘chaste’ Buñuel knew, a shoe is a shoe is a shoe formality of how it’s observed; the ersatz very few great films.” Part of Principal Funder – unless it’s so much more.” — Elina ‘elegance’ of the salon and the perverse — David Thomson, Have You Seen? Mishuris, The L Magazine etiquettes of the Yves Saint Laurent- “If, for us jaded children and clothed, cigarette-chewing prostitutes grandchildren of the 60s, 40 years and their clients; or the hallucinatory A PAR Sun 30 Jul, 3.30 pm image John Stezaker Mask (Film Portrait Collage) CCVII 2016. Courtesy The Approach, London. of bombardment by explicit sexual melding of fantasy and reality – still A RX Thu 3 Aug, 8.15 pm imagery has made that [original] impact generates heat like a nuclear reactor.” B PAR Mon 7 Aug, 11.30 am unrecoverable, the undiminished — Wally Hammond, Time Out

Stalker

The mysteries and revelations of Director: Andrei Tarkovsky Andrei Tarkovsky’s science fiction USSR 1979 | 161 mins masterpiece are returned to the giant Screenplay: Arkady Strugatsky, Boris Strugatsky. Based on their novel Roadside Picnic screen in Mosfilm’s splendid new Photography: Aleksandr Knyazhinsky digital restoration. Editor: Ludmila Feyginova Music: Eduard Artemyev “With its emphasis on landscape, With: Aleksandr Kaidanovsky, Anatoly Solonitsyn, texture and atmosphere, this Nikolay Grinko, Alisa Freindlikh, Natasha Abramova Festivals: Venice 2016 brooding, dystopian science fiction… In Russian with English subtitles is as much environment as movie.” Colour and B&W | G cert — J. Hoberman, Village Voice “Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1979 PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH masterpiece, like his earlier Solaris, is a free and allegorical adaptation of a sci-fi novel, Arkady and Boris Strugatsky’s Roadside Picnic. After a meteorite hits the earth, the region where it’s fallen is believed to grant the wishes of those who enter and, sealed off by the authorities, can be penetrated only illegally and with special guides. One of them (Aleksandr Kaidanovsky), the “A dense, complex, often- stalker of the title, leads a writer and a contradictory, and endlessly pliable “Tarkovsky is the greatest professor through the grimiest industrial allegory about human consciousness, of them all. He moves wasteland you’ve ever seen. What they the necessity for faith in an increasingly find is pretty harsh and has none of secular, rational world… ‘The world with such naturalness the usual satisfactions of sci-fi quests, is ruled by cast-iron laws, and it’s in the room of dreams. but Tarkovsky regards their journey insufferably boring,’ says the writer He doesn’t explain. as a contemporary spiritual quest. His during his introductory scene, but mise en scène is mesmerizing, and the Stalker, exuding a sense of the What should he explain A✪ SCTRX SuSatnday 29 Jul, 24 2.45July, 1.30pm pm final scene is breathtaking. Not an easy unknown and intangible, refutes anyhow?” — Ingmar Bergman SPECIALB ED PRICESWe APPLYd 2 Aug, 3.30 pm film, but almost certainly a great one.” this assertion at nearly every turn.” SeeA EM p4B Sat 5 Aug, 3.30 pm — Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader — Nick Schager, Slant 16

100 Men AOTEAROA

Paul Oremland Director: Paul Oremland New Zealand 2017 94 mins Producer: Vincent Burke Photography: Owen Scurfield, Guy Quartermain, Fred Burns Editor: Stuart Boone Music: Karl Steven With: James, Mr Raglan, Chris the journalist, Richard the sailor Censors rating tbc

100 Men fast-tracks through 40 life. Their on/off-again romance gets years of gay history via a countdown major screen time, with Paul unpicking of filmmaker Paul Oremland’s most their decision to eschew monogamy for memorable shags. The significance an open relationship. The polyamorous of the 100 men varies, but all have life is a major talking point of the film. lingered in Paul’s mind for some small In the days before gay marriage seemed or, ahem, big reason. Most of the men even remotely possible, the rejection of feature only as a descriptive nickname; monogamy was a defining feature of some appear on camera. Although the gay culture, and the film explores the film does ask whether gay men are too effects it had on men’s lives. fixated on sex, Paul is more interested This thoughtful film looks forward in these men’s lives, emphasising the as much as it does back, leaving us to collective experience of the isolation of ponder the intricacies of gay identity growing up gay. today. — Chris Tse Paul recounts how a religious upbringing in New Zealand fuelled A TP Wed 9 Aug, 8.30 pm an inner struggle and how his first B NT Thu 10 Aug, 1.30 pm heartbreak led to a move to the UK. It’s there that he met John, the love of his

NEW ZEALAND FILMS AT NZIFF ARE PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY Bill Direen: A Memory of Others

Simon Ogston

Foraging Director/Producer/Editor: Simon Ogston New Zealand 2017 87 mins Photography: Jeff Smith, NZIFF is proud to provide big screen premieres Simon Ogston Music: Bill Direen With: Bill Direen, The Bilders, for striking work made within our own shores. Nick Bollinger, Steven Cogle, Marie Direen, David Eggleton, We are honoured in 2017 to host the first Ferocious, Hamish Kilgour screenings of Waru, an extraordinary and powerful Simon Ogston, director of invaluable his written work. His stops include collaboration by eight Ma¯ori women filmmakers. documentaries about Philip Dadson homages to Janet Frame in Oamaru, and the Skeptics, has crafted a lively James K. Baxter in Jerusalem and NZIFF also provides the first Wellington screenings portrait of Bill Direen, one of New Michael Joseph Savage in Auckland. of Toa Fraser’s 6 Days, fresh from its UK World Zealand’s truly maverick voices. For over It’s a thoroughly engaging and 40 years, that voice has encompassed pleasurably cinematic trip through our Premiere, and Nic Gorman’s Human Traces, direct poetry, rock music, theatre and long- geographical and cultural landscape, from its NZIFF World Premiere much closer to form prose. A road movie following threaded with interviews and his first national tour in more than a material from Direen’s rich archive. home, in Christchurch. decade, A Memory of Others follows As stimulating as the man it profiles, Direen from Dunedin, to Christchurch, A Memory of Others is an in-depth Documentary filmmakers have brought us a record to Wellington, to Auckland. In each exploration of his music and writing, number of films about New Zealanders this year city he reunites with old bandmates providing a glimpse of our social history or works with new collaborators to and current milieu through his eyes. – and our two regular short film programmes produce a succession of strikingly shine as bright as ever. different performances. A TP Sat 12 Aug, 5.30 pm En route, Direen visits key locations A ED Sun 13 Aug, 3.30 pm from his past, telling stories and giving spoken-word performances of AOTEAROA 17

6 Days

Appearing the same year as his sports Kate Adie* doco The Free Man (see below), this latest thriller from New Zealand’s most Director: Toa Fraser versatile filmmaker, Toa Fraser, rounds New Zealand/UK 2017 | 95 mins Producer: Matthew Metcalfe out his status as a serious action Screenplay: Glenn Standring director. Compellingly shaped by Glenn Photography: Aaron Morton Standring’s excellent script, 6 Days tells Editor: Dan Kircher Music: Lachlan Anderson the true story of what happened when With: Jamie Bell, Abbie Cornish, Mark Strong, six heavily armed gunmen invaded the Martin Shaw, Emun Elliot, Ben Turner, Aymen Hamdouchi, Tim Pigott-Smith, Iranian embassy in London in April Robert Portal, Colin Garlick, Andrew Grainger, 1980. With 26 people held hostage, Martin Hancock RP13 violence & offensive language the ordeal lasted for six nail-biting days as police, politicians and military wrestled over the best way to neutralise the threat. Policeman Max Vernon (a soulful Mark Strong) tries to reason with the terrorists through trust and negotiation, while Rusty Firmin (Jamie Bell) and a crack troop of SAS operatives prepare to handle the situation by these contrasting perspectives evenly, more aggressive means. As pressure Fraser etches out a refreshingly “There’s a very real to resolve the issue mounts, Fraser ambivalent position for the audience moral struggle… I don’t tautly builds toward the inevitable, the to observe from. film climaxing with a white-knuckle Especially in a year when the really think of the movie recreation of one of the most methods of our own special forces have in terms of heroes and audacious special forces raids in history. been put under scrutiny, Fraser’s film villains.” — Toa Fraser Amidst the action is BBC reporter comes as a timely examination of the Kate Adie (Abbie Cornish), the British moral fallout that comes with using A EMB Tue 8 Aug, 8.30 pm* journalist whose arresting live coverage force. — JF B PAR Wed 9 Aug, 1.15 pm* of the event broke new ground for A LHP Sat 12 Aug, 8.15 pm television news reporting. In balancing

The Free Man Free Theatre

Director: Toa Fraser Shirley Horrocks New Zealand 2017 84 mins Director/Producer/ Producer/Screenplay: Screenplay: Matthew Metcalfe Shirley Horrocks Photography: Andrew Stroud Editors: Chris Plummer, New Zealand 2017 Cushla Dillon, Bryn Evans 76 mins Music: Sean Donnelly Photography: Craig Wright With: Jossi Wells, The Flying Editor: Steven Mountjoy Frenchies Research: Roger Horrocks, Shirley Horrocks Music: Jonathan Besser, Emma Johnston Narrator: Jennifer Ward-Lealand

After his adrenalised te reo chase footage from the Flying Frenchies Founded by Peter Falkenberg in 1979, Filmmaker Shirley Horrocks, who thriller The Dead Lands, New Zealand back-catalogue: human catapulting, Christchurch’s Free Theatre has began shooting seven years ago when director Toa Fraser brings audiences a base-jumping from moving vehicles, provided a remarkably persistent she first encountered Free Theatre’s riveting examination of adrenaline itself and in one thrilling sequence, a slack- alternative to the city’s more vaunted touring production Distraction Camp, with his new sports documentary, The rope walk sans harness. Like a Red Bull legacy of traditional theatre. Favouring is especially attentive to the shift in Free Man. At once a white-knuckle sports movie by way of Werner Herzog, the event-based over the text-based, focus and a less combative – though no adventure film and ruminating spiritual Fraser’s film laces the action with Falkenberg has steeped a succession of less satiric – imaginative engagement inquiry, Fraser’s doco follows Kiwi rich existential contemplation: for his actors, writers and theatre technicians with community activation since the world-champion freestyle skier Jossi daredevil heroes, toying with the void is in the practice of an avant-garde earthquakes. Wells as he travels and trains with The not just recreation but a philosophical theatre that has strong roots in his At 37, Free Theatre has proven as Flying Frenchies, a troupe of extreme- position. Not since Man on Wire has native Germany, while being constantly definitive and resilient a Christchurch sport eccentrics who specialise in an the psyche of the adrenaline-junkie responsive to political and social change. institution as the one Falkenberg set array of breathtaking vertiginous stunts. been plumbed so grippingly. — JF Free Theatre has often courted out to oppose, and richly deserving of With no experience whatsoever, controversy and the film is studded Horrocks’ documentary salute. Wells learns to cross a rope suspended with remembered provocations: between two trees and works his way A ED Sun 6 Aug, 8.00 pm audiences at a production of 1984 A TP Sun 13 Aug, 4.00 pm up to traversing the perilous peaks of A LHP Wed 9 Aug, 8.45 pm were separated from their friends and the French Alps. Supplying the rest of B ED Fri 11 Aug, 4.30 pm even forcibly evicted by costumed the thrills is a surfeit of heart-stopping A ED Sat 12 Aug, 8.30 pm security guards. 18 AOTEAROA

Kobi

In a modest workshop in a beautiful Andrea Bosshard Central Otago landscape, Swiss Shane Loader goldsmith Kobi Bosshard, approaching Directors/Producers/Photography: 80 and widely regarded as the Andrea Bosshard, Shane Loader New Zealand 2017 | 103 mins grandfather of contemporary New Editor: Shane Loader Zealand jewellery, continues to produce Music: Plan 9 works of classic simplicity and elegance. With: Kobi Bosshard, Patricia Bosshard-Browne, Trixie Woodill, Peter McKay Daughter Andrea Bosshard’s lucid In English and German, with English subtitles and loving film portrait of her father – and of her mother, Patricia, too – is one of the year’s loveliest films, a lyrical evocation of rich, unhurried life. Kobi moved to New Zealand in the early 60s, with goldsmithing in his blood. The ethos of the hippie era may have enabled his choice of profession, but there’s no mistaking the work ethic or quiet single-mindedness underlying his subsequent life of creativity. Super 8 home movies brim with flowers and sunny days and evince an An abundance of jewellery is idyllic view of a fresh landscape and a alluringly displayed for the camera. “The work we do comes out young family in the New World. Plentiful The beauty of a lifetime’s work is of the life we live, archival footage reminds us of the days proclaimed by a succession of true when TV broadcasters covered the arts, experts: women and a few men who so we have to have a while readings from family letters take speak eloquently about the pieces by life to start with.” us into the heart of the family. This Kobi they have worn and treasured. — Kobi Bosshard may be a very personal history, but it’s It seems unlikely that Bosshard set out perfectly pitched for an audience of to recruit new customers for her father, A PAR Sat 29 Jul, 1.15 pm strangers: the filmmaker inscribes her but be warned, you may leave this B PH Mon 31 Jul, 1.30 pm own presence in the inspiring story of gentle tribute to the simple life with B TP Fri 4 Aug, 1.15 pm A LHP Sat 5 Aug, 3.15 pm her parents’RL-NZIFF2017-197.5mmWx135mmH-WELLINGTON.pdf lives with unusual grace. a hankering 1 20/06/2017to shop. 11:23:37 a.m. AOTEAROA 19

Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web

Kim Dotcom has become such a Annie Goldson* familiar part of New Zealand’s media and cultural furniture that it is easy to Director: Annie Goldson forget the jaw-dropping astonishment New Zealand 2017 | 112 mins Producer: Alexander Behse of the dawn raid on 20 January 2012, Photography: Dominic Fryer, Adam Ruszkowski, when 76 officers swarmed upon the Simon Raby, Marcus Winterbauer, Laela Kilbourn German internet mogul’s mansion Editor: Simon Coldrick Music: David Donaldson, Steve Roche, north of Auckland, bounding from Janet Roddick helicopters, armed to the teeth. With: Kim Dotcom, Mona Dotcom, Glenn Greenwald, Lawrence Lessig, Gabriella Coleman, In the definitive filmed account Jimmy Wales, Jonathan Taplin, Greg Sandoval, of the saga to date, Annie Goldson Sean Gallagher, Mike Masnick, Moby Festivals: SXSW, Hot Docs 2017 (Brother Number One) delivers a jolting reminder of the legal, political and Toby Manhire will host Q&A’s with personal upheavals ignited by the US Annie Goldson at both ASB Waterfront government’s attempt to extradite Theatre screenings. Dotcom and colleagues for copyright- related offences. It begins with the formative years: convicted hacker turns security consultant turns file-sharing entrepreneur. The flamboyant career NIGEL MARPLE trajectory ultimately attracts the founder Jimmy Wales, musician Moby attention of Hollywood bosses bent and Dotcom himself. “Whether you think he’s not just upon disabling Megaupload, a ‘This whole thing is like a a hero or a heel, you’re website awash with pirated content, but Hollywood movie,’ says Dotcom. But in sending a resounding message to those documenting the drama – court tussles, bound to leave the film who might seek to emulate his business, scraps with John Key, the Internet with your preconceptions wherever in the world they reside. Party, the ‘Moment of Truth’ – Goldson shattered.” A freshly compelling chronicle of resists any temptation to extol or the Dotcom years, Caught in the Web excoriate, while underscoring, beyond —David Fear, Rolling Stone A PAR Wed 9 Aug, 6.15 pm* corrals a range of voices, among them the political circus and braggadocio, B PAR Thu 10 Aug, 1.15 pm* Motion Picture Association of America just how pivotal this case is in the A LHP Sat 12 Aug, 2.15 pm counsel Steve Fabrizio, Wikipedia internet age. — Toby Manhire

Human Traces

After imbuing horror tropes with Nic Gorman genuine feeling in his award-winning zombie short Here Be Monsters, Kiwi Director/Screenplay: Nic Gorman writer-director Nic Gorman brings New Zealand 2017 | 87 mins Producer: Nadia Maxwell a grounded human touch to his Photography: John Chrisstoffels feature debut. A knotty psychological Editor: Richard Shaw thriller set on an isolated subantarctic Music: Stephen Gallagher With: Sophie Henderson, Mark Mitchinson, island, Human Traces deftly pairs taut Vinnie Bennett, Sara Wiseman, Peter Daubè, suspense with slippery character study, Milo Cawthorne CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc refusing to let any of its players fall into simplistic archetypes. The drama takes place 750 kms south of New Zealand, where husband-and- wife scientist team Sarah (Sophie Henderson) and Glenn (Mark Mitchinson) have been posted to monitor the ecosystem of a remote island. When a mysterious stranger (Vinnie Bennett) arrives, paranoia and deception begin to disrupt the order. Splitting his film into three chapters, each told from a Bennett who shines most, lending his different character’s perspective, Gorman mysterious homme fatale a disarming “Human Traces tells a delights in disorienting his audience. naturalism. complex story on a big Each new act is designed to reassemble Beyond expertly deploying spilled the last: no sooner have you sided secrets, climactic confrontations and canvas… [It’s] about with one character than you find your washed-up corpses for dramatic humans and how they are allegiance complicated by the next effect, it’s Gorman’s understanding shaped by forces they can point of view. The tension builds from of the humanity within beneath the a trio of stellar performances, with each genre beats that grounds the film. be entirely oblivious to…” A EMB Thu 10 Aug, 8.30 pm allowed equal time to thicken; national This gripping examination of human — Nic Gorman A RX Fri 11 Aug, 8.15 pm treasures Henderson and Mitchinson behaviour reminds us that everyone is do impressive work, but it’s newcomer only the hero of their own story. — JF 20 AOTEAROA

No Ordinary Sheila

If you haven’t already heard of Sheila Hugh Macdonald Natusch, prepare to be inspired. The Christine Dann life story of this nonagenarian natural Director: Hugh Macdonald historian, illustrator and writer is a New Zealand 2017 | 98 mins Producer/Screenplay: Christine Dann beautiful, truly Antipodean journey, Photography: Richard Mekalick, Hugh Macdonald, made with love by her nephew and Graeme Moffatt, Dave McCarlie, Ivars Berzins, Tim Butters, Dave Asher, Ben Gustavson, long-time Kiwi filmmaker, Hugh Mary Khanna, Steve Pearce, Vanessa Carruthers, Macdonald (This is New Zealand). Kate Le Comte Born in 1926 on Rakiura (Stewart Editor: Abi King-Jones Narrator: Phil Darkins Island) to the Traill family, Sheila’s early With: Sheila Natusch, Kim Hill, Susan Hamel, childhood memories include a near- Dinah Priestley, Shaun Barnett, Ken Scadden, Andy Dennis, Euan Macdonald, Mark Gee, drowning at the hands of schoolmates Maraea Kiel, Gary Kiel – this and other life misfortunes she shrugs off casually. Growing up in the deep south led to an adventurous resilience which saw her climb multiple mountains, cycle from Picton to Bluff and write dozens of groundbreaking natural history books, including her magnum opus, Animals of New Zealand. stints at the National Library and Featuring beautiful historic footage Correspondence School. “You just get on with it. You of the lower south in the 30s and 40s, Viewers will love this radiant, defiant can’t go under. There are this film offers fascinating glimpses into and unconventional life story which life as one of few female students at ranges from the southern wilds to the such people, but I Otago University, and covers Sheila’s rugged Wellington coastline, where am not one of them.” friendship with Janet Frame and their Sheila still lived until very recently, — Sheila Natusch subsequent and unsuccessful foray without car, TV, lipstick or alcohol, into teaching. Moving to Wellington planning to “get the last bit of fun out A TP Thu 3 Aug, 6.15 pm in the 50s saw Sheila and husband of life that there is.” — Jo Randerson B PAR Tue 8 Aug, 1.00 pm Gilbert Natusch take up residence in A LHP Wed 9 Aug, 6.15 pm Owhiro Bay, while she had professional

The Inland Road Michael Smither: Light Through the Trees

Jackie van Beek Tony Hiles Director/Screenplay: Jackie van Beek New Zealand 2017 Director/Producer/ 80 mins Photography: Tony Hiles Producer: Aaron Watson New Zealand 2017 Photography: Giovanni C. Lorusso 41 minutes Editors: Luca Cappelli, Tom Eagles Editor: Daria Malesic With: Gloria Popata, David Elliot, With: Michael Smither Chelsie Preston Crayford, Blu-ray Georgia Spillane, Jodie Hillock Festivals: Berlin 2017 CinemaScope | M drug use & offensive language

New Zealand audiences will probably situation, is played with subtle depth The eighth episode in NZIFF’s long- two more for every one harmed. And know writer/director Jackie van Beek by newcomer Gloria Popata, alongside running serial, Tony Hiles’ planned to paint the trees in a way he has never as Pauline from Funny Girls, rather local farmer Will (David Elliot), his ten-part series about his friend the tried before, specifically to capture the than as an internationally award- pregnant wife Donna (Chelsie Preston painter Michael Smither is the simplest way the winter light off the sea flickers winning short filmmaker. Van Beek’s Crayford) and their six-year-old niece to date. The film that brought the two and shines through the foliage. Hiles writing has a more poetic and serious Lily (Georgia Spillane). together, One Man and the Sea (1963), follows as the work takes shape and bent, and in her first feature she turns The dramaturgy resists conventional was about coastal erosion around the artist tells us what he’s up to. We her attention to home and family, narrative choices to reach gentler yet New Plymouth and ways to combat it, watch as he notes down sketches from focussing on mothering, daughters, resonant conclusions. It’s particularly using the sea itself, and driftwood. The a bank above the trees until he hits on and the after-effects of romantic enjoyable to see female characters experiments worked and reinforced a striking configuration of tree limbs, and sexual encounters. show such sensitivity, complexity and Smither’s commitment to maintaining leaves and light. Then he translates The cinematography by Giovanni empathy. An anticipated and enjoyable coastal pōhutukawa (and adding to his drawing exactly into a large oil C. Lorusso boasts the rugged farm debut feature. — Jo Randerson them) to help manage erosion. It is not painting, magnificently realised in richly landscapes of Central Otago, strikingly only climate change that is challenging textured black and white. captured in natural light. These our coastline; so are those who want spacious landscapes contrast with A PAR Tue 1 Aug, 6.15 pm the best view in town and have no C CG Wed 2 Aug, 12.15 pm hand-held close-ups of the superb B PAR Wed 2 Aug, 11.00 am compunction about poisoning a C CG Wed 2 Aug, 1.30 pm naturalistic performances. Teenage centuries-old tree in their line of sight. Tia, on the run from a disrupted family Michael’s silent protest is to plant AOTEAROA 21

Not Just Another Mountain One Island of Good

Tim McInnes Director: Chris Davis Director: Tim McInnes New Zealand 2017 New Zealand 2017 31 mins 85 mins Photography: Davian Lorson Producers: Tim McInnes, Supervisor: Annie Goldson Harley Williams Editorial support: Ngahuia Wade Executive producer: In English and Māori, Josie Ogden Schroeder with English subtitles Photography: Tim McInnes, Jason Hunt Editor: Harley Williams Censors rating tbc

Now 20 years after its lone pine was an astute and charming portrait of this It is widely acknowledged that young providers and effectively funds the kids attacked and eventually cut down, most iconic Auckland landmark. people who have rarely been shown at a substantially lower rate than kids in the ownership of One Tree Hill/ Preceded by Cartography of generosity are unlikely to grow mainstream schools. Maungakiekie has been returned the Unknown (NZ 2017. Director: into adults who can exhibit it. This In Nepal, her small staff own up to to Māori and the summit has been Orlando Stewart. 12 mins) which documentary made by and about the the strain. They struggle to temper replanted with native trees, one of introduces us to Andrew Blythe, a YMCA Christchurch puts that principle the wild reflexes of charges described which will hopefully become its new self-taught artist who lives and works to the test as 22 young people (aged as “part five-year old, part MI5,” yet namesake. Exploring the significance in Grey Lynn. A turbulent youth saw 13-16) who have been expelled from find the wherewithal to rouse the that the mountain holds to Aucklanders Blythe in and out of hospital and living mainstream schools for bullying, selling better instincts the trip was designed – and the nation as a whole – Not rough on the Auckland streets where weed and other misdemeanours, are to nurture. There are no feel-good Just Another Mountain looks back he would create dense artworks, which accompanied by YMCA staff and turnarounds in this impressively frank over this period through the eyes of are paradoxically controlled yet chaotic. volunteers on a trip to Nepal. film: hope endures in glimmerings of park-goers and those who work in the Now his life is more settled but his art YMCA Christchurch CE, Josie success. The call to action is clear. park. Director Chris Davis surveys the remains dynamic and alive. Ogden Schroeder, makes it clear from differing views of the importance of the get-go that the ultimate denier the park, be it as an area of recreation, C CG Tue 8 Aug, 1.30 pm of generosity to at-risk youth in New B NT Fri 11 Aug, 2.00 pm a place of civic pride or as a contested C CG Fri 11 Aug, 12.15 pm Zealand is the government’s Alternative A NT Fri 11 Aug, 6.15 pm site of great historical and spiritual Education scheme. This heavily relies importance to local iwi, making his film on philanthropy, limits the powers of

What Lies That Way Where There Is Life

Paul Wolffram Gwen Isaac Director/Producer: Director/Producer: Paul Wolffram Gwen Isaac New Zealand/ New Zealand 2017 Papua New Guinea 80 mins 2017 | 89 mins Editor: John Silvester Co-producer: Catherine Fitzgerald Additional photography: Aline Tran, Photography: Luke Frater Tom Ackroyd, Jonathan King, Editors: Paul Wolffram, Quade Biddle, John Silvester Annie Collins Sound: Melanie Graham With: Paul Wolffram, Elson Toaniti, Music: David Long Christian Dokon Tobung With: Margaret Lee, Stephen Lee, In Tok Pisin and Lak, with English Imogen Lee subtitles

In a documentary exploration of altered alone in the bush. Few undergo the The task of caring for his terminally at the time of diagnosis. Observing states, ethnographer and filmmaker initiation nowadays and there’s only ill wife Margaret falls squarely on the the child’s self-preserving separation Paul Wolffram returns to the remote one old sorcerer in the region with the broad shoulders of Stephen Lee. He from the relentless tragedy unfolding community in the island region above experience and confidence to assist. would not have it any other way. Gwen at the other end of the house, Isaac’s the mainland of Papua New Guinea “You won’t die,” he tells Wolffram, Isaac’s observational documentary film is often startling in its candour. where he once lived for two years – “but you will lose all strength.” was shot over the four years following Where There Is Life also measures the and where his hosts collaborated on his Moving beyond ethnography, Margaret’s diagnosis with motor sustenance Margaret receives from playful exploration of their ancestors’ Wolffram orchestrates Luke Frater’s neuron disease. We watch as the focus her ardent Christian faith. Stephen tales in Stori Tumbuna (2011). Now stunning cinematography of rainforest of the small family shifts from raising a characterises his devotion as nothing his ambition is to take his cultural and sea to an immersive sound design young daughter to providing palliative more than the fulfilment of his understanding to a spiritual level: he is by Bernard Blackburn in order to impart care to the wife and mother. It’s a marriage vows. It is a view this film determined to undergo the dangerous his singular experience of psychic bitter, losing battle in which Margaret honours with total respect. initiation process into their Buai danger and creative epiphany. fiercely asserts the identity her failing shaman cult. body denies her, while her caregivers In a remote area of the forest, the increasingly endure the injustice of camera runs as the filmmaker is given A TP Tue 1 Aug, 7.45 pm being perceived by their patient as the A NT Sat 5 Aug, 2.00 pm magical substances harvested from B NT Tue 8 Aug, 3.45 pm disease’s enablers. A NT Tue 8 Aug, 6.15 pm nature and left to fast without food Stephen also has to earn a living A LHP Sun 13 Aug, 1.15 pm or water for four days and nights, and take care of Imogen, aged ten 22 AOTEAROA

BEETHOVEN: Swagger of Thieves THE PIANO & Head Like a Hole stormed across the Julian Boshier VIOLIN SONATAS national consciousness in a blizzard of outrage, stunts and gigs in the early Director/Producer/Photography: 90s. Any band as thunderously loud Julian Boshier New Zealand 2017 | 110 mins and theatrically confrontational as Editor: Eddie Larsen HLAH, with such a history of implosion, Music: Head Like a Hole tragedy and resurrection, is going to With: Nigel ‘Booga’ Beazley, Nigel Regan, Andrew Durno, Mark Hamill, Tom Watson, have a story worth telling. Mike Franklin-Browne, Andrew Ashton, Swagger of Thieves director Julian Tamzin Beazley Colour and B&W | Censors rating tbc Boshier has worked for a decade on this film. Sometime during that marathon of bloody-minded perseverance, he has earned the trust and respect of Nigel ‘Booga’ Beazley and Nigel Regan, the ever-collapsing binary stars who are the guts of any HLAH line up. Boshier finds the two men staring down the age with belligerence, vulnerability, shamelessness and honesty. There is no legacy polishing here, and no one’s feelings are spared. Alongside the brace of Nigels we Swagger of Thieves is a heartfelt, meet Tamzin Beazley, in many ways the hilarious and heartbreaking trip into “An artful tale of hard camera-shy hero of the story, holding the reality of the hardest-charging times. A bit brutal, but together a family in the face of Booga’s band of a generation. Whether you occasional flailing darkness. Ex- and come as a fan of the music, as a fan very truthful.” present band members emerge in of solid filmmaking, or as a bystander — Tamzin Beazley, Off The Tracks various iterations – some wounded and wondering what all the noise is about, disgruntled, others with their gruntle you’ll be seeing one of the most still fully intact. Studded through the intelligently assembled and truthfully A EMB Wed 9 Aug, 9.15 pm film are performances by the band in told documentaries New Zealand has A LHP Thu 10 Aug, 8.00 pm all their cock-wobbling, floor pounding, ever produced. — Graeme Tuckett propulsive and preposterous glory.

TEAM TIBET: Home away from Home

presents Robin Greenberg Director/Producer: Robin Greenberg New Zealand 2017 TAKÁCS 160 mins Photography: Waka Attewell, Costa Botes, John Chrisstoffels, QUARTET Ruth Korver, Chris Li, the Tibetan Audio Visual Section Editor: Peter Metcalf ONE NIGHT ONLY! With: Thuten Kesang, Tenzin Atisha, the Dalai Lama FRIDAY 4 AUG, 7.30pm In English and Tibetan, with English subtitles chambermusic.co.nz/takacsquartet Filmed over a period of 22 years by recounting his own personal history Wellington filmmaker Robin Greenberg or outlining the environmental and (Huloo, The Free China Junk), TEAM political implications of China’s TIBET provides a thorough and inspiring occupation of its ‘Western Treasure MICHAEL account of Tibetan culture in exile House’. A vital point of contact for the through the experience and advocacy international exile community, as the HOUSTOUN of the delightful Thuten Kesang, Dalai Lama himself is happy to testify, New Zealand’s first Tibetan refugee. he’s been a tireless advocate too for & BELLA Having run away from the monastery multicultural visibility in Auckland. as a child, he was sent by his father to Greenberg summons up a multitude HR ISTOVA school in India in 1954, where he was of admirers, leaving us in no doubt raised by Scottish Presbyterians. Unable at all that her film is a labour of love, BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL: to return to Tibet after his parents richly deserved. THE PIANO & VIOLIN SONATAS were arrested in the wake of the 1959 uprising, he’s been a fully committed WELLINGTON LUNCHTIME SERIES Kiwi since 1967, without ever losing his A TP Sat 12 Aug, 1.30 pm 5 CONCERTS: 28 AUG – 1 SEP defining Tibetan identity. Core Funder Charismatic and funny, he’s a chambermusic.co.nz/michaelandbella marvellous storyteller, whether AOTEAROA 23

Spookers

Zombie brides, baby-killing banshees Florian Habicht* and psycho-killer clowns are all family in director Florian Habicht’s fanciful Director: Florian Habicht and funny documentary portrait of New Zealand/Australia 2017 | 83 mins Producers: Nick Batzias, Lani-rain Feltham, Spookers, the popular theme park Suzanne Walker, Virginia Whitwell occupying the former Kingseat Screenplay: Florian Habicht, Peter O’Donoghue, Psychiatric Hospital. Ex-sheep farmers Veronica Gleeson Photography: Grant Adams, Jon Baxter, Beth and Andy Watson along with Florian Habicht daughter Julia are the down-to-earth Editor: Peter O’Donoghue Music: Marc Chesterman proprietors of the sprawling four- With: Beth Watson, Andy Watson, Julia Watson, location destination where multifarious Huia Apiata, Juneen Borkent, Jake Graham, Cameron Judson, Cameron Wetzel, fiends lie in wait to scare the bejeezus Lomaks Tangihaere, Claudia Aiono, David Palu out of tens of thousands of screaming Festivals: Hot Docs, Sydney 2017 M adult themes customers every year. spookers.com In Habicht’s enchanted view, the Watsons run a family business in more senses than one. The actors he interviews have never had as much entertainment in their lives as creating havoc as Spookers, nor found such camaraderie or reinforcement as in the nation’s mental health than it ever letting their demonic fantasies run riot. was before. “Revealing, funny and Bringing in his own art department and “What are haunted houses if not a sometimes deeply some cute lo-fi fx, Habicht cements safe place to be scared? Spookers is a the effect, casting their horror-show celebration of strangeness rather than moving.” — Sydney Film Festival personae in florid dream scenarios. a mockery of it, and it is Deborah [a Former patients worry that Spookers former patient at the hospital] who promotes the unhelpful notion that succinctly encapsulates its communal psychiatric illness is a terrifying thing, power by observing, ‘If there are so A EMB Thu 3 Aug, 8.45 pm* but there seems little doubt for Habicht many lonely people in the world, they A RX Sat 12 Aug, 9.00 pm or the current inhabitants: Kingseat just have to meet each other.’” — Matt under the Watsons’ watch is better for Fagerholm, RogerEbert.com

Waru

A sisterhood of Māori female directors Guests bravely share their insights into the complexity of child abuse, in a sequence Directors: Briar Grace-Smith, of eight short films that seamlessly Casey Kaa, Ainsley Gardiner, Katie Wolfe, Chelsea Cohen, become one. At the centre of their Renae Maihi, Paula Jones, stories is Waru, a boy killed at the Awanui Simich-Pene hands of a caregiver. His tangi, set on New Zealand 2017 | 88 mins a small rural marae, is the centrepiece Producers: Kerry Warkia, Kiel McNaughton of the film, but there is an underlying Screenplay: Briar Grace-Smith, Casey Kaa, Ainsley Gardiner, Katie Wolfe, disturbance of heavy themes touching Chelsea Cohen, Renae Maihi, Paula Jones, on culture, custom and shame. Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu Photography: Drew Sturge We see a single death through With: Tanea Heke, Roimata Fox, Ngapaki Moetara, the differing lenses of the extended Awhina-Rose Ashby, Maria Walker, Kararaina Rangihau, Acacia Hapi, family, community, and in one sharp Antonio Te Maioha, Miriama McDowell, sequence, national media too. Waru Amber Curreen, Merehake Maaka In English and Māori, with English subtitles weaves multiple reactions and offers Censors rating tbc a glimpse into the events that ensue upon the killing of a child and the conflict created among loved ones. As Waru’s grandmothers, Kararaina Rangihau and Merehake Maaka deliver powerful in challenging roles, which electrifying performances, demonstrating left me questioning if I would have the “When a child is killed their skill in the art of karanga. As same courage to intervene. every five weeks there their wailing and laments call on their The subject could hardly be heavier, ancestors to safely take their mokopuna, but this is a hugely important film. is no other way to tackle a challenge for his body unfolds. Unless we are willing to be tested, abuse other than Māori humour isn’t absent, and we have no chance of reducing our confronting it, head on.” neither are the subtexts within the shameful child abuse rate here in banter, leaving me to wonder if our Aotearoa. It’s a film everyone in the — Mihingarangi Forbes A PAR Sat 12 Aug, 6.30 pm ability to laugh in times of sorrow is family should see and talk about. a cloak to mask our pain. Antonio Te — Mihingarangi Forbes, Māori Issues Maioha and Miriama McDowell are Correspondent, RNZ/The Hui 24

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Congratulations to all participants of the Roxy5 Short Film Competition 2017 View the winning films online at capitale.org.nz or roxy5.nz AOTEAROA 25

MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT New Zealand’s Best 2017 JURY PRIZE 75 mins approx. | Censors rating tbc

Help give the year’s best New Do No Harm Thicket Waiting Zealand short films the homegrown NZ 2017 | Director/Screenplay: Roseanne Liang NZ 2017 | Director/Screenplay: Julian Vares NZ 2016 | Director: Amberley Jo Aumua recognition they deserve by voting for Producer: Hamish Mortland | Photography: Andrew Producer: Craig Gainsborough | Photography: Eoin Screenplay: Samuel Kamu | Photography: Greer your favourite at this screening. For McGeorge | Editor: Tom Eagles | With: Marsha Yuan, O’Liddigh | Editor: Richard Lord | With: Tim Hamilton, Lindsay | Editor: Huhana Ruri-Panapa Jacob Tomuri | Festivals: Sundance 2017 | 12 mins Peter Tait, Albertine Jonas | 16 mins With: Desmond Malakai, Casta-Troy Cocker-Lemailie this year’s New Zealand’s Best short 12 mins film competition, NZIFF programmers A doctor abides by her Hippocratic A farmboy is inspired to stand-up to oath even when violent gangsters his overbearing father. In the classic Two boys wait outside a dairy for a Bill Gosden and Michael McDonnell phone call. An outstanding student viewed 83 submissions to make a interrupt her surgery. Female power NZ rural tradition marked by excellent rendered extreme by a director performances. film set in a harsh world so rarely shortlist of 12 from which filmmaker presented with such charm married Gaylene Preston selected these six successfully stretching her muscles in every direction. Untitled Groping with a sharp aesthetic eye for raw finalists. A jury of three will select truth. the winner of the $5,000 Madman Revenge Fairytale Laundry NZ 2017 | Director/Screenplay: Catherine Bisley Entertainment Jury Prize, while a NZ 2017 | Director/Screenplay: Becs Arahanga Producer: William Bisley | Photography/Editor: Paul The Dregs $3,000 Wallace Friends of the Civic Producers: Julian Arahanga, Kath Akuhuata-Brown Wedel | With: Loren Taylor | 9 mins NZ 2017 | Director/Screenplay: Matt Campbell Award will be awarded by donors, the Photography: Chris Mauger Editor: Luke Evans With: Producer: Annabel Carr | Photography: Clayton Aidee Walker, Jarod Rawiri | 11 mins A woman pitches a tent on the edge Carpinter | Editor: Jeremy Masters | With: Eamonn Tee, Wallace Foundation and Wallace Media of a forest and starts to collect men. A Shayla Crombie, Florence Noble | 15 mins A frustrated mum struggles to find Ltd, to the film or contributor to a film most satisfying piece of wry feminist intimacy while raising a young family. A teenage misfit starts a band only they deem to merit special recognition. myth making that makes me want to A real woman’s sexy adventure to lose control to the school bully. The winner of the audience vote takes see a lot more from this director. elevating domestic life and putting the I cannot believe this director was away the Audience Choice Award, not born in 1975! A tribute to high consisting of 25 percent of the box poems of Hone Tuwhare in a place not usually found! school bands, the Gordons and what office from the main-centre NZIFF elevation from dorkhood a guitar can screenings. Gaylene’s comments on accomplish. each film appear in italics.

A PAR Wed 2 Aug, 6.15 pm B PAR Thu 3 Aug, 1.30 pm

DO NO HARM LAUNDRY UNTITLED GROPING REVENGE FAIRYTALE

PRESENTED IN Nga¯ Whanaunga Ma¯ori Pasifika Shorts 2017 ASSOCIATION WITH 91 mins approx. | Censors rating tbc | In English, Maˉori, New Zealand Sign Language and Tongan, with English subtitles

A collection of Māori and Pasifika Natalie Lady Eva Tree short films curated by Leo Koziol NZ 2016 | Director/Screenplay: Qianna Titore Tonga/USA 2017 | Directors: Dean Hamer, NZ 2017 | Director/Screenplay: Lauren Jackson (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rakaipaaka), Producer: Eloise Veber | 9 mins Joe Wilson | Producer: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu 11 Producers: Andrew Cochrane, Jeremy Macey mins 16 mins Director of the Wairoa Māori Film A Māori girl receives a precious Festival, with guest co-curator Craig waiata composed by her deceased A young trans woman becomes her A young woman with a shameful Fasi (Niue), Director of the Pollywood grandfather. In this story from true self. Being fa’afafine in Tonga secret hides out from friends and Film Festival. Curators’ comments on Hokianga, tragedy strikes but there is is a challenge – but there’s a beauty family in a massive tree. A lonely tree each film appear in italics. hope in a new beginning. — CF pageant where your star can shine no in a crowded city becomes the symbol matter who you are. — LK for a young Tongan woman's personal Tama journey, and a family that loves her no Mannahatta NZ 2017 | Directors: Jared Flitcroft, Jack O’Donnell Sunday Fun Day matter what. — LK NZ 2017 | Director/Producer/Screenplay: Renae Maihi Producer: Ashleigh Flynn | Screenplay: Jared Flitcroft, NZ 2016 | Director/Screenplay: Dianna Fuemana 15 mins Jack O’Donnell, David Hansen | 9 mins Producer: Jay Ryan | 15 mins Possum An ancient spirit tries to send a A deaf Māori boy feels isolated from A teenager and a solo mum prepare to NZ 2016 | Director/Screenplay: Dave Whitehead | message to a recent immigrant in the his family but draws strength from have their own fun on a Sunday. Tiger Producers: Sadie Wilson, Paul Murphy | 15 mins city that never sleeps. Stones are the performing the haka. Having reminders knows exactly how the world looks at Two brothers hatch a plan to head into symbol of burden – a burden that of what is important is a necessity. her, but still fights to be accepted by the woods and hunt for a notorious needs an open heart to carry and put Forgetting what’s important may cost her peers. Acceptance in this case is to possum named Scar. Step back to the to rest. — CF you your life. — CF be left alone without question. — CF 70s in this fantastical Oˉ taki-filmed story of two Maˉori boys growing up in the wild world of Wairoa. — LK

A TP Sun 13 Aug, 1.15 pm

MANNAHATTA TAMA TREE 26 ARGENTINA

The Desert Bride La novia del desierto WORLD

Directors/Screenplay: Cecilia Atán, Valeria Pivato Argentina/Chile 2017 78 mins Photography: Sergio Armstrong Editor: Andrea Chignoli With: Paulina García, Claudio Rissi Festivals: Cannes (Un Certain Regard) 2017 In Spanish with English subtitles CinemaScope | PG sexual references MARIANA BOMBA In this delicately observed Argentinian “While the marvelous García is road movie, Gloria’s Paulina García, in the heart of the movie, her unshowy another lovely, nuanced performance, performance strikes an exquisite is Teresa, a rather timid maid. She has balance with the more gregarious worked for the same family for years, manner of Claudio Rissi in what’s but now they can no longer afford to largely a two-hander… It’s imbued with employ her and have found her a job gorgeous, undulating rhythms that pull with their in-laws, who live miles away. you in to the point where the recovery En route, Teresa’s small bag packed of Teresa’s bag becomes secondary to with all her possessions is left in the the emergence of a woman capable of campervan of Gringo (Claudio Rissi), being an active participant in life, rather an itinerant salesman, and then goes than hiding in the margins.” — David missing. They spend the day together Rooney, Hollywood Reporter driving across the desert in search of the bag and getting to know each B PAR Fri 28 Jul, 2.15 pm WORLD FILMS AT NZIFF ARE other. Gringo is a warm and gentle B PH Tue 1 Aug, 1.45 pm PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY fellow, rootless and free-spirited, and B RX Fri 4 Aug, 1.00 pm the novelty allows Teresa, who has A LHP Mon 7 Aug, 6.15 pm never travelled before, to bloom. — SR A PAR Sun 13 Aug, 4.30 pm

The Distinguished Citizen El ciudadano ilustre

Directors/Photography: Mariano Cohn, Gastón Duprat Argentina/Spain 2016 120 mins Screenplay: Andrés Duprat With: Oscar Martínez, Dady Brieva, Festivals: Venice, Busan 2016 Best Actor (Oscar Martínez), Venice Film Festival 2016 In Spanish with English subtitles M violence, offensive language, sexual references & nudity

Help yourself to our pick of the features In this sardonic portrait of an artist is enlightening his hosts on the bigger blithely detached from his effect, Oscar picture they so evidently lack. we have encountered in a year of intense Martínez is perfect as the urbane, The Distinguished Citizen is not engagement with international cinema. unflappable Daniel Mantovani, a Nobel without sympathy for his point of Prize-winning author whose return to view. It skewers the photo-bombing We do what we can to cover many bases, his roots goes seriously askew. On a politicians and keeps a special place while always insisting on that certain whim, after a 40-year absence, he has in its dark heart for the knockers who accepted an invitation to receive the corner the avowed truth-teller when indefinable quality. We pay attention too, highest honour bestowed by Salas, his truths don’t exactly line up. The to the films lavished with praise or box the small Argentinian town that bred mayhem mounts until, in a concluding him. Salas has featured repeatedly in flourish, we may even wonder if the office success in their countries of origin. his novels, never in a favourable light. master’s misbehaviour is in fact his “None of my characters could ever method. leave,” he says. “And I could never go back.” Once he does, it’s not long before the novelties of being paraded A NT Sun 30 Jul, 5.30 pm on the town fire truck, or jury service at A NT Tue 1 Aug, 8.00 pm the local art contest, wear out his grin. B NT Fri 4 Aug, 2.00 pm A NT Sat 5 Aug, 8.15 pm Soon the awesomely tone-deaf guest AUSTRALIA, CANADA WORLD 27

Maudie

“The life of legendary Canadian Director: Aisling Walsh folk artist Maud Lewis is painted in Canada/Ireland 2016 | 115 mins exquisite detail in this impeccably Producers: Bob Cooper, Mary Young Leckie, Mary Sexton, Susan Mullen acted, incredibly affecting biopic. At Screenplay: Sherry White the beating heart of Aisling Walsh’s Photography: Guy Godfree Editor: Stephen O’Connell film is Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) Music: Michael Timmins who not only captures the contorted With: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke, Kari Matchett, Gabrielle Rose, Zachary Bennett, Billy MacLellan physicality of this self-taught painter, Festivals: Toronto, Vancouver 2016; Berlin, who contended with rheumatoid San Francisco, Sydney 2017 People’s Choice Award, Vancouver International Film arthritis, but also exudes the creative Festival 2016 spirit raging within her despite her PG violence & sex scenes debilitated frame. The film’s backdrop is undeniably cinematic: the rugged beauty and expansive vistas of 1930s Nova Scotia. Likewise, its primary setting is unspeakably intimate: the comically tiny one-room house that Maud shares with misanthropic fish peddler Everett (Ethan Hawke), initially as his housekeeper but soon as his wife – albeit still placing Naïve Art movement. Of course, Maud behind his dogs and chickens in terms isn’t motivated by fame but rather “A portrait of a woman in of his favoured tenants. the creative act itself. Her exuberance thrall to art and nature, Undaunted by his curmudgeonly proves infectious, ensuring that when nature, she’s inspired by the natural she intones ‘I was loved’ near the film’s and a couple whose love splendour surrounding their hovel to end, we each count ourselves amongst resisted hardship and take up a paint brush. Operating with those who adored her.” — Vancouver defied definition.” no preconceptions of what ‘art’ should International Film Festival B EMB Tue 1 Aug, 10.30 am be, her charmingly unsophisticated, — Peter Howell, Toronto Star A EMB Sat 5 Aug, 1.00 pm uniquely one-dimensional paintings A LHP Sun 6 Aug, 3.45 pm strike a chord with tastemakers and B PH Tue 8 Aug, 2.00 pm soon she’s a leading figure in the A PH Wed 9 Aug, 6.00 pm

PRESENTED IN Don’t Tell Jasper Jones ASSOCIATION WITH

Director: Tori Garrett Director: Rachel Perkins Australia 2017 | 108 mins Australia 2017 | 101 mins Screenplay: James Greville, Ursula Screenplay: Shaun Grant, Cleary, Anne Brooksbank. Based Craig Silvey. Based on the novel on the book by Stephen Roche by Silvey Photography: Mark Wareham Photography: Mark Wareham Editor: Peter Carrodus Music: Antony Partos Music: Bryony Marks With: Levi Miller, Angourie Rice, With: Jack Thompson, Aaron McGrath, Kevin Long, Aden Young, Sara West, Dan Wyllie, Matt Nable, Jacqueline McKenzie, Toni Collette, Hugo Weaving Gyton Grantley, Susie Porter, CinemaScope | M offensive Martin Sacks, Rachel Griffiths, language Robert Taylor M sex scenes & offensive language

This impressive debut feature honours who had been the Anglican archbishop A bookish teenage boy’s instinctive Published in 2009 and since adapted the courage and tenacity of Lyndal, of Brisbane at the time of the abuse. sympathy for the town’s scapegoat for several highly-acclaimed stage the young Queensland woman who in The film is a passion piece for its draws him into the murkiest secrets productions, Silvey’s source material 2001 blew the whistle on the Anglican director and for Lyndal’s attorney of a righteous community in this is regarded as something of a Down church’s decade-old cover-up of sexual Stephen Roche (played in the film whodunit set, very persuasively, in late- Under To Kill a Mockingbird. Tackling assaults at the prestigious Toowoomba by Aden Young), who wrote a book 60s small-town Australia. themes of prejudice, class, justice and Preparatory School. Traumatised by about the case. The backing of a “Centered on a 14-year-old boy death through the inquiring eyes of her abuse, Lyndal was further shaken stellar cast – including Rachel Griffiths, caught up in a murder mystery a teenager who dreams of being a by the school’s dogged loyalty to Jack Thompson, Jacqueline McKenzie involving a part-Aboriginal suspect, writer, Jasper also invokes the spirit of the perpetrator, who had confessed and Susie Porter – was instrumental this outstanding adaptation of Craig films such as Stand by Me, in which to other abuses. She sought relief in getting the film made. In a raw Silvey’s novel will appeal strongly to youngsters take very adult matters into in public acknowledgement of her emotional performance as Lyndal, Sara teenage and adult audiences. Boasting their own hands.” — Richard Kuipers, suffering, but during the civil case in West stands tall in their company. excellent performances by young actors Variety which she testified she was subjected Aaron McGrath, Levi Miller (Pan) and to relentless condescension and Angourie Rice (The Nice Guys), and A PB Sun 30 Jul, 1.00 pm character assassination. This, however, B RX Tue 1 Aug, 1.00 pm with Toni Collette in top form as the B PB Mon 31 Jul, 4.30 pm led to a revolution in child protection A TP Fri 4 Aug, 8.45 pm protagonist’s frustrated mother, this A LHP Thu 3 Aug, 6.15 pm in Australia and also brought down a B TP Wed 9 Aug, 1.30 pm is the best film yet by director Rachel A PB Sun 6 Aug, 3.30 pm governor-general, Peter Hollingworth, Perkins (Bran Nue Dae)… A PB Sun 6 Aug, 5.45 pm NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EXPECT THE EXHILARATING UNEXPECTED POWER + PASSION

MEGAN MOLINA LAURENCE REESE SECOND VIOLIN SECTION PRINCIPAL TIMPANI MAHLER + BERG WITH BEETHOVEN + BRUCH WITH KAREN GOMYO KAREN GOMYO WELLINGTON WELLINGTON VISIT VISIT 11 AUG NZSO.CO.NZ 12 AUG NZSO.CO.NZ MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE FOR TICKET DETAILS FOR TICKET DETAILS 6.30PM 7.30PM EDO DE WAART CONDUCTOR KAREN GOMYO VIOLIN EDO DE WAART CONDUCTOR KAREN GOMYO VIOLIN SALINA FISHER RAINPHASE BERG VIOLIN CONCERTO JOHN ADAMS SHORT RIDE IN A FAST MACHINE MAHLER SYMPHONY NO. 1 IN D MAJOR, TITAN BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN G MINOR BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7 IN A MAJOR

IN IN ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION WITH: WITH:

NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FEEL IT FLOW THROUGH YOU

THE DAMNATION OF FAUST

WELLINGTON VISIT 25 AUG MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE NZSO.CO.NZ FOR TICKET DETAILS 6.30PM

EDO DE WAART CONDUCTOR ALISA KOLOSOVA MARGUERITE ANDREW STAPLES FA U S T ERIC OWENS MÉPHISTOPHÉLÈS JAMES CLAYTON BRANDER WITH THE FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND OPERA CHORUS BRIDGET DOUGLAS BERLIOZ LA DAMNATION DE FAUST SECTION PRINCIPAL FLUTE CANADA, CHILE, CHINA WORLD 29 NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EXPECT THE EXHILARATING UNEXPECTED POWER + PASSION A Fantastic Woman Una mujer fantástica

Chilean director Sebastián Lelio follows his marvellous Gloria (2013) with another resoundingly affirmative Director: Sebastián Lelio portrait of a marginalised woman Chile/USA/Germany/Spain 2017 105 mins holding her ground. Santiago bar singer Producers: Juan de Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, Marina Vidal, played by the sensational Sebastián Lelio, Gonzalo Maza trans actress Daniela Vega in her screen Screenplay: Sebastián Lelio, Gonzalo Maza Photography: Benjamín Echazarreta debut, is headstrong, vivacious and Editor: Soledad Salfate happily in love. When her lover dies, Music: Matthew Herbert With: Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes, Luis Gnecco, Marina finds herself, a trans woman Aline Küppenheim, Nicolás Saavedra, living with an older man, immediately Amparo Noguera, Néstor Cantillana, Alejandro Goic, Antonia Zegers, Sergio Hernandez suspected of foul play. Festivals: Berlin 2017 MEGAN MOLINA LAURENCE REESE The labyrinth of transphobia Marina Best Screenplay, Berlin International Film Festival SECOND VIOLIN SECTION PRINCIPAL TIMPANI 2017 must navigate is galling to behold, In Spanish with English subtitles because every insidious blow seems so CinemaScope | M violence, offensive language BEETHOVEN + BRUCH WITH familiar and credible. It’s in the way & sex scenes MAHLER + BERG WITH Marina registers the humiliations without allowing them to bring her KAREN GOMYO KAREN GOMYO down that Lelio’s film constantly surprises and Vega’s performance enthrals. WELLINGTON WELLINGTON VISIT VISIT “While it’s politically charged and hypnotic scene where Marina is forced 11 AUG 12 AUG very much of the moment in terms to pass as a man. Vega even does her “It may be a timely film, NZSO.CO.NZ NZSO.CO.NZ of its representation of trans-rights own singing, with impressive ability. No MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE but it is its timelessness, as FOR TICKET DETAILS FOR TICKET DETAILS 6.30PM 7.30PM issues, what’s perhaps most remarkable less than Paulina García’s astonishing is that not a word of direct advocacy work in Gloria, this is acting at its most well as its depths EDO DE WAART CONDUCTOR KAREN GOMYO VIOLIN EDO DE WAART CONDUCTOR KAREN GOMYO VIOLIN is spoken. Any trace of the agenda fearless. The movie represents a huge of compassion, that qualify SALINA FISHER RAINPHASE BERG VIOLIN CONCERTO JOHN ADAMS SHORT RIDE IN A FAST MACHINE movie is deftly subsumed in pulsing leap in terms of trans narratives MAHLER SYMPHONY NO. 1 IN D MAJOR, TITAN BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN G MINOR it as a great one.” BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7 IN A MAJOR human drama… onscreen, but by any standard, it’s a The movie’s stunning revelation, powerful drama of a woman whose — Ryan Gilbey, The Guardian B PH Wed 2 Aug, 4.00 pm IN IN however, is Vega…. It’s a transfixing suffering never dims her determination A PH Thu 3 Aug, 8.15 pm ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION WITH: WITH: performance, restrained and moving, to keep moving forward.” — David B EMB Mon 7 Aug, 12.30 pm A EMB Fri 11 Aug, 6.30 pm with a gut-wrenching impact in one Rooney, Hollywood Reporter

NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Maliglutit (Searchers) The Summer Is Gone FEEL IT FLOW Ba yue Director: Zacharias Kunuk Director/Screenplay/ THROUGH YOU Canada 2016 | 94 mins Editor: Zhang Dalei Co-director: Natar Ungalaaq China 2016 | 110 mins Screenplay: Zacharias Kunuk, Producer: Zhang Jianhua Norman Cohn Photography: Lu Songye Photography: Jonathan Frantz With: Kong Weiyi, Zhang Chen, With: Benjamin Kunuk, Jocelyne Guo Yanyun Immaroitok, Karen Ivalu, Festivals: Rotterdam, New Joseph Uttak, Joey Sarpinak, Directors/New Films 2017 Jonah Qunaq In Mandarin with English subtitles Festivals: Toronto 2016; Berlin, B&W | M offensive language THE DAMNATION San Francisco 2017 In Inuktitut with English subtitles M violence, sexual references OF FAUST & offensive language No one who saw Zacharias Kunuk’s The terrifying harshness of the vast First-time director Zhang Dalei laces his In one scene, Xiaolei visits his spectacular Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner snowy landscapes and the cumbersome piquant recreation of the summer he filmmaker father at his work and stares (2001) is likely to have forgotten layers of fur swaddling the skirmishing was 12 years old with telling details of rapt at a film strip as a voice on a it. Working from his home base of tribesmen combine the epic with the social upheaval that he was too young loudspeaker announces: ‘Lifelong jobs WELLINGTON VISIT Igloolik, a small island (pop.2000) in absurd in images both elemental and to comprehend at the time: China is will no longer exist. What you’ll earn 25 AUG the Northwest Passage, and casting timeless. Although virtually all the crew welcoming in economic reforms, state depends on your ability.’ The future is MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE NZSO.CO.NZ his film with local actors, Kunuk were also local Inuit, producer and companies are being privatised and his near. The director dedicated the movie FOR TICKET DETAILS 6.30PM immerses us again in the Inuit world. cinematographer Jonathan Frantz was parents, their friends and neighbours ‘to the generation that birthed ours,’ His new film is inspired, he says, a key contributor: some crucial igloo must learn to fend for themselves in a and while he wraps it in nostalgia, most EDO DE WAART CONDUCTOR by John Ford’s classic western The interiors notwithstanding, where Kunuk world of free enterprise. overtly through the black-and-white Searchers, though the similarities begin may most resemble John Ford is in “A memory movie about once cinematography and lush music, there’s ALISA KOLOSOVA MARGUERITE and end with the kidnap plot. The filling the screen with iconic wilderness. upon a time in Inner Mongolia, The real sting here.” — Manohla Dargis, ANDREW STAPLES FA U S T hero’s wife and daughter are carried Summer Is Gone takes place sometime NY Times ERIC OWENS MÉPHISTOPHÉLÈS JAMES CLAYTON BRANDER off on dogsleds by four neighbouring after Tiananmen Square and before kinsmen. While the women resist and A NT Fri 28 Jul, 6.15 pm the advent of smartphones. It pivots A NT Sun 30 Jul, 3.15 pm WITH THE FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND OPERA CHORUS seek to escape, the hero and his son A NT Sun 30 Jul, 7.45 pm on… Xiaolei, who drifts through the B RX Mon 31 Jul, 1.00 pm BRIDGET DOUGLAS BERLIOZ LA DAMNATION DE FAUST give chase. The setting is 1913 when B TP Tue 1 Aug, 4.00 pm languid summer days and nights, but A NT Wed 2 Aug, 6.15 pm SECTION PRINCIPAL FLUTE telescopes and firearms have entered A TP Thu 3 Aug, 9.00 pm its emotional focus are the adults who B NT Mon 7 Aug, 2.00 pm the fray, but it might otherwise be 913. A RX Sat 5 Aug, 2.45 pm whisper and fret about larger changes. A NT Sun 13 Aug, 4.00 pm COMING TO CINEMAS AUGUST 24

COMING TO CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 14 FRANCE WORLD 31

Happy End

Happy End sees Michael Haneke, Austria’s micro-surgeon of European decadence, in black comic mode, Director/Screenplay: Michael Haneke applying his scalpel to a rich Calais France/Germany/Austria 2017 110 mins family, the Laurents, who own a Producers: Margaret Ménégoz, Stefan Arndt, construction company and cohabit Veit Heiduscka, Michael Katz uneasily in separate apartments housed Photography: Christian Berger Editor: Monika Willi within a luxurious estate. With: Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Louis Trintignant, “A series of unfortunate events – an Mathieu Kassovitz, Fantine Harduin, Franz Rogowski, Laura Verlinden, Aurelia Petit, overdose (or was it?), a wall collapse Toby Jones, Hille Perl, Hassam Ghancy, on a job site, a suicide attempt – sends Nabiha Akkari, Joud Geistlich Festivals: Cannes (In Competition) 2017 the family spinning, and Haneke mines In French with English subtitles strange comedy out of the Laurents’ Censors rating tbc relatively emotionless, passive reactions. The various narrative threads don’t so much come together as they do flutter on the same sinister wind… Happy End is as amusingly inscrutable and coy about its themes as his masterful 2005 creeper Caché was. But Happy End is a wryer work, be the most dangerous one of all.” a grim satire that skewers the isolation — Richard Lawson, Vanity Fair “Happy End is a satirical of modern technology and the moral “For a satire on bourgeois values nightmare of haute- failings of polite society with a grave that essentially sees privilege as a face. Haneke has assembled a stellar terminal disease whose symptoms bourgeois European cast to illustrate all this, including a include boredom, indolence, alienation, prosperity: as stark, typically laser-focused Isabelle Huppert lovelessness, pettiness and perhaps brilliant and unforgiving as the head of the family company, her even sociopathy, and to which Amour co-star Jean-Louis Trintignant the only honest response is suicide as a halogen light.” B EMB Tue 8 Aug, 1.30 pm as the family’s senile, fatalist patriarch, or euthanasia, it’s very funny.” — Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian A EMB Sat 12 Aug, 6.15 pm and a striking Fantine Harduin as Ève, — Jessica Kiang, Sight & Sound a young scion of the family who may

Frantz Heal the Living Réparer les vivants

Director: Katell Quillévéré France/Belgium 2016 Director: François Ozon 103 mins France/Germany 2016 Screenplay: Katell Quillévéré, 114 mins Gilles Taurand. Based on the novel by Maylis de Kerangal Screenplay: François Ozon, Philippe Photography: Tom Harari Piazzo. Loosely based on the film Editor: Thomas Marchand Broken Lullaby by Ernst Lubitsch Music: Alexandre Desplat With: Pierre Niney, Paula Beer With: Tahar Rahim, Emmanuelle Festivals: Venice, Toronto, San Seigner, Anne Dorval Sebastián, Vancouver, London, Festivals: Venice, Toronto, London Busan 2016; Sundance 2017 2016; Rotterdam, 2017 Best Young Actress (Paula Beer), In French with English subtitles Venice Film Festival 2016 CinemaScope | M graphic medical | B&W and Colour CinemaScope procedures PG violence

In a small German town, in the shooting on 35mm and largely in One family’s tragedy offers the hope than her previous works Suzanne aftermath of WWI, young Anna black and white, director François of renewed life for another in this and Love Like Poison, this spidering mourns her fiancé Frantz who died in Ozon couches his elegiac tale in exquisitely modulated drama pivoting ensemble piece – adapted from the trenches. One day a French soldier, the formal poise of an earlier era’s on the delicate advocacy of a hospital’s Maylis de Kerangal’s internationally Adrien (Pierre Niney, surely the leading ‘quality’ historical drama. There’s one organ transplant team. Eschewing acclaimed 2014 novel – boasts French screen actor of his generation), distinctive difference: as always for melodrama and sentimentality, Katell beautifully pitched performances from arrives and lays flowers at Frantz’s Ozon, the film’s title notwithstanding, Quillévéré evokes the momentous a handpicked cast that includes Tahar grave. In the war-battered community it is the complex journey of the female forces at play for each of the key Rahim and Emmanuelle Seigner. But passions run high at the effrontery of protagonist that most engages him. participants with emotional clarity it’s Quillévéré’s soaring visual and sonic the Frenchman. Among those most Tracing Anna’s return to the world and weighs the transference of life in acumen (with an assist from composer affected is Anna, who decides to get of the living, actress Paula Beer is a passages of sheer cinematic exaltation. Alexandre Desplat, here in matchless to know the sad young stranger. As revelation. “What sounds like fodder for a form) that suffuses a potentially she draws him out about his pre-war routinely gripping episode of ER is familiar hospital weeper with true friendship with Frantz in Paris, our complicated with rare depths of grace.” — Guy Lodge, Variety picture of their generation struggling personal and sensual detail in French to recover after the betrayals of war B PH Fri 28 Jul, 11.30 am director Katell Quillévéré’s sublimely B PH Fri 28 Jul, 1.45 pm deepens and takes unexpected turns. A PH Sat 29 Jul, 6.00 pm compassionate, heart-crushing third A PH Sun 30 Jul, 4.00 pm Expanding on the plot of a little B EMB Wed 2 Aug, 11.15 am feature Heal the Living. More polished A PAR Sun 6 Aug, 4.00 pm remembered Lubitsch film from 1932, A EMB Wed 9 Aug, 6.30 pm but no less authentically humane B PAR Thu 10 Aug, 11.00 am 32 WORLD FRANCE

Let the Sunshine In Un beau soleil interieur

A mercurial Juliette Binoche absorbs our attention through every moment of this unexpected foray into romantic dramedy Director: Claire Denis by the great French director Claire France 2017 | 94 mins Producer: Olivier Delbosc Denis. This is comedy in a specifically Screenplay: Claire Denis, Christine Angot French literary mode, written by Denis Photography: Agnès Godard in collaboration with the novelist and Editor: Guy Lecorne Music: Stuart A. Staples playwright Christine Angot. A leading With: Juliette Binoche, Xavier Beauvois, light of the ‘autofiction’ movement, Philippe Katerine, Josiane Balasko, Sandrine Dumas, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Alex Descas, Laurent Angot is famous for the frankness Grévill, Bruno Podalydès, Paul Blain, Valeria with which she has placed her own Bruni-Tedeschi, Gérard Depardieu emotional life on the printed page. Festivals: Cannes (Directors’ Fortnight) 2017 Binoche plays the Angot surrogate, In French with English subtitles Censors rating tbc Isabelle, a Parisian artist, recently divorced from the father of her ten-year- old daughter. Alone and unleashed, she is undaunted in her yearning to connect sexually and romantically with a succession of men who, one way or another, come on to her. (Every actor in a Denis film leaves their mark, and “Binoche has gone from strength to each of Isabelle’s suitors carries his own strength in recent years; still, if she has “An exquisite romantic peculiar brand of self-importance.) ever been more radiant or effortlessly comedy whose laughs There’s wry comedy in Isabelle’s expressive on screen than she is here, impatience to cut to the unspoken the example is not immediately coming are sad and whose sadness intent in their blandishments, though to mind. And Denis, whose narratives is funny.” the delight of consummation – so can be daringly free-associative, has — Sam C. Mac, Slant empathetically evoked by Denis, one structured Let the Sunshine In elegantly of the cinema’s great sensualists – is and intuitively, as a series of richly A EMB Tue 8 Aug, 6.15 pm likely to be followed by bemusement human encounters that flow, meander B RX Thu 10 Aug, 1.00 pm or dismay until she rallies for the next and pulse with life.” — Justin Chang, encounter. LA Times

The Midwife Sage femme

Two of France’s most distinguished Director/Screenplay: Martin Provost stars, Catherine Deneuve and Catherine France/Belgium 2017 | 117 mins Frot share the screen in this touching Producer: Olivier Delbosc Photography: Yves Cape tale of the unlikely connection of Editor: Albertine Lastera opposites. Claire (Frot) is a dedicated Music: Grégoire Hetzel With: Catherine Frot, Catherine Deneuve, Olivier and tireless midwife whose sense of Gourmet, Quentin Dolmaire, Mylène Demongeot pride and responsibility clash with the Festivals: Berlin 2017 In French with English subtitles depersonalised efficiency of modern CinemaScope | PG coarse language hospitals. She’s raised her son solo and is well pleased that he’s made it to medical school. One day she receives a strange phone call, a voice from the past. Béatrice (Deneuve), the extravagant and frivolous mistress of her late father, has pressing news and wants to see her again, over a drink, 30 years after having disappeared without a trace. Claire, habitually conscientious and sober, bridles at the prospect of having this foolish woman back MICHAÂL CROTTO in her life, but prepares to meet her again proves that French filmmakers regardless. know how to treat actresses of a “A bittersweet delight Writer/director Martin Provost certain age… As the reigning grande written to order for (Séraphine) has gifted two expert dame of French cinema, Deneuve actresses with marvellously individual could easily rest on her laurels, only two consummate roles for an entertaining and emotional taking roles that befit and reinforce her performers who inhabit pas de deux. As old resentments are stature. Which makes her vulnerable their diametrically B EMB Fri 28 Jul, 1.30 pm faced down, they tacitly acknowledge turn here all the more special. Playing A PH Sat 29 Jul, 3.30 pm common fears, begin to enjoy each a heart-on-her-sleeve, still-crazy-after- opposed characters B PH Tue 1 Aug, 11.15 am other’s shortcomings and build anew all-these-years free spirit, Deneuve with satisfying élan.” A LHP Sat 5 Aug, 1.00 pm on their shared past. delivers her best performance in recent B RX Wed 9 Aug, 1.00 pm — Lisa Nesselson, Screendaily “Martin Provost’s The Midwife once memory.” — Ben Croll, Indiewire A EMB Sat 12 Aug, 3.30 pm FRANCE WORLD 33

The Workshop L’atelier

French writer-director Laurent Cantet, Palme d’Or winner in 2008 for The Class, returns with a suspenseful tale, Director: Laurent Cantet based on a true story, about a writer’s France 2017 | 114 mins Producer: Denis Freyd relationship with a right-wing student Screenplay: Robin Campillo, Laurent Cantet who troubles and intrigues her. Photography: Pierre Milon “This story of a successful crime Editor: Mathilde Muyard Music: Bedis Tir, Édouard Pons novel author who is invited to a With: Marina Foïs, Matthieu Lucci, small town to take charge of a Warda Rammach, Issam Talbi, Florian Beaujean, Mamadou Doumbia, Julien Souve, writing project is part social survey, Mélissa Guilbert, Olivier Thouret, Lény Sellam part political documentary, with the Festivals: Cannes (Un Certain Regard) 2017 In French with English subtitles potential flicker of a love story and the CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc touch of a thriller. The Workshop conveys a stunningly authentic portrait of French youth today; their class, racial and occupational concerns. The seven young people in author Olivia’s (Marina Foïs) class represent a snapshot of France’s colorful young population, no intellectuals with writing experience “Cantet’s film combines the slow- among them (all are played by non- burn suspense of his Time Out (2000) “A film which demonstrates professional actors). Charged with with the boisterous class dynamics of… that debate, the exchange producing a book to promote the his 2008 Cannes top-prizewinner The image of La Ciotat, a small seaside Class. Ornery right-winger Antoine of ideas, can be as town located between Marseille and (Matthieu Lucci) fascinates his teacher, thrilling as any ramped Toulon, Olivia soon discovers that the Olivia, and bugs his classmates, but up action flick.” one subject which unites her students is rather than devolving into a drama murder – though they can’t quite agree about a troubled soul, the story only — Wendy Ide, The Guardian B PAR Mon 31 Jul, 11.00 am on what kind of murder they should deepens with the mystery of talent, A PH Wed 2 Aug, 8.15 pm write about, or how to treat it.” — Dan intentionality, and political fault lines.” B PH Fri 4 Aug, 3.45 pm A PAR Mon 7 Aug, 6.15 pm Fainaru, Screendaily — Nicolas Rapold, Film Comment

A Woman’s Life Une vie

Director Stéphane Brizé (Mademoiselle Chambon, The Measure of a Man) applies his keen eye for social Director: Stéphane Brizé observation to costume drama with France/Belgium 2016 | 119 mins this striking adaptation of Guy de Producers: Miléna Poylo, Gilles Sacuto Screenplay: Stéphane Brizé, Florence Vignon. Maupassant’s first published novel. A Based on the novel by Guy de Maupassant young aristocrat named Jeanne (Judith Photography: Antoine Héberlé Editor: Anne Klotz Chemla) raised and educated by kind, Music: Olivier Baumont progressive parents seems poised on With: Judith Chemla, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Yolande Moreau, Swann Arlaud, Nina Meurisse, the brink of modern womanhood, but Olivier Perrier, Clotilde Hesme, Alain Beigel, finds herself ill-prepared for a feckless Finnegan Oldfield, Lucette Beudin, Jérôme Lanne, Mélie Deneuve husband and a pious, hypocritical Festivals: Venice, Toronto, Busan 2016 society. Scrutinising its characters with Critics’ Prize, Venice Film Festival 2016 In French with English subtitles startling intimacy, A Woman’s Life M violence & sex scenes avoids melodrama in its tender yet incisive portrayal of her passing joys, pressures and disappointments. “The pathos and wonder of A Woman’s Life comes from its recognition that Jeanne is at once a captive of cruel MICHAÂL CROTTO circumstances and a wilful, intelligent greatest skill is his ability to imply human being. Her kinship with other the deep and complicated emotions “A moving, beautifully 19th-century fictional heroines – Emma beneath the placid, decorous surface modulated adaptation Bovary, Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina – is of Jeanne. A Woman’s Life… moves evident. She suffers, but she also reads, calmly and deliberately, but it never of Guy de Maupassant's thinks and desires, and strives to find a feels slow. Instead, its images and novel.” — Jay Weissberg, Variety zone of freedom within boundaries scenes are suffused by an intensity dictated by fate and society. that seems almost to be a quality of There are a few dramatic incidents, the light and air as they play across B PH Wed 9 Aug, 1.30 pm including outbreaks of emotional and Ms Chemla’s watchful, sometimes B EMB Fri 11 Aug, 1.15 pm physical violence, but the real action inscrutable features.” — A.O. Scott, A PH Sat 12 Aug, 1.45 pm A PH Sun 13 Aug, 1.15 pm in the film is interior, and Mr Brizé’s NY Times 34 WORLD GERMANY

In Times of Fading Light In Zeiten des abnehmenden Lichts

In a handsome suburban house in Director: Matti Geschonneck East Berlin, shortly before the fall of the Germany 2017 | 102 mins Wall, family, friends and party officials Screenplay: Wolfgang Kohlhaase. Based on the novel by Eugen Ruge gather to pay effusive tribute on the Photography: Hannes Hubach 90th birthday of Wilhelm Powileit Editor: Dirk Grau With: Bruno Ganz, Sylvester Groth, (Bruno Ganz), a veteran Communist Hildegard Schmahl, Evgenia Dodina, hero and tyrannical old bastard. Behind Natalia Belitski, Alexander Fehling, Gabriela Maria Schmeide, Angela Winkler, the scenes, everybody but the old man Alexander Hörbe, Thorsten Merten suspects that East Germany is cracking Festivals: Berlin 2017 In German and Russian, with English subtitles up, and with it their place at the top M adult themes of the crumbling heap. The imminent collapse of the system PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM to which they have long submitted only deepens the resentments of Wilhelm’s long-suffering wife Charlotte and middle-aged stepson Kurt. Meanwhile, Kurt’s hard-drinking Russian wife Irina has not even turned up. Far worse, panicky officials have heard rumours that Wilhelm’s 32-year-old grandson has joined the growing numbers of directed by Matti Geschonneck and young people defecting to the West. adapted by Wolfgang Kohlhaase, “This is a sombre, Adapted from Eugen Ruge’s semi- both of whom grew up in the intelligent piece in autobiographical 2011 bestseller, Communist East. There is something In Times of Fading Light casts this emphatically old-school about their which psychological increasingly disorderly Last Supper in shared creative approach with its finesse combines a tragicomic light, reactivating the lyrical language, beautifully lit interiors with historical analysis decorum (and décor) of a lost era with and forensically detailed recreation of anthropological precision. The ensemble domestic life in the old DDR… This is to result in genuine A EMB Tue 1 Aug, 6.15 pm cast, headed by Ganz (actually a mere an expertly crafted and emotionally dramatic heft.” A PH Sat 5 Aug, 4.00 pm 75), is superb. stirring remembrance of things past.” B PH Mon 7 Aug, 4.15 pm — Jonathan Romney, Screendaily “In Times of Fading Light was — Stephen Dalton, Hollywood Reporter BUSTER KEATON in Intelligent OUR HOSPITALITY & hilarious The Scotsman Truly magical NBR Brilliant staging Dominion Post

From the makers of Krishnan’s Dairy G cert 24 August - 9 September NZIFF LIVE CINEMA WITH THE CHRISTCHURCH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, SATURDAY 20 AUGUST, 2PM indianink.co.nz AT THE ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL, CHRISTCHURCH BOOK AT TICKETEK INDIA, SLOVAKIA WORLD 35

Hotel Salvation Mukti Bhawan

This Hindi comedy set in a Varanasi Director/Screenplay: hotel where the faithful prepare to Shubhashish Bhutiani die addresses issues of tradition and India 2016 | 99 mins modernity, life and death and family Producers: Sanjay Bhutiani, Sajida Sharma, Shubhashish Bhutiani ties with gentle good humour. Photography: Michael Mcsweeney, David Huwiler An ominous dream has convinced Editor: Manas Mittal Music: Tajdar Junaid 77-year-old Dayanand Kumar that his With: Adil Hussain, Lalit Behl, Geetanjali Kulkarni, end is drawing near, though no one Palomi Ghosh, Navnindra Behl, Anil K. Rastogi Festivals: Venice, Busan 2016; San Francisco, else in the family can see any reason Sydney 2017 why the healthy old man should believe In Hindi with English subtitles CinemaScope | PG drug use this. Nonetheless his middle-aged son Rajiv feels duty bound to set aside his important job, leave behind his wife and daughter and accompany his father to the holy city. Two weeks is the stipulated maximum stay at the dilapidated Hotel Salvation, but as the old man engages with the other guests it becomes clear that several of them have been in residence much longer. As the days become weeks the harried attachment, but in such a low-key way Rajiv is forced to reckon with his father it’s never a burden. Though the film has “Like an arthouse take on and the power of tradition as he never many elements that bring to mind the the Best Exotic Marigold has before. Indian retirement haven of Best Exotic At 25 years old himself, director Marigold Hotel and its sequel, Bhutiani’s Hotel… it treats aging and Shubhashish Bhutiani adds a millennial take on the subject is embedded in death with sympathy and bounce to his wry observation of Indian culture and Hindu rituals… dignity, shot through with generational difference through uptight Though the acting is low-key, it's full of Rajiv’s generous, life-embracing daughter. warmth and tenderness that involves eccentric humour.” A PAR Sun 30 Jul, 1.15 pm “The film humorously illustrates the the audience in the shared joy, worry — Wendy Ide, Screendaily B PH Thu 3 Aug, 12.30 pm traditional Hindi philosophy of death and grief of an identifiable family.” A PH Sat 5 Aug, 8.15 pm B PAR Wed 9 Aug, 11.00 am and freedom from entrapment and — Deborah Young, Hollywood Reporter

Newton The Teacher U cˇ i t e l k a

Director: Director: Jan Hrˇebejk Amit V. Masurkar Slovakia/Czech Republic India 2017 | 106 mins 2016 | 102 mins Producer: Manish Mundra Screenplay: Petr Jarchovský Screenplay: Mayank Tewari, Photography: Martin Žiaran Amit V. Masurkar With: Zuzana Mauréry, Csongor Photography: Kassai, Peter Bebjak, Martin Swapnil S. Sonawane Havelka, Ondřej Malý, Éva Bandor, Editor: Shweta Venkat Mathew Zuzana Konečná, Richard Labuda, With: Rajkummar Rao, Oliver Oswald, Tamara Fischer, Pankaj Tripathi, Anjali Patil, Ina Gogálová, Monika Čertezni Raghubir Yadav Festivals: Karlovy Vary, Busan 2016 Festivals: Berlin, Tribeca 2017 In Slovak with English subtitles In Hindi and Gondi, with English M offensive language & nudity subtitles CinemaScope | M violence

In this droll dark comedy from India, attempts in vain to open Newton’s A communist-era schoolroom is a suggested. What can the parents of the Newton, an earnest young office eyes to the realities of local life and the microcosm of outrageous political successful students say in response to worker volunteers as a poll supervisor, genuine threat of violence. favouritism in this highly enjoyable such slanders? Their faked rectitude is carrying the banner of democracy into Director Amit V. Masurkar infuses his return to form from Czech director astutely caricatured in a nimbly scripted, the deepest jungle. Helicoptered into film with an uncannily lyrical sense of Jan Hřebejk (Divided We Fall). The increasingly tense battle of wits. remote central India to collect votes the landscape and mines both tension setting is Bratislava in 1983, drolly While the accusers fret and stew, from 76 oppressed indigenous villagers, and deadpan comedy out of the evoked in an array of wacky wallpapers their hapless children suffer the he’s warned by the local military long stretches of waiting and mutual and goofy sweaters, where a parent– consequences, and we root against representative that none of them will irritation. As Newton, Rajkummar Rao teacher meeting is hearing the case the odds for the bully’s comeuppance. show, for fear they’ll be ambushed is a surreptitiously charismatic comic against the eponymous Comrade In the title role Zuzana Mauréry is a by communist guerrillas in the area. marvel: his insistence on democratic Drazděchová. Under her watch some sneaky, deplorable wonder, a richly The young idealist soon comes to see principle may be woefully misplaced of the brightest pupils have been realised screen villain surpassed in 2017 the pragmatic soldier, tasked with but it is also quite irresistibly touching. receiving the poorest grades. only by her real-world equivalents. protecting the highly exposed polling Their aggrieved parents claim that station, as democracy’s nemesis. she aids and abets other pupils in direct B PH Fri 28 Jul, 4.00 pm As the hours pass with little more A PB Sat 29 Jul, 5.00 pm proportion to the goods and services A PB Sat 29 Jul, 3.00 pm than a rumour of a voter in the vicinity, B PAR Wed 2 Aug, 1.30 pm she receives from their parents: a free A PAR Mon 31 Jul, 6.15 pm seasoned poll workers make light of B PB Fri 4 Aug, 11.30 am haircut here, free electrical repairs there. A LHP Tue 1 Aug, 8.15 pm A PAR Fri 11 Aug, 6.30 pm the situation and the local liaison officer Even more intimate favours have been B PAR Mon 7 Aug, 1.45 pm 36 WORLD IRELAND

A Date for Mad Mary

Seána Kerslake is completely winning Boxes as the larrikin Mary out to prove she’s not a loser in this funny, soulful Irish Director: Darren Thornton romcom. While Mary’s been doing Ireland 2016 | 82 mins Producers: Juliette Bonass, Ed Guiney time for a spontaneous gesture she’d Screenplay: Darren Thornton, Colin Thornton. rather forget, her best girlfriend Based on the play 10 Dates with Mad Mary by Yasmine Akram Charlene has disappeared, heart and Photography: Ole Bratt Birkeland soul, into wedding planning land. Mary Editors: Tony Cranstoun, Juangus Dinsmore gets out of jail in time for the big day, Music: Hugh Drumm, Stephen Rennicks With: Seána Kerslake, Tara Lee, Charleigh Bailey, bridesmaid’s speech at the ready. But, Denise McCormack, Siobhán Shanahan oops, Charlene is wavering on having Festivals: Galway, Karlovy Vary, London 2016; San Francisco 2017 her wild and crazy old mate at the Best Irish Feature Film, Galway Film Fleadh 2016 top table and has cut her back to a M offensive language single invite. PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH All Mary’s hurt and indignation are channelled into a single mission: showing up with a plus-one. As she assesses partner options, Kerslake makes Mary’s mix of bluntness, sarcasm and minimal self-awareness both hilarious and touching. Will it dawn on “While steeped in fondness for Mary, as it dawns on us, that hiding its setting, the film also castigates a “An exquisitely written, in plain sight there’s a member of the stifling atmosphere of conformity: At delicately made and wedding offering much more than a one point, Charlene digs deep for the chance to get back at the bride? most wounding thing she can say to superbly acted gem that If the origins in a stage play by Mary, and can only come up with, will only get better with Yasmine Akram show in the adaptation ‘You’re making a show of yourself.’ As age and reflection.” by writer/director brothers Darren and funny, flawed and foulmouthed as its B PAR Fri 28 Jul, 12.00 pm Colin Thornton, it’s simply because irresistible central character, A Date for — Laura Delaney, RTÉ Ireland A PH Thu 3 Aug, 6.15 pm the dialogue, quick and salty, is such Mad Mary makes an absolute show of A LHP Fri 4 Aug, 6.15 pm a driving force. The Drogheda settings itself, and it is wonderful.” — Jessica A PAR Sun 6 Aug, 6.15 pm hum with life and devilry. Kiang, Variety A RX Sat 12 Aug, 7.00 pm

Netflix and chill? Not when there’s a big screen to fill! Join online now for your weekly movie date night. New Zealand’s leading specialists in world cinema, television series, classical, jazz and all things music. Wellington Film Society

#MakingMondaysBetter est.1934 VINYL • CD • DVD Monday nights at 6.15pm. Join us. www.marbecks.co.nz (09) 379 0444 www.filmsocietywellington.net.nz Queens Arcade, Auckland KOREA, RUSSIA WORLD 37

A Gentle Creature Krotkaya

A startling vision of contemporary Russia, steeped in literary tradition, but supremely cinematic in realisation, Director/Screenplay: Sergei Loznitsa Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa’s France/Russia/Germany/Netherlands/ Lithuania/Ukraine 2017 | 143 mins A Gentle Creature is the glowering Producer: Marianne Slot dark star on this year’s programme. Photography: Oleg Mutu “Inspired by (though not adapted Editor: Danielius Kokanauskis With: Vasilina Makovtseva, Marina Kleschcheva, from) the Dostoevsky short story of Lia Akhedzhakova, Valeriu Andriuta, the same title, A Gentle Creature Boris Kamorzin, Sergei Kolesov Festivals: Cannes (In Competition) 2017 follows a stoic Russian woman (played In Russian with English subtitles with riveting impassivity by Vasilina CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc Makovtseva) trying to get a care package to her convict husband after it is inexplicably returned to her. Rebuffed at her local post office, she decides to travel to the prison and deliver the parcel herself – a journey that will lead her through a Kafka- esque bureaucratic nightmare and into the very heart of Putin’s Russia, a place where violent absurdity and everyday discover. A Gentle Creature is about inhumanity reign. as strange, perplexing and foreign “A sobering and troubling Loznitsa, making his third appearance an experience as any I’ve had at the vision, rendered in in the Cannes competition (after My Festival de Cannes, and the reasons Joy and In the Fog), uses richly textured that will limit its commercial viability are vivid strokes by a visuals and sustained long shots to the very reasons that you should seek it consummate thinker usher us alongside this ‘gentle creature’ out.” — Justin Chang, LA Times and master craftsman.” down the rabbit-hole. That allusion “A devilishly symphonic piece of art comes from the story itself, whose that transcends cinema and politics to — Jordan Cronk, Film Comment A EMB Mon 7 Aug, 8.30 pm surreal climax plays like something out nestle itself in the back of your mind of Alice in Wonderland, at least until forever.” — Nikola Grozdanovic, – well, I’ll leave that horror for you to The Playlist

Yourself and Yours Claire’s Camera Dangsinjasingwa dangsinui geot Keul-le-eo-ui ka-me-la

Director/Producer/ Director/Producer/ Screenplay: Screenplay: Hong Sang-soo Hong Sang-soo South Korea 2016 South Korea 2017 86 mins 69 mins With: Kim Joo-hyuck, Lee With: Kim Min-hee, Isabelle You-young, Kwon Hae-hyo Huppert, Chang Mi-hee, Festivals: Toronto, San Sebastián, Jung Jin-young, Yoon Hee-sun New York 2016; Rotterdam 2017 Festivals: Cannes (Special Best Director, San Sebastián Screenings) 2017 International Film Festival In English, Korean and French, In Korean with English subtitles with English subtitles Censors rating tbc Censors rating tbc

Korea’s prolific, continually inventive Min-jung really is a twin, the viewer, Hong Sang-soo’s wry view of romantic conducted in halting English. satirist of romantic deception had four like the film’s increasingly amusing misadventure draws ever closer to “Wisely turning her lens towards new films for us to choose from for this chain of befuddled men, is left to his own world in this latest film. Set Man-hee, Isabelle Huppert’s Claire year’s NZIFF. The oldest – dating from wonder exactly what’s going on. Of at the Cannes Film Festival, Claire’s seeks to capture the arresting turmoil late 2016 – pivots on a young woman course, as always with Hong (and all Camera was shot there a year earlier, that actor Kim Min-hee so subtly who, when backed into a corner, claims good art), the what is less important when lead actress Kim Min-hee and expresses and which contributes a not to be herself at all, but her twin. than the why, and Yourself and Yours Isabelle Huppert were presenting The compelling wrinkle to Hong’s familiar Or so it appears. is slowly revealed as another nimble Handmaiden and Elle, respectively. themes. Both a loving homage to the “In Yourself and Yours, Min-jung investigation into the communication Kim plays Man-hee, a manager film festival that has built Hong Sang- (Lee You-young), walks out on barriers men and women often erect at a film sales company who is soo’s reputation and an accomplished boyfriend Young-soo (Kim Joo-hyuck) between each other. It’s alternately abruptly fired by her boss, ostensibly work on its own terms, Claire’s Camera upon feeling unduly attacked by him caustic and sweet, leading to one of for dishonesty, though her drunken proves that its director’s talent can’t after he hears secondhand news of Hong’s most hopeful conclusions.” night with a filmmaker attending the be fenced in by national borders.” her soju-soaked misadventures around — Michael Koresky, Film Comment festival may have been a factor. Claire — Bradley Warren, The Playlist town, which she denies. Soon enough, (Huppert), a teacher from Paris, walks Min-jung is being approached by a A NT Sat 5 Aug, 6.30 pm around the Croisette taking pictures A TP Tue 1 Aug, 6.15 pm series of other men, to whom she A NT Sat 12 Aug, 8.15 pm with her polaroid camera. After she B TP Fri 4 Aug, 11.30 am denies that she is Min-jung at all… approaches Man-hee for a photo, Not allowed to find out whether the two form a friendship, amusingly 38 WORLD SPAIN

Summer 1993 Estiu 1993

As enthralling a child’s-eye view as has graced the screen in many a year, Summer 1993 draws us into the new Director/Screenplay: Carla Simón world of six-year-old Frida, transplanted Spain 2017 | 97 mins Producer: Valérie Delpierre from Barcelona to live with her aunt, Photography: Santiago Racaj uncle and three-year-old cousin Anna Editors: Didac Palou, Ana Pfaff in the country. It’s summer and living Music: Ernest Pipo, Pau Boïgues With: Laia Artigas, Paula Robles, Bruna Cusí, around this bohemian couple is certainly David Verdaguer, Fermi Reixach easy, but adjustment for the little girl is Festivals: Berlin 2017 Best First Feature, Berlin International Film Festival not easy at all. While Anna fastens like 2017 glue onto her brand new older sister, In Catalan with English subtitles PG adult themes Frida’s not so sure she actually needs a sister, let alone a new pair of parents. It’s not long before we deduce that the real parents have died and Frida’s change of scene will be permanent. Catalan director Carla Simón’s feature debut is autobiographical. Her memory of childish schemes and dreams is acute and bracingly free of sentimentality. The performances Though programmed in the festival’s she’s drawn from the two children Young Adult section, Summer 1993 Carla Simón’s are miraculously unaffected, so when took the prize for Best First Feature at autobiographical jewel Frida leads her trusting little charge this year’s Berlinale. It’s a beautiful film. up the garden path you may want “A summer of troubled and troubling is one of the most to leap into the movie and sort experience is reshaped into a delicately evocative and affecting things out. What’s just as piercing is crafted, moving filmic memoir by Carla depictions of childhood the filmmaker’s appreciation of the Simón… That the film draws deeply B EMB Mon 31 Jul, 10.30 am kindness, imagination and patience on personal recollection can be sensed seen in years. B PH Fri 4 Aug, 11.45 am required of her aunt and uncle to in virtually every frame.” — Jonathan A PH Fri 4 Aug, 6.15 pm convince a defiant little orphan that Holland, Hollywood Reporter A EMB Sat 12 Aug, 11.00 am she was important and loved. A LHP Sun 13 Aug, 6.00 pm

Kiki, Love to Love Kiki, el amor se hace

We All Need Love Director: Paco Léon Spain 2016 | 102 mins Producers: Ghislain Barrois, Álvaro Augustin, Andrés Martín Screenplay: Paco Léon, “A CELEBRATION Fernando Pérez OF THE ART OF Photography: Kiko de la Rica POLITICAL THEATRE” Editor: Alberto de Toro With: Paco Léon, Ana Katz, - VARIETY Belén Cuesta, Álex García, Natalia de Molina, Candela Peña, Luis Callejo, Luis Bermejo In Spanish with English subtitles CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc

Born under the sign of Almódovar, of this, it may or may not encourage though not so supple in its parsing of you to learn that in this film’s sunny perversity, Paco León’s homeland hit view of gratification, nobody ends up finds comedy and a little pathos in the feeling used. mismatched sexual kinks of a group of A remake of the Australian sex interconnected Spaniards. Paco (director comedy, The Little Death, it could León) and Ana, for example, work hardly differ more in spirit, transposing on reigniting their passion by visiting the action to a sweltering Madrid and bondage parties and furry nightclubs – celebrating difference, its message and find themselves igniting unexpected never more sweetly displayed than passions in others. Natalia, meanwhile, when a hearing-impaired call centre discovers after getting mugged that she worker (fetish: silk) helps a voiceless has a case of harpaxophilia, helpfully customer indulge his fantasies through explained on-screen as “sexual arousal a phone sex line. being produced by being robbed with violence,” while José learns he has A PB Fri 28 Jul, 7.00 pm somnophilia, sexual pleasure caused by A LHP Sun 30 Jul, 8.15 pm watching someone sleep. If you caught B PB Wed 2 Aug, 4.00 pm IN CINEMAS JULY 13 A PAR Sat 5 Aug, 6.15 pm Films,M Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 a whiff of the non-consensual in any SENEGAL, SWEDEN WORLD 39

Félicité

In this resonant tribute to fortitude under stress, Félicité (Véro Tshanda Beya) is a staunchly single woman Director: Alain Gomis who sings in a bar in Kinshasa. When France/Senegal/Belgium/Germany/ Lebanon 2017 | 123 mins her 14-year-old son is involved in a Producers: Arnaud Dommerc, Oumar Sall, motorbike accident, the intervention Alain Gomis of a persistent suitor may be her only Screenplay: Alain Gomis, Delphine Zingg, Olivier Loustau hope of funding medical care. Photography: Céline Bozon “A loose, vibrant fourth feature Editor: Fabrice Rouaud Music: Kasai Allstars, Arvo Pärt film from Franco-Senegalese director With: Véro Tshanda Beya, Papi Mpaka, Alain Gomis, Félicité… builds to a Gaetan Claudia, Kasai Allstars Festivals: Berlin 2017 fever of energy and activity while never Grand Jury Prize, Berlin International Film sketching out more than the bones of Festival 2017 a narrative: It’s a film in which a hard- In Lingala and French, with English subtitles M adult themes earned smile, the contact between one person’s skin and another’s, or a serene strain of music amid the everyday noise can qualify as a dramatic event. Following a proudly independent club singer through the ragged streets of © ANDOLFI Kinshasa as she seeks a way to save her sometimes shading entire histories of hospitalized son, Gomis’ latest is far dismissal, disappointment, and ongoing “A gritty, music-infused from the miserablist issue drama that resistance into a single expression… drama about a Kinshasa synopsis portends, instead weaving a The film’s jangling, diverse musical sensual, sometimes hopeful, sometimes soundtrack practically functions as a bar singer… [a] quietly disturbing urban tapestry with threads screenplay in itself, charting Félicité’s resonant slice of new of image, sound, poetry, and song… shifting states of mind as it leaps from African cinema.” In the title role, Congolese singer- the Kasai Allstars’ breathless modern turned-actress Véro Tshanda Beya fusion of indigenous and international — Lee Marshall, Screendaily A PAR Sat 5 Aug, 3.30 pm proves entirely mesmerizing from the rock to the sober grace of the Kinshasa B TP Wed 9 Aug, 3.45 pm moment the camera alights on her Symphonic Orchestra’s spin on Arvo strong-featured, deep-gazing face, Pärt.” — Guy Lodge, Variety

Sami Blood Sameblod

This compelling debut from Swedish- Director/Screenplay: Amanda Kernell Sami writer-director Amanda Kernell Sweden/Norway/Denmark 2016 sheds light on a shameful period of 110 mins history. In 1930s Sweden, 14-year-old Producer: Lars G. Lindström Photography: Sophia Olsson, Petrus Sjövik Sami girl Elle Marja is forcibly removed Editor: Anders Skov from her family and sent to a state-run Music: Kristian Eidnes Andersen With: Lene Cecilia Sparrok, Mia Erika Sparrok, boarding school where she is expected Maj-Doris Rimpi, Julius Fleischanderl, Olle Sarri, to learn how to behave in ‘acceptable’ Hanna Alström, Malin Crépin, Andreas Kundler, Ylva Gustafsson society. Fearful of being seen as Festivals: Venice, Toronto 2016; Sundance, different and internalising much of the Rotterdam, Berlin, Māoriland 2017 In South Sami and Swedish, with English subtitles vile, racist dogma she is taught, Elle CinemaScope | M violence, sexual references Marja becomes determined to find a & offensive language new life for herself by abandoning her indigenous heritage and attempting to pass as Swedish. “A moving, classically rendered coming-of-age tale set against the scarring social prejudices of the 1930s, this handsome debut feature… robustly blends adolescent fears that resonate SOPHIA OLSSON across borders and generations with a Sparrok.” — Guy Lodge, Variety fascinatingly specific, rarely depicted “Sami Blood features a winning “Sami Blood is driven cultural context: Sweden’s colonial combination of strong central by righteous rage, oppression of the indigenous Sami performances… and an intimate, folk. Following a single, strong-willed empathetic approach to a period of psychological acuity, and a teenager as she is forced to choose history which is not widely known profound empathy.” between remaining with her people outside of Northern Europe. The — Steve Gravestock, Toronto or pursuing the education and backstory to the film adds a layer of opportunities otherwise denied her, this interest: it was inspired by the life of International Film Festival A TP Sun 30 Jul, 1.45 pm stirring but pleasingly unsentimental the director’s own grandmother.” B TP Mon 31 Jul, 3.45 pm tale… introduces a poised, intelligent — Wendy Ide, Screendaily young talent in star Lene Cecilia Roll out the digital red carpet. Official Sponsors of NZIFF 2017 Innovative Festivals choose forward thinking technology partners. www.shift72.com VOD Solutions for the entertainment industry SINGAPORE, UK WORLD 41

God’s Own Country

A hired hand offers new life to a failing Francis Lee farm in this affecting romantic drama set on the spectacularly bleak Yorkshire Director/Screenplay: Francis Lee Dales. Johnny (Josh O’Connor) feels UK 2017 | 105 mins Producers: Manon Ardisson, Jack Tarling condemned to a life on the family farm. Photography: Joshua James Richards His father (Ian Hart) is dying a bitter Editor: Chris Wyatt man. His grandmother (Gemma Jones) With: Josh O’Connor, Alec Secareanu, Ian Hart, Gemma Jones sits in constant judgement. Johnny Festivals: Sundance, Berlin, San Francisco, finds scant relief from constant labour Sydney 2017 R16 nudity, offensive language, sexual material in binge drinking and alarming bouts of & content that may disturb roughhouse sex with other men. When his father hires itinerant Romanian migrant worker Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu) to help with lambing, Johnny’s disdain is automatic. A dislodged farmer himself, Gheorghe is attuned to the tough rural existence and takes to the work like a man returning to the well of life. Johnny’s antagonism is compounded by his attraction to the handsome interloper. keen focus of first-time filmmaker Writer/director Francis Lee, raised Francis Lee’s intense romance God’s Rooted in reality though it on a Yorkshire farm himself, delineates Own Country. Lee’s love for this hard may be, God’s Own their explosive courtship convincingly land and the boy trapped in it is and poignantly. Reimagining Brokeback unexpectedly moving and rich. This is Country turns out to be Mountain for a less homophobic age, a small production that is big in heart, a romance which soars, God’s Own Country does double honesty and raw talent.” — Fionnuala and it’s an irresistibly service in a xenophobic age, finding Halligan, Screendaily renewal in the tenacity and vigour of hopeful flight.” A EMB Sun 30 Jul, 6.00 pm immigrant aspiration. — Fionnuala Halligan, Screendaily B EMB Mon 31 Jul, 3.00 pm “A troubled, taciturn young man on a remote Yorkshire farm is the

Pop Aye Ethel & Ernest

Grey William Director/Screenplay: Director: Kirsten Tan Roger Mainwood Singapore/Thailand 2017 UK 2016 | 94 mins 102 mins Screenplay: Roger Mainwood. Festivals: Sundance, Rotterdam Based on the graphic novel by 2017 Raymond Briggs Screenwriting Award (World Editor: Richard Overall Cinema Dramatic), Sundance Film Animation director: Peter Dodd Festival 2017 Music: Carl Davis, Paul McCartney In Thai with English subtitles Voices: Jim Broadbent, CinemaScope | M sex scenes, Brenda Blethyn, Luke Treadaway sexual references & offensive Festivals: London 2016 language Censors rating tbc

An architect, feeling past his use-by uprooted characters, from a wild- This funny and poignant animated lady’s maid, would rather sleep than date, and his long-lost elephant take haired vagabond who seems to foretell feature perfectly captures the tone and watch the moon landing on TV and a road trip across Thailand to find the future to a ladyboy with karaoke visual style of Raymond Briggs’ tender bristles at any suggestion that their their childhood home in this rueful, aspirations. graphic novel about his ‘very ordinary’ little household in Wimbledon might be funny Sundance award winner. Once In her debut feature Singapore parents, from their first trip to the considered working class. a cutting edge architect in Bangkok, writer/director Kirsten Tan takes full pictures in 1928 (Hangman’s House The voice work of Jim Broadbent Thana is facing the imminent advantage of the beautiful scenery, with Victor McLagen!) to their deaths, and Brenda Blethyn is a treat, with demolition of the mall that was once characterful actors and a charismatic just months apart, in 1971. Luke Treadaway as the grown-up his crowning glory. His wife’s flagrant elephant to tell a story about our drift There’s a canny social and political Raymond who came of age in the 60s lack of concern is doing nothing to from fundamental human needs and history of Britain traced through their and headed to art school – much to his quiet his fear of obsolescence. values. Her tale of man and pachyderm experiences and amusingly expressed mother’s dismay. A soundtrack marking Wandering the streets of the city is unsentimental, gently comic and through decades of gentle crossfire out the years in popular music also he is amazed to come across a fellow thoughtful. between Labour Dad and Tory Mum. features original contributions from throwback, Pop Aye, the elephant he A lifelong milkman with few complaints, Carl Davis and Paul McCartney. grew up with in his rural village. On a A LHP Sun 30 Jul, 1.30 pm Ernest keeps a close eye on world whim he buys Pop Aye and sets off on B PAR Mon 31 Jul, 1.30 pm events – the rise of Hitler, the arrival A LHP Sat 29 Jul, 2.00 pm a road trip, walking and hitching back B PH Wed 2 Aug, 1.45 pm of the fridge, the phone and the B PH Mon 31 Jul, 11.15 am to where they came from. On the way B PH Mon 7 Aug, 2.00 pm television, and the actions of successive B RX Thu 3 Aug, 1.00 pm they befriend a succession of equally A PAR Tue 8 Aug, 6.15 pm governments – while Ethel, a former A PAR Sun 13 Aug, 2.15 pm 42 WORLD UK

The Party

The dinner-party-from-hell genre Director/Screenplay: Sally Potter is delivered a short sharp shock by UK 2017 | 71 mins veteran British writer-director Sally Producers: Christopher Sheppard, Kurban Kassam Photography: Alexey Rodionov Potter in this gleaming black comedy. Editors: Anders Refn, Emilie Orsini Kristin Scott Thomas is hosting a With: Kristin Scott Thomas, Timothy Spall, Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz, Cherry Jones, group of friends to celebrate her Emily Mortimer, Cillian Murphy promotion as shadow Minister of Festivals: Berlin 2017 B&W | M violence, offensive language Health, elegantly juggling dinner & drug use preparation, congratulatory calls and surreptitious messaging from a lover. Husband Timothy Spall plays aggressive DJ, otherwise upright but catatonic in the living room as the guests arrive. These include her best friend (Patricia Clarkson, wryly acidic), her life-coach boyfriend (Bruno Ganz, wondrously inane), a coked-up venture capitalist (Cillian Murphy) who arrives sans wife, and an earnest lesbian couple (Emily Mortimer and Cherry Jones) intent on sharing some good news. Silly them. One shouldn’t pull a muscle, “It’d poop The Party, so to speak, to however, in reaching for the subtext “A consummate drawing- reveal anything further – though this is of Potter’s witty shaggy-dog story: Its room divertissement, less a plot-based exercise than a tipsily giddy in-the-moment pleasures are conversational one. Potter’s eminently enough… Months after the US election played with relish by a quotable screenplay works up just campaign turned an intended jibe into dream ensemble.” enough narrative momentum to sustain a rallying cry, Sally Potter’s latest further — Guy Lodge, Variety a barrage of killer one-liners: With the proves that there’s pleasure, pride hors d’oeuvres increasingly unlikely to or both to be taken in being a nasty A EMB Fri 28 Jul, 6.30 pm be served, decorum is swiftly shed and woman.” — Guy Lodge, Variety A PH Sun 30 Jul, 8.00 pm these privileged vultures instead feed B PH Mon 31 Jul, 4.30 pm B EMB Thu 10 Aug, 2.15 pm ravenously on each other’s ideals…

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20th Century Women

A loving, funny and insightful memoir Director/Screenplay: Mike Mills of the mother who brought him up USA 2016 | 119 mins – and two younger women she might Producers: Megan Ellison, Anne Carey, Youree Henley have enlisted to assist – Mike Mills’ Photography: Sean Porter 20th Century Women swirls happily Editor: Leslie Jones Music: Roger Neill around a richly shaded performance With: Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig, from Annette Bening. Set in sunny, Billy Crudup, Lucas Jade Zumann, Alia Shawkat Festivals: New York 2016; Rotterdam 2017 late-70s southern California on the Nominated, Best Screenplay, Academy Awards 2017 brink of the Reagan era, the film is CinemaScope | M offensive language, nudity, drug brimful with the music, artefacts and use & sexual references

attitudes of its day, a lively time capsule PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH inviting constant comparison with where we have landed now. Lucas Jade Zumann plays 15-year-old Jamie and it’s through his eyes that we see the bohemian household over which his mother, Dorothea, holds uncertain dominion. There are two boarders, Abbie (Greta Gerwig), a purple-haired punk photographer, and William (Billy Crudup), a hippie handyman – and “A captivating Annette Bening is pushover for any woman who fancies the beating heart of this gloriously “A funny, emotionally him. Dorothea is unaware of a third unclassifiable movie… Part comedy piercing story about house guest, Julia (Elle Fanning), the girl of manners, part mother–son love next door whose propensity for chaste story, it had me laughing and tearing a teenager and the women sleepovers is driving Jamie insane. up simultaneously… Although Bening who raise him.” The plot is wafer-thin, but the joy of reigns supreme, Mills zigzags through — Manohla Dargis, NY Times A PH Fri 28 Jul, 8.15 pm 20th Century Women is in how these time and his characters’ lives with a A LHP Sun 30 Jul, 3.45 pm beautifully realised individuals bounce messy amplitude that is downright B PH Wed 2 Aug, 11.15 am off each other and bring the joys, Renoiresque. Everyone has his reasons. A EMB Sun 6 Aug, 3.30 pm frustrations and fashions of 40 years Everyone has her say.” — Molly B EMB Tue 8 Aug, 10.45 am ago wafting into the present. Haskell, Sight & Sound A RX Sun 13 Aug, 4.45 pm

A Monster Calls Una

American Paradise Director: J.A. Bayona Director: UK/Spain/USA 2016 Benedict Andrews 109 mins USA/UK/Canada 2016 Screenplay: Patrick Ness. 94 mins Based on his novel Screenplay: David Harrower. Photography: Óscar Faura Based on his play Blackbird With: Lewis MacDougall, Photography: Thimios Bakatakis Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, Editor: Nick Fenton Liam Neeson, Toby Kebbell Music: Jed Kurzel Festivals: Toronto, London 2016 With: Rooney Mara, Ben Best Director, Cinematography & Mendelsohn, Riz Ahmed Editing, Goya Awards 2017 Festivals: Toronto, London 2016 CinemaScope | PG violence R16 sex scenes, offensive language & scary scenes & content that may disturb

Twelve-year-old English boy Conor ravishing painterly animation for the Opened out by David Harrower from The film interrogates the psychology O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall) is a monster’s enthralling tales, to impart his 2005 stage two-hander Blackbird, of abuse with precision, intelligence lonely kid. His father lives in California; tough and fortifying wisdom about life, the first feature directed by the and restraint; taking on a disturbing his loving mother (Felicity Jones) is and about stories too. Australian stage director-dramatist subject, Harrower and Andrews terminally ill, and his grandmother “Mixing horror movie imagery with Benedict Andrews is a crucible for expertly shift us through an enormous (Sigourney Weaver) makes a chilly honest, heart-wrenching human truths, the traumatic legacy of abuse – and range of intellectual and emotional substitute. His sole companion appears Bayona has created a dark, coming- the combustible nerviness of actors positions. This is filmmaking artistry nightly in the intimidating form of a of-age masterpiece… Entertaining, Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn. of the highest order, from writing gigantic tree creature (voiced by Liam tonally impeccable, and heartbreaking, “With deeply unresolved questions and performances to the unsettling, Neeson) who tells him fantastic tales this is a monster movie with a very about her past, Una (Rooney Mara) moody score from Jed Kurzel (Macbeth, of apothecaries and kings, handsome human heart.” — Marten Carlson, travels to another city, turning Snowtown).” — Tricia Tuttle, London princes and wicked stepmothers. The Consequence of Sound up unannounced at Ray’s (Ben Film Festival monster challenges Conor to discover Mendelsohn) work and dredging the truth in the stories that might give up a decade-old experience that he him the strength to make the best of thought he’d left behind. Mendelsohn his sorry lot. A RX Sun 30 Jul, 3.00 pm and Mara are exceptional as the A PAR Mon 31 Jul, 8.30 pm J.A. Bayona’s adaptation of Patrick A LHP Mon 31 Jul, 8.00 pm troubled and troubling Ray and Una, A RX Wed 2 Aug, 8.15 pm Ness’ young adult novel draws on a B PAR Tue 1 Aug, 3.45 pm and Riz Ahmed makes for a perfect B PB Mon 7 Aug, 2.00 pm A PAR Sat 12 Aug, 1.45 pm A PB Mon 7 Aug, 9.00 pm spectacular arsenal of CGI, shifting into foil as the innocent Scott. 44 WORLD USA

Beatriz at Dinner

This perfectly honed chamber drama Director: Miguel Arteta from director Miguel Arteta and USA 2017 | 83 mins writer Mike White begins as a squirmy Producers: Aaron L. Gilbert, Pamela Koffler, David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon dinner-party-gone-wrong comedy and Screenplay: Mike White expands into something much more Photography: Wyatt Garfield Editor: Jay Deuby soulful and timely. Music: Mark Mothersbaugh Salma Hayek plays Beatriz, a With: Salma Hayek, John Lithgow, Connie Britton, Jay Duplass, Amy Landecker, Chloë Sevigny, Mexican-American holistic healer invited David Warshofsky, John Early to stay on for dinner by her wealthy Festivals: Sundance 2017 client and avowed friend Cathy (Connie CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc Britton). She finds herself breaking bread with Cathy’s husband’s business partners and their wives. The alpha male at the party is billionaire developer Doug Strutt (John Lithgow, playing against the obvious Trump connotations with a chilling assurance). As the cocktails multiply and the one percent rejoice in world domination, the earnest Beatriz enunciates an alternative view. “Arteta deftly portrays the cocoon This might be the best performance of wealth and the shamelessness of Salma Hayek has ever given, her quiet, “Dark, hopelessly humane those who seek it at all costs: Doug observant reserve eventually giving Beatriz at Dinner is can say whatever he wants, because way to bewilderment and resolve. he’s surrounded by sycophants and And her inner turmoil is a powerfully the perfect film for the others who feed on his money and relevant one: How does a person Trump era… Salma power. Beatriz, we sense, has been committed to healing – to being Hayek is remarkable.” let in on a gathering that people like principled, empathetic, and good – her are not supposed to see. That’s a handle first contact with the devils — Richard Lawson, Vanity Fair A PAR Sat 29 Jul, 6.30 pm pretty simple set-up, but Arteta and who think nothing of destroying our B PAR Fri 4 Aug, 12.00 pm screenwriter Mike White find nuance world?” — Bilge Ebiri, Village Voice A PH Mon 7 Aug, 8.15 pm in the conflict… B PH Tue 8 Aug, 4.30 pm

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The Beguiled

Sofia Coppola was crowned Best Director at Cannes this year for arguably her best film to date: a crisp, Director: Sofia Coppola unsettling, absolutely essential remake USA 2017 | 94 mins Producers: Youree Henley, Sofia Coppola of Don Siegel’s 1971 oddity starring Screenplay: Sofia Coppola. Based on the novel Clint Eastwood. Everything about this by Thomas Cullinan and the screenplay by Albert Maltz, Grimes Grice new interpretation beguiles, from its Photography: Philippe Le Sourd exciting cast of fresh and familiar faces, Editor: Sarah Flack to its unexpected jabs of humour, to Music: Phoenix With: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, its almost shocking sense of brevity – Elle Fanning, Oona Laurence, Angourie Rice, though above all else, it is Coppola’s Addison Riecke, Emma Howard, Wayne Pére, Matt Story, Joel Albin gaze that enthrals, placing female Festivals: Cannes (In Competition) 2017 desire and self-preservation at the film’s Best Director, Cannes Film Festival 2017 Censors rating tbc tipping point. — Tim Wong “In Sofia Coppola’s elegantly spare, psychosexual Civil War drama The Beguiled, a wounded Union soldier, Colonel John McBurney (Colin Farrell), is discovered in the surrounding woods of a Virginia all-girls seminary school, circa 1864… The girls and women of them all… Coppola deepens the the property, overseen by headmaster material’s implicit wellsprings of “Coppola’s new take Martha Farnsworth (Nicole Kidman) loneliness and longing, mitigating the burnishes a vision of slowly begin to vie for the attention sexism by diverting the point of view of this enemy from the other side, away from McBurney to the women hard-won female conveniently laid up with a bum leg just he’s attempting to manipulate… autonomy… [and] brings a down the hall from their bedrooms… It’s a magnificently shot movie, dreaminess… and a The Eastwood version was a kinky and often a very funny one, as tense B EMB Tue 8 Aug, 4.00 pm joke of a psychodrama: a retrograde dinners with the stranger from minimalism where before B PH Wed 9 Aug, 4.00 pm curiosity about a gaggle of repressed, the North transform into duels of nightmares had reigned.” A PH Fri 11 Aug, 8.30 pm sheltered Confederate belles being innuendo.” — A.A. Dowd, AV Club A LHP Sat 12 Aug, 6.15 pm — Isabel Stevens, Sight & Sound seduced by the manliest Yankee of A EMB Sat 12 Aug, 8.45 pm

Brigsby Bear Menashe

Director: Joshua Z. Weinstein Director: Dave McCary USA/Israel 2017 USA 2017 | 98 mins 82 mins Screenplay: Kevin Costello, Screenplay: Joshua Z. Weinstein, Kyle Mooney Alex Lipschultz, Musa Syeed With: Kyle Mooney, Greg Kinnear, Photography: Yoni Brook, Matt Walsh, Michaela Watkins, Joshua Z. Weinstein Mark Hamill, Ryan Simpkins, With: Menashe Lustig, Jorge Lendeborg Jr, Claire Danes, Ruben Niborski, Yoel Weisshaus, Jane Adams, Kate Lyn Sheil, Meyer Schwartz Alexa Demie, Andy Samberg Festivals: Sundance, Berlin, Festivals: Sundance, Cannes New Directors/New Films 2016 (Critics’ Week), Sydney 2017 In Yiddish and English, with M sex scenes, offensive language English subtitles & drug use PG cert FEDERICA VALABREGA In this inventive, Gondry-esque comedy, sweet fellowship in extreme fan Joshua Z. Weinstein’s charming own desire builds into a gentle human Saturday Night Live’s earnest goofball culture, and the liberating power of Menashe immerses us in a Hassidic comedy. Kyle Mooney is a man obsessed by sheer silliness with the conviction neighbourhood in Brooklyn, a The director Joshua Z. Weinstein, a the only TV show he’s ever seen, a little- of the true believer. community not given to self-exposure. cinematographer and documentarian known series about a magic bear saving “Brigsby Bear’s strongest asset (well, His film tells the touching story of a making a seamless transition to fiction, the world. after the gobs of in-universe verbiage young widower struggling against the shot Menashe entirely in Yiddish in James (Mooney) has lived in a bunker that come spilling from James’ mouth) Orthodox requirement that his son be Borough Park, Brooklyn. He has an for 25 years. His only contact is with is Kyle Mooney’s extraordinary raised in a household with a mother. eye for the fine-grained textures of his parents (Mark Hamill and Jane performance… To hang around James “In a world apart, the recently everyday life that draw you into this Adams), and his only source of external and soak up some of his positivity widowed Menashe (a wonderful cloistered world and close to Menashe, stimulation is the 80s-style ‘Brigsby (even if it is a little unclear if he knows Menashe Lustig) is anxiously trying to a character partly inspired by Mr Bear Adventures’, delivered weekly what’s going on half the time) is a joy.” get his only child back home to live Lustig’s own life.” — Manohla Dargis, on VHS cassettes. He’s probably the — Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair with him. His family, friends and rabbi NY Times world’s most intense student of the in his tight-knit Orthodox community Brigsby mythos. want Menashe to remarry first, but that When James has to leave his bunker B PAR Fri 28 Jul, 4.15 pm sits uneasily with this quietly stubborn, A TP Mon 31 Jul, 6.15 pm and meet other people, he loses access A PH Tue 1 Aug, 8.00 pm independent soul. As the story opens B TP Thu 3 Aug, 11.45 am to new episodes. The slow-dawning A PAR Fri 4 Aug, 6.30 pm gracefully, Menashe’s struggle to B RX Tue 8 Aug, 1.00 pm A LHP Sat 5 Aug, 6.00 pm solution to this emergency celebrates balance his Orthodox religion and his 46

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CG City Gallery Wellington PAR Paramount EMB Embassy Theatre PB Paramount Bergman ED Embassy Deluxe PH Penthouse Cinema LHP Light House Petone RX Roxy Cinema NT Nga¯ Taonga Sound & Vision TP Soundings Theatre, Te Papa

Friday 28 July A 2.30 pm The Future Perfect (NT) 65 + 17 56 A 4.00 pm Heal the Living (PH) 103 31 A 2.45 pm Stalker (RX) 161 15 A 4.00 pm Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan (TP) 90 85 B 11.15 am I Am Not Your Negro (EMB) 93 69 A 3.00 pm The Teacher (PB) 102 35 A 5.00 pm Bad Genius (PB) 130 65 B 11.30 am Frantz (PH) 114 31 A 3.30 pm The Midwife (PH) 117 32 A 5.15 pm Patti Cake$ (RX) 108 61 B 12.00 pm A Date for Mad Mary (PAR) 82 + 13 36 A 4.15 pm Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song… (PAR) 96 57 A 5.30 pm The Distinguished Citizen (NT) 120 26 B 1.00 pm Kedi (RX) 79 + 7 71 A 4.15 pm Nowhere to Hide (NT) 86 73 A 5.45 pm Rumble… (ED) 102 81 B 1.30 pm The Midwife (EMB) 117 32 A 4.15 pm Unrest (LHP) 97 75 A 5.45 pm That’s Not Me (PAR) 86 62 B 1.45 pm Heal the Living (PH) 103 31 A 5.00 pm Newton (PB) 106 35 A 6.00 pm God’s Own Country (EMB) 105 41 B 2.00 pm Araby (ED) 96 54 A 5.15 pm Loving Pia (ED) 99 59 A 6.00 pm The War Show (TP) 105 74 B 2.00 pm Beuys: Art As a Weapon (NT) 107 76 A 6.00 pm Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (NT) 88 68 A 6.15 pm Blue (PH) 76 76 B 2.15 pm The Desert Bride (PAR) 78 26 A 6.00 pm Frantz (PH) 114 31 A 6.15 pm I Am Not a Witch (LHP) 95 58 B 4.00 pm Marjorie Prime (ED) 98 + 15 60 A 6.15 pm Step (LHP) 83 73 A 7.30 pm Super Dark Times (PB) 102 89 B 4.00 pm The Teacher (PH) 102 35 A 6.30 pm Beatriz at Dinner (PAR) 83 44 A 7.45 pm Maliglutit (Searchers) (NT) 94 29 B 4.15 pm Brigsby Bear (PAR) 98 45 A 7.15 pm Hostages (PB) 104 64 A 7.45 pm Rumble… (ED) 102 81 B 4.15 pm House of Z (EMB) 90 83 A 7.45 pm Napalm (NT) 100 73 A 8.00 pm The Party (PH) 71 42 B 4.15 pm To Stay Alive: A Method (NT) 70 + 15 74 A 7.45 pm Tony Conrad: Completely in… (ED) 96 81 A 8.15 pm Kiki, Love to Love (LHP) 102 + 10 38 B 4.45 pm Multiple Maniacs (PB) 97 87 A 8.00 pm The Lost City of Z (LHP) 141 51 A 8.15 pm Risk (TP) 93 77 A 6.15 pm Kedi (LHP) 79 + 7 71 A 8.15 pm The Merciless (RX) 120 66 A 8.15 pm Take Every Wave… (PAR) 118 66 A 6.15 pm Maliglutit (Searchers) (NT) 94 29 A 8.30 pm Call Me by Your Name (PH) 132 9 A 9.00 pm The Untamed (EMB) 100 + 15 63 B 6.15 pm Minute Bodies: The Intimate… (ED) 54 71 A 8.30 pm Gabriel and the Mountain (PAR) 127 57 A 6.15 pm Step (PH) 83 73 A 9.15 pm Blade of the Immortal (EMB) 141 87 Monday 31 July A 6.30 pm I Am Not a Witch (PAR) 95 58 A 9.15 pm Tragedy Girls (PB) 98 89 B 10.30 am Summer 1993 (EMB) 97 38 A 6.30 pm The Party (EMB) 71 42 B 11.00 am The Workshop (PAR) 114 33 A 7.00 pm Kiki, Love to Love (PB) 102 + 10 38 Sunday 30 July B 11.15 am Ethel & Ernest (PH) 94 + 14 41 A 7.30 pm Loving Pia (ED) 99 59 B 10.30 am Animation for Kids 8+ (EMB) 71 53 B 11.15 am Winnie (TP) 98 79 A 8.00 pm Patti Cake$ (LHP) 108 61 A 11.00 am All Governments Lie… (NT) 92 68 B 12.45 pm Dries (EMB) 90 84 A 8.15 pm 20th Century Women (PH) 119 43 A 11.15 am Austerlitz (ED) 94 69 B 1.00 pm The Summer Is Gone (RX) 110 29 A 8.15 pm Politics, an Instruction Manual (NT) 115 79 B 12.00 pm Dream Empire (TP) 73 70 B 1.30 pm Kobi (PH) 103 18 A 8.15 pm That’s Not Me (RX) 86 62 A 12.15 pm Born in China (PH) 79 52 B 1.30 pm Pop Aye (PAR) 102 41 A 8.15 pm The Square (EMB) 147 7 A 12.15 pm The Farthest (EMB) 121 11 B 1.30 pm The War Show (TP) 105 74 A 8.30 pm The Love Witch (PAR) 120 88 A 1.00 pm Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (RX) 92 77 B 3.00 pm God’s Own Country (EMB) 105 41 A 9.15 pm The Untamed (PB) 100 + 15 63 A 1.00 pm Jasper Jones (PB) 101 27 B 3.45 pm Sami Blood (TP) 110 39 A 1.00 pm Trophy (NT) 108 75 B 3.45 pm The Love Witch (PAR) 120 88 Saturday 29 July A 1.15 pm Hotel Salvation (PAR) 99 35 B 4.00 pm Intent to Destroy… (NT) 115 71 A 11.00 am Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (EMB) 92 77 A 1.15 pm On Body and Soul (ED) 116 61 B 4.15 pm Rumble… (ED) 102 81 A 11.15 am Kedi (PAR) 79 + 7 71 A 1.30 pm Pop Aye (LHP) 102 41 B 4.30 pm Jasper Jones (PB) 101 27 A 11.45 am Manifesto (ED) 94 59 A 1.45 pm Sami Blood (TP) 110 39 B 4.30 pm The Party (PH) 71 42 B 12.00 pm Animation for Kids 4+ (PH) 61 53 A 2.00 pm BIG Time (PH) 93 82 A 6.15 pm BIG Time (PH) 93 82 A 12.30 pm Swallows and Amazons (NT) 97 52 A 3.00 pm A Monster Calls (RX) 109 43 A 6.15 pm I Am Not a Witch (RX) 95 58 A 1.00 pm Blue (RX) 76 76 A 3.00 pm Columbus (PB) 104 56 A 6.15 pm Kedi (LHP) 79 + 7 71 A 1.15 pm Kobi (PAR) 103 18 A 3.00 pm My Year with Helen (EMB) 93 11 A 6.15 pm Menashe (TP) 82 45 ✪ 1.15 pm Top of the Lake… (EMB) 350 + 15 + 45 10 A 3.15 pm The Summer Is Gone (NT) 110 29 A 6.15 pm Mountain (EMB) 74 13 A 1.30 pm Leaning Into the Wind… (PH) 93 85 A 3.30 pm Belle de Jour (PAR) 100 15 A 6.15 pm The Future Perfect (NT) 65 + 17 56 A 1.45 pm Bangkok Nites (ED) 183 54 A 3.30 pm Marjorie Prime (ED) 98 + 15 60 A 6.15 pm The Teacher (PAR) 102 35 A 2.00 pm Ethel & Ernest (LHP) 94 + 14 41 A 3.45 pm 20th Century Women (LHP) 119 43 A 6.30 pm The Nile Hilton Incident (PB) 110 66 48 SCHEDULE

A 6.30 pm The Ornithologist (ED) 118 63 A 6.15 pm Leaning Into the Wind… (PH) 93 85 B 2.15 pm Tony Conrad… (ED) 96 81 A 8.00 pm A Monster Calls (LHP) 109 43 A 6.15 pm New Zealand’s Best 2017 (PAR) 75 25 B 3.45 pm The Workshop (PH) 114 33 A 8.00 pm China’s Van Goghs (NT) 84 83 A 6.15 pm The Summer Is Gone (NT) 110 29 B 4.00 pm A Ghost Story (EMB) 93 55 A 8.15 pm An Insignificant Man (TP) 96 77 A 6.30 pm Bill Frisell: A Portrait (ED) 114 80 B 4.00 pm The Nile Hilton Incident (TP) 110 66 A 8.15 pm I Am Not Your Negro (PH) 93 69 A 6.30 pm Super Dark Times (PB) 102 89 B 4.15 pm Napalm (NT) 100 73 A 8.30 pm Una (PAR) 94 + 16 43 A 8.15 pm Gabriel and the Mountain (LHP) 127 57 B 4.15 pm The Ornithologist (ED) 118 63 A 8.45 pm The Evil Within (PB) 99 86 A 8.15 pm The Workshop (PH) 114 33 B 4.15 pm Tragedy Girls (PB) 98 89 A 8.45 pm Tony Conrad… (ED) 96 81 A 8.15 pm Una (RX) 94 + 16 43 B 4.30 pm I Am Not a Witch (PAR) 95 58 A 9.00 pm A Prayer Before Dawn (EMB) 116 66 A 8.30 pm Hounds of Love (PB) 106 87 A 6.15 pm A Date for Mad Mary (LHP) 82 + 13 36 A 8.30 pm The Lost City of Z (EMB) 141 51 A 6.15 pm Dina (NT) 101 70 Tuesday 1 August A 8.30 pm Trophy (NT) 108 75 A 6.15 pm Lady Macbeth (EMB) 89 59 B 10.30 am Maudie (EMB) 115 27 A 8.45 pm Hostages (PAR) 104 64 A 6.15 pm Summer 1993 (PH) 97 38 B 11.00 am Quest (TP) 105 72 A 8.45 pm Take Every Wave… (ED) 118 66 A 6.15 pm Western (PB) 119 63 B 11.15 am The Midwife (PH) 117 32 A 6.30 pm Brigsby Bear (PAR) 98 45 Thursday 3 August C 12.15 pm Dream Empire (CG) 73 70 A 6.30 pm Marjorie Prime (ED) 98 + 15 60 B 1.00 pm Don’t Tell (RX) 108 27 B 10.30 am Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (EMB) 92 77 A 6.30 pm Quest (TP) 105 72 B 1.00 pm Gabriel and the Mountain (PAR) 127 57 B 11.30 am Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song… (PAR) 96 57 A 8.15 pm Blade of the Immortal (RX) 141 87 B 1.00 pm My Year with Helen (EMB) 93 11 B 11.45 am Menashe (TP) 82 45 A 8.15 pm Mountain (LHP) 74 13 B 1.15 pm An Insignificant Man (TP) 96 77 B 12.30 pm Hotel Salvation (PH) 99 35 A 8.30 pm BPM (Beats Per Minute) (EMB) 144 10 C 1.45 pm A Bastard Child (CG) 57 69 B 12.45 pm The Paris Opera (EMB) 110 81 A 8.30 pm Hostages (PB) 104 64 B 1.45 pm The Desert Bride (PH) 78 26 B 1.00 pm Ethel & Ernest (RX) 94 + 14 41 A 8.30 pm Loveless (PH) 128 12 B 3.30 pm Call Me by Your Name (PH) 132 9 B 1.30 pm New Zealand’s Best 2017 (PAR) 75 25 A 8.30 pm We Don’t Need a Map (NT) 91 75 B 3.45 pm A Monster Calls (PAR) 109 43 B 1.45 pm Whiteley (TP) 94 85 A 8.45 pm Don’t Swallow My Heart… (ED) 108 55 B 3.45 pm Blade of the Immortal (ED) 141 87 B 2.00 pm Politics, an Instruction Manual (PB) 115 79 A 8.45 pm Don’t Tell (TP) 108 27 B 4.00 pm Lady Macbeth (EMB) 89 59 B 2.30 pm Dina (NT) 101 70 A 8.45 pm SECRET SCREENING (PAR) less than 100 88 B 4.00 pm Maliglutit (Searchers) (TP) 94 29 B 2.30 pm La Chana (PH) 83 82 B 4.30 pm Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (NT) 88 68 B 2.45 pm Bangkok Nites (ED) 183 54 Saturday 5 August B 4.30 pm The Wound (PB) 88 + 19 67 B 3.15 pm The Square (EMB) 147 7 A 11.00 am Born in China (EMB) 79 52 A 6.15 pm Blue (PH) 76 76 B 3.45 pm Patti Cake$ (PAR) 108 61 A 11.00 am Manifesto (PAR) 94 59 A 6.15 pm Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (LHP) 92 77 B 3.45 pm The Venerable W. (TP) 107 75 A 11.45 am Politics, an Instruction Manual (NT) 115 79 A 6.15 pm Claire’s Camera (TP) 69 37 B 4.15 pm I Am Not Your Negro (PH) 93 69 A 12.15 pm My Life As a… (Subtitled) (PH) 66 + 15 60 A 6.15 pm In Times of Fading Light (EMB) 102 34 B 4.15 pm My Friend Dahmer (PB) 108 89 A 1.00 pm Animation NOW! 2017 (RX) 85 51 A 6.15 pm Starless Dreams (NT) 76 74 B 4.30 pm The Future Perfect (NT) 65 + 17 56 A 1.00 pm Maudie (EMB) 115 27 A 6.15 pm Step (RX) 83 73 A 6.15 pm A Date for Mad Mary (PH) 82 + 13 36 A 1.00 pm On Body and Soul (PAR) 116 61 A 6.15 pm The Inland Road (PAR) 80 20 A 6.15 pm Dealt (PAR) 85 70 A 1.00 pm The Midwife (LHP) 117 32 A 6.30 pm BANG! The Bert Berns Story (ED) 96 80 A 6.15 pm Jasper Jones (LHP) 101 27 A 1.45 pm Austerlitz (ED) 94 69 A 6.45 pm Columbus (PB) 104 56 A 6.15 pm No Ordinary Sheila (TP) 98 20 A 2.00 pm House of Z (PH) 90 83 A 7.45 pm What Lies That Way (TP) 89 21 A 6.15 pm Rumble… (ED) 102 81 A 2.00 pm Where There Is Life (NT) 80 21 A 8.00 pm Brigsby Bear (PH) 98 45 A 6.15 pm To Stay Alive: A Method (NT) 70 + 15 74 A 2.45 pm Maliglutit (Searchers) (RX) 94 29 A 8.00 pm The Distinguished Citizen (NT) 120 26 A 6.30 pm My Life As a… (Dubbed) (EMB) 66 + 15 60 A 3.15 pm Kobi (LHP) 103 18 A 8.15 pm The Teacher (LHP) 102 35 A 6.30 pm The Untamed (PB) 100 + 15 63 A 3.30 pm Félicité (PAR) 123 39 A 8.30 pm Take Every Wave… (ED) 118 66 A 8.15 pm A Fantastic Woman (PH) 105 29 A 3.30 pm Stalker (EMB) 161 15 A 8.45 pm A Ghost Story (EMB) 93 55 A 8.15 pm Belle de Jour (RX) 100 15 A 3.45 pm Bill Frisell: A Portrait (ED) 114 80 A 8.45 pm My Friend Dahmer (PAR) 108 89 A 8.15 pm Lady Macbeth (LHP) 89 59 A 4.00 pm In Times of Fading Light (PH) 102 34 A 9.00 pm Wùlu (PB) 95 67 A 8.15 pm Napalm (NT) 100 73 A 4.30 pm China’s Van Goghs (NT) 84 83 A 8.30 pm The Ornithologist (ED) 118 63 A 6.00 pm Brigsby Bear (LHP) 98 45 Wednesday 2 August A 8.45 pm Hounds of Love (PB) 106 87 A 6.00 pm Marjorie Prime (ED) 98 + 15 60 A 8.45 pm Spookers (EMB) 83 23 B 11.00 am The Inland Road (PAR) 80 20 A 6.15 pm Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (PH) 92 77 A 9.00 pm Maliglutit (Searchers) (TP) 94 29 B 11.15 am 20th Century Women (PH) 119 43 A 6.15 pm Kiki, Love to Love (PAR) 102 + 10 38 A 9.00 pm Wind River (PAR) 111 67 B 11.15 am Frantz (EMB) 114 31 A 6.30 pm Yourself and Yours (NT) 86 37 C 12.15 pm Michael Smither… (CG) 41 20 Friday 4 August A 7.00 pm Faces Places (EMB) 89 7 B 1.00 pm House of Z (RX) 90 83 A 7.00 pm Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts (PB) 93 64 B 1.30 pm BIG Time (ED) 93 82 B 10.45 am Kedi (EMB) 79 + 7 71 A 8.00 pm Wind River (LHP) 111 67 C 1.30 pm Michael Smither… (CG) 41 20 B 11.30 am Claire’s Camera (TP) 69 37 A 8.15 pm Dark Night (ED) 85 86 B 1.30 pm Newton (PAR) 106 35 B 11.30 am Newton (PB) 106 35 A 8.15 pm Hotel Salvation (PH) 99 35 B 1.45 pm Pop Aye (PH) 102 41 B 11.45 am Summer 1993 (PH) 97 38 A 8.15 pm Lady Macbeth (RX) 89 59 B 2.00 pm The Other Side of Hope (EMB) 98 13 B 12.00 pm Beatriz at Dinner (PAR) 83 44 A 8.15 pm The Distinguished Citizen (NT) 120 26 B 2.00 pm Trophy (NT) 108 75 B 12.00 pm Risk (NT) 93 77 A 8.45 pm Berlin Syndrome (PAR) 117 65 B 2.00 pm Unrest (PB) 97 75 C 12.15 pm A Bastard Child (CG) 57 69 A 9.00 pm Multiple Maniacs (PB) 97 87 B 3.30 pm Stalker (ED) 161 15 B 1.00 pm Call Me by Your Name (EMB) 132 9 A 9.15 pm The Killing of a Sacred Deer (EMB) 109 12 B 3.45 pm A Prayer Before Dawn (PAR) 116 66 B 1.00 pm The Desert Bride (RX) 78 26 B 4.00 pm A Fantastic Woman (PH) 105 29 B 1.15 pm Kobi (TP) 103 18 Sunday 6 August B 4.00 pm Kiki, Love to Love (PB) 102 + 10 38 C 1.30 pm Everyone Knows… Elizabeth Murray (CG) 60 83 B 4.15 pm Mountain (EMB) 74 13 B 1.45 pm House of Z (PH) 90 83 A 11.15 am BIG Time (EMB) 93 82 B 4.15 pm We Don’t Need a Map (NT) 91 75 B 1.45 pm Western (PB) 119 63 A 11.30 am Intent to Destroy… (NT) 115 71 A 6.15 pm Final Portrait (LHP) 90 84 B 2.00 pm Dealt (PAR) 85 70 A 12.00 pm We Don’t Need a Map (PAR) 91 75 A 6.15 pm I Am Not Your Negro (EMB) 93 69 B 2.00 pm The Distinguished Citizen (NT) 120 26 A 1.00 pm To Stay Alive: A Method (RX) 70 + 15 74 SCHEDULE 49

MOUNTAIN

B 1.15 pm Minute Bodies… (ED) 54 71 B 3.00 pm The Lost City of Z (EMB) 141 51 A 6.30 pm Hounds of Love (PB) 106 87 A 1.30 pm Blue (EMB) 76 76 B 4.00 pm The Wound (PAR) 88 + 19 67 A 8.00 pm It Comes at Night (LHP) 92 65 A 1.45 pm Dina (NT) 101 70 B 4.15 pm Bill Frisell: A Portrait (ED) 114 80 A 8.15 pm Loveless (RX) 128 12 A 1.45 pm Swallows and Amazons (PH) 97 52 B 4.15 pm In Times of Fading Light (PH) 102 34 A 8.30 pm 6 Days (EMB) 95 17 A 2.00 pm Born in China (LHP) 79 52 B 4.15 pm The Evil Within (PB) 99 86 A 8.30 pm All Governments Lie… (NT) 92 68 A 2.00 pm Final Portrait (PAR) 90 84 B 4.15 pm The War Show (NT) 105 74 A 8.30 pm Mountain (PH) 74 13 A 2.30 pm Bangkok Nites (ED) 183 54 A 6.15 pm Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (NT) 88 68 A 8.30 pm Wùlu (PAR) 95 67 A 2.45 pm The Farthest (RX) 121 11 A 6.15 pm BIG Time (RX) 93 82 A 8.45 pm BANG! The Bert Berns Story (ED) 96 80 A 3.30 pm 20th Century Women (EMB) 119 43 A 6.15 pm Dries (EMB) 90 84 A 8.45 pm Hounds of Love (PB) 106 87 A 3.30 pm Jasper Jones (PB) 101 27 A 6.15 pm The Desert Bride (LHP) 78 26 A 3.45 pm China’s Van Goghs (NT) 84 83 A 6.15 pm The Workshop (PAR) 114 33 Wednesday 9 August A 3.45 pm Kedi (PH) 79 + 7 71 A 6.30 pm La Chana (PH) 83 82 B 11.00 am Hotel Salvation (PAR) 99 35 A 3.45 pm Maudie (LHP) 115 27 B 6.30 pm Minute Bodies… (ED) 54 71 B 11.30 am Faces Places (PH) 89 7 A 4.00 pm Heal the Living (PAR) 103 31 A 6.30 pm Politics, an Instruction Manual (PB) 115 79 B 11.30 am Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan (TP) 90 85 ◆ 4.00 pm WFS Film Quiz (EMB, Blondini’s) 90 90 A 7.45 pm Beach Rats (ED) 95 55 B 12.30 pm Loveless (EMB) 128 12 A 5.15 pm Gabriel and the Mountain (RX) 127 57 A 8.00 pm A Ghost Story (LHP) 93 55 B 1.00 pm The Midwife (RX) 117 32 A 5.30 pm Quest (NT) 105 72 A 8.00 pm Animation NOW! 2017 (NT) 85 51 B 1.15 pm 6 Days (PAR) 95 17 A 5.45 pm Jasper Jones (PB) 101 27 A 8.15 pm Beatriz at Dinner (PH) 83 44 B 1.30 pm A Woman’s Life (PH) 119 33 A 5.45 pm The Paris Opera (PH) 110 81 A 8.30 pm A Gentle Creature (EMB) 143 37 B 1.30 pm Don’t Tell (TP) 108 27 A 6.00 pm I Am Not Your Negro (LHP) 93 69 A 8.45 pm It Comes at Night (PAR) 92 65 B 2.15 pm Starless Dreams (NT) 76 74 A 6.00 pm Rumble… (ED) 102 81 A 9.00 pm Una (PB) 94 + 16 43 B 3.15 pm BPM (Beats Per Minute) (EMB) 144 10 A 6.15 pm A Date for Mad Mary (PAR) 82 + 13 36 A 6.15 pm The Other Side of Hope (EMB) 98 13 Tuesday 8 August B 3.45 pm Berlin Syndrome (PAR) 117 65 B 3.45 pm Félicité (TP) 123 39 A 7.30 pm Trophy (NT) 108 75 B 10.45 am 20th Century Women (EMB) 119 43 B 4.00 pm Quest (NT) 105 72 A 8.00 pm Mountain (PH) 74 13 B 12.15 pm Kedi (PH) 79 + 7 71 B 4.00 pm The Beguiled (PH) 94 45 A 8.00 pm Super Dark Times (PB) 102 89 C 12.15 pm Minute Bodies… (CG) 54 71 B 4.15 pm The Untamed (PB) 100 + 15 63 A 8.00 pm Take Every Wave… (LHP) 118 66 B 1.00 pm Menashe (RX) 82 45 B 4.30 pm Manifesto (ED) 94 59 A 8.00 pm The Free Man (ED) 84 17 B 1.00 pm No Ordinary Sheila (PAR) 98 20 A 6.00 pm Maudie (PH) 115 27 A 8.30 pm The Merciless (EMB) 120 66 B 1.30 pm Happy End (EMB) 110 31 A 6.15 pm Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (NT) 88 68 A 8.30 pm The Wound (PAR) 88 + 19 67 C 1.30 pm Not Just Another Mountain (CG) 31 + 12 21 B 2.00 pm China’s Van Goghs (NT) 84 83 A 6.15 pm Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web (PAR) 112 19 Monday 7 August B 2.00 pm Maudie (PH) 115 27 A 6.15 pm No Ordinary Sheila (LHP) 98 20 B 10.30 am My Life As a… (Dubbed) (EMB) 66 + 15 60 B 2.45 pm That’s Not Me (PB) 86 62 A 6.15 pm Whiteley (TP) 94 85 B 11.30 am Belle de Jour (PAR) 100 15 B 3.45 pm The Young Karl Marx (PAR) 118 79 A 6.30 pm Frantz (EMB) 114 31 B 12.00 pm Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan (PH) 90 85 B 3.45 pm What Lies That Way (NT) 89 21 A 6.30 pm Unrest (PB) 97 75 C 12.15 pm A Bastard Child (CG) 57 69 B 4.00 pm The Beguiled (EMB) 94 45 A 6.45 pm BANG! The Bert Berns Story (ED) 96 80 B 12.30 pm A Fantastic Woman (EMB) 105 29 B 4.15 pm Take Every Wave… (ED) 118 66 A 8.00 pm The War Show (NT) 105 74 B 12.45 pm BIG Time (ED) 93 82 B 4.30 pm Beatriz at Dinner (PH) 83 44 A 8.15 pm Rumble… (RX) 102 81 B 1.00 pm Winnie (RX) 98 79 B 4.30 pm Hostages (PB) 104 64 A 8.30 pm 100 Men (TP) 94 16 C 1.30 pm Everyone Knows… Elizabeth Murray (CG) 60 83 A 6.15 pm Let the Sunshine In (EMB) 94 32 A 8.30 pm That’s Not Me (PH) 86 62 B 1.45 pm The Teacher (PAR) 102 35 A 6.15 pm My Life As a… (Dubbed) (LHP) 66 + 15 60 A 8.30 pm Wùlu (PB) 95 67 B 2.00 pm Pop Aye (PH) 102 41 A 6.15 pm Pop Aye (PAR) 102 41 A 8.45 pm Araby (ED) 96 54 B 2.00 pm The Summer Is Gone (NT) 110 29 A 6.15 pm Where There Is Life (NT) 80 21 A 8.45 pm The Free Man (LHP) 84 17 B 2.00 pm Una (PB) 94 + 16 43 A 6.30 pm Beach Rats (ED) 95 55 A 9.15 pm Swagger of Thieves (EMB) 110 22 B 2.30 pm Blue (ED) 76 76 A 6.30 pm Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (PH) 92 77 A 9.30 pm The Evil Within (PAR) 99 86 50 SCHEDULE

Thursday 10 August A 1.15 pm Leaning Into the Wind… (EMB) 93 85 A 1.30 pm TEAM TIBET… (TP) 160 22 B 11.00 am Heal the Living (PAR) 103 31 A 1.45 pm A Monster Calls (PAR) 109 43 B 11.15 am Dries (PH) 90 84 IT AIN’T A 1.45 pm A Woman’s Life (PH) 119 33 B 12.00 pm Faces Places (EMB) 89 7 A 2.00 pm Beuys: Art As a Weapon (NT) 107 76 C 12.15 pm Everyone Knows… Elizabeth Murray (CG) 60 83 A 2.15 pm Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web (LHP) 112 19 B 1.00 pm Let the Sunshine In (RX) 94 32 OVER A 3.30 pm The Midwife (EMB) 117 32 B 1.15 pm Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web (PAR) 112 19 A 4.00 pm Western (PAR) 119 63 B 1.15 pm Loveless (PH) 128 12 A 4.15 pm Intent to Destroy… (NT) 115 71 B 1.30 pm 100 Men (NT) 94 16 YET… A 4.15 pm Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan (PH) 90 85 C 1.30 pm Dream Empire (CG) 73 70 A 4.30 pm Blue (LHP) 76 76 B 2.15 pm The Party (EMB) 71 42 Because capacity is limited at A 5.00 pm I Am Not Your Negro (RX) 93 69 B 3.45 pm On Body and Soul (ED) 116 61 A 5.30 pm Bill Direen: A Memory of Others (TP) 87 16 many of our venues, we have B 4.15 pm All Governments Lie… (NT) 92 68 A 6.15 pm Faces Places (PH) 89 7 B 4.15 pm Good Time (EMB) 100 9 pencil-booked screen time within A 6.15 pm Happy End (EMB) 110 31 B 4.15 pm It Comes at Night (PAR) 92 65 A 6.15 pm Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song… (PB) 96 57 the NZIFF period and during A 6.15 pm Dealt (LHP) 85 70 A 6.15 pm The Beguiled (LHP) 94 45 A 6.15 pm Dina (NT) 101 70 the following week to add new A 6.30 pm Animation NOW! 2017 (NT) 85 51 A 6.15 pm Don’t Swallow My Heart… (ED) 108 55 A 6.30 pm Manifesto (ED) 94 59 sessions of popular films. A 6.15 pm Final Portrait (PH) 90 84 A 6.30 pm Waru (PAR) 88 23 A 6.15 pm The Young Karl Marx (PAR) 118 79 A 7.00 pm A Date for Mad Mary (RX) 82 + 13 36 Sign up for our daily emails or A 6.30 pm Step (EMB) 83 73 A 8.15 pm 6 Days (LHP) 95 17 A 8.00 pm Swagger of Thieves (LHP) 110 22 watch for signage at the venues A 8.15 pm The Lost City of Z (PH) 141 51 A 8.15 pm Gabriel and the Mountain (PH) 127 57 A 8.15 pm The Nile Hilton Incident (TP) 110 66 as new screenings are posted. A 8.15 pm Nowhere to Hide (NT) 86 73 A 8.15 pm The Wound (PB) 88 + 19 67 A 8.15 pm The Killing of a Sacred Deer (RX) 109 12 All will be on sale through the A 8.15 pm Yourself and Yours (NT) 86 37 A 8.30 pm Human Traces (EMB) 87 19 A 8.30 pm The Free Man (ED) 84 17 normal channels. A 8.45 pm Dark Night (ED) 85 86 A 8.45 pm The Beguiled (EMB) 94 45 A 8.45 pm Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts (PAR) 93 64 A 9.00 pm Spookers (RX) 83 23 A 9.00 pm Multiple Maniacs (PB) 97 87 A 9.15 pm Tragedy Girls (PAR) 98 89 Please note: for contractual reasons Friday 11 August not every film that sells out is Sunday 13 August guaranteed added sessions. B 10.30 am The Farthest (EMB) 121 11 A 11.00 am Winnie (TP) 98 79 B 12.00 pm Columbus (PAR) 104 56 B 11.15 am Animation for Kids 4+ (EMB) 61 53 C 12.15 pm Not Just Another Mountain (CG) 31 + 12 21 A 12.00 pm Beuys: Art As a Weapon (PAR) 107 76 B 1.00 pm Faces Places (RX) 89 7 A 1.00 pm Born in China (RX) 79 52 B 1.15 pm A Woman’s Life (EMB) 119 33 A 1.00 pm House of Z (EMB) 90 83 C 1.30 pm Dream Empire (CG) 73 70 A 1.15 pm A Woman’s Life (PH) 119 33 B 2.00 pm One Island of Good (NT) 85 21 A 1.15 pm Araby (ED) 96 54 B 2.00 pm Unrest (PH) 97 75 A 1.15 pm Ngaˉ Whanaunga… 2017 (TP) 91 25 B 2.15 pm Final Portrait (PAR) 90 84 A 1.15 pm Where There Is Life (LHP) 80 21 B 3.45 pm The Killing of a Sacred Deer (EMB) 109 12 A 2.15 pm Ethel & Ernest (PAR) 94 + 14 41 B 4.15 pm Wind River (PAR) 111 67 A 2.15 pm Nowhere to Hide (NT) 86 73 B 4.30 pm Nowhere to Hide (NT) 86 73 A 2.45 pm BANG! The Bert Berns Story (RX) 96 80 B 4.30 pm The Free Man (ED) 84 17 A 3.15 pm Loveless (EMB) 128 12 A 6.15 pm Araby (ED) 96 54 A 3.30 pm Bill Direen: A Memory of Others (ED) 87 16 A 6.15 pm La Chana (LHP) 83 82 A 3.30 pm The Farthest (LHP) 121 11 A 6.15 pm One Island of Good (NT) 85 21 A 3.45 pm Dries (PH) 90 84 A 6.15 pm The Other Side of Hope (PH) 98 13 A 4.00 pm Free Theatre (TP) 76 17 A 6.30 pm A Fantastic Woman (EMB) 105 29 A 4.00 pm The Summer Is Gone (NT) 110 29 A 6.30 pm Newton (PAR) 106 35 A 4.30 pm The Desert Bride (PAR) 78 26 A 6.45 pm My Friend Dahmer (PB) 108 89 A 4.45 pm 20th Century Women (RX) 119 43 A 8.00 pm Blade of the Immortal (LHP) 141 87 A 5.45 pm The Other Side of Hope (PH) 98 13 A 8.15 pm Human Traces (RX) 87 19 A 6.00 pm Summer 1993 (LHP) 97 38 A 8.30 pm The Beguiled (PH) 94 45 A 6.15 pm Call Me by Your Name (EMB) 132 9 A 8.30 pm Tony Conrad… (ED) 96 81 A 6.15 pm Columbus (PAR) 104 56 A 8.45 pm Bad Genius (PAR) 130 65 A 6.15 pm La Chana (TP) 83 82 A 8.45 pm Risk (NT) 93 77 A 8.00 pm Bill Frisell: A Portrait (PH) 114 80 A 9.00 pm Multiple Maniacs (PB) 97 87 A 8.00 pm Good Time (LHP) 100 9 A 9.00 pm Patti Cake$ (EMB) 108 61 A 8.15 pm The Venerable W. (TP) 107 75 A 9.15 pm Good Time (EMB) 100 9 Saturday 12 August

A 11.00 am Summer 1993 (EMB) 97 39 A 11.15 am Swallows and Amazons (TP) 97 52 A 11.45 am Unrest (PAR) 97 75 B 12.00 pm Animation for Kids 8+ (PH) 71 53 A 12.15 pm To Stay Alive: A Method (NT) 70 + 15 74 USA WORLD 51

The Lost City of Z

In the early 20th century British explorer Director: James Gray Percy Fawcett made eight expeditions USA 2016 | 141 mins into the Amazonian jungle pursuing Producers: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Anthony Katagas, James Gray, Dale Armin Johnson evidence of a lost, highly evolved Screenplay: James Gray. Based on the book by civilisation. James Gray’s spectacular David Grann Photography: Darius Khondji film collapses those expeditions into Editors: John Axelrad, Lee Haugen a tidier history, but the enquiring Music: Christopher Spelman With: Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, spirit of the movie holds closely to the Sienna Miller, Tom Holland, Edward Ashley, wanderlust of the incurable adventurer. Angus Macfadyen, Ian McDiarmid, Clive Francis, Pedro Coello, Matthew Sunderland, It’s hard to think of another film on Johann Myers, Franco Nero such epic scale that contains so careful Festivals: New York 2016; Berlin, San Francisco 2017 and nuanced a portrait of the explorer In English, Spanish, Portuguese and German, hero or his conflicted relationship with with English subtitles 4K DCP | CinemaScope | M violence & offensive the society that he, in name at least, language represents. Charlie Hunnam’s Fawcett is a commanding slow burn from class resentment to mystic quest, with Robert Pattinson barely recognisable as his companion in adventure. Sienna Miller makes a powerful impression as the wife chafing to join him but forever protagonist that avoids the clichés of left behind. The cinematography, by the genre. It feels like a work of classic “Pictures with the grand Darius Khondji (Se7en, Delicatessen), Hollywood cinema, but without the sweep and dreamy energy captures the seductive allure of jungle arch, mannered quality that can come and river in ravishing imagery fit only with a contemporary director trying to of The Lost City of Z don’t for the giant screen. harken back to the past. Gray’s film is come along every year “The Lost City of Z is a miraculous beguiling and poetic, capable of gluing – they barely come along movie, at once moving, intimidating, you to the screen for every second of its and gorgeous to behold. It’s a tale languorous running time and lingering at all.” A LHP Sat 29 Jul, 8.00 pm of colonial exploration that’s aware in the brain for weeks after.” — David — Stephanie Zacharek, Time A EMB Wed 2 Aug, 8.30 pm of the sins of the past, and a portrait Sims, The Atlantic B EMB Mon 7 Aug, 3.00 pm A PH Sat 12 Aug, 8.15 pm of a driven, obsessive, flawed male

PRESENTED WITH Animation NOW! 2017 SUPPORT FROM 85 mins approx. | Censors rating tbc

Our longstanding animation Double King À perdre haleine Waiting for the New Year programmer Malcolm Turner, also Australia 2017 | Director: Felix Colgrave | 9 mins France 2016 | Director: Lea Krowczyk | 4 mins Latvia 2016 | Director: Vladimir Leschiov | 8 mins head honcho at the Melbourne Ah, the quest for power in all its crazy, Sometimes you just have to let the The passage of seasons is the simplest International Animation Festival, offers twisted, warped and comically gory music take you over. of all things, but is lived differently by a selection of the brightest and best forms. different people. from this year’s Animation NOW! I Want Pluto to be a Festival – in 2017 supported Beer Planet Again Before Love by Victoria University Wellington, | | | | Italy 2016 Director: NERDO 2 mins France 2016 | Directors: Marie Amachoukeli, Vladimir Russia 2016 Director: Igor Kovalyov 19 mins School of Design. Charles Bukowski’s roiling, volcanic Mavounia-Kouka | 12 mins Love leads us down many false paths Rising stars, including New Zealand’s thoughts writ loud on one of his On the beautiful complexities of and this drama knows them all. own, jostle with longstanding masters; favourite subjects. rebuilding and the uncertain joys of the playful with the profound. Here admiring from afar. are flights of cinematic magic of an Satie’s “Parade” individuality that only animators can Japan 2016 | Director: Yamamura Koji | 14 mins Fire in Cardboard City bring to the screen – delivering a An animated re-creation of a realist New Zealand 2017 | Director: Phil Brough | 8 mins cornucopia of creative excitement to ballet, fuelled by extracts from Satie Fighting a fire in Cardboard City is reward any moviegoer. essays. always going to be challenging. If you’re looking to sample the international animation ecosystem Primal Flux Scratchy in all of its multi-coloured, variously USA 2016 | Director: Joan C. Gratz | 3 mins Canada 2017 | Director: Marv Newland | 3 mins shaped glories, there’s no better place Gratz gently plunges us into a visceral Everywhere you go, everything you to begin. realm of constantly morphing three- do, everybody you meet – everything’s dimensional clay. scratchy.

A RX Sat 5 Aug, 1.00 pm A NT Mon 7 Aug, 8.00 pm A NT Sat 12 Aug, 6.30 pm

À PERDRE HALEINE PRIMAL FLUX I WANT PLUTO TO BE A PLANET AGAIN 52

Born in China ALL AGES ALL FOR Director: Lu Chuan USA/China 2016 79 mins Producers: Phil Chapman, Roy Conli, Brian Leith Screenplay: David Fowler, Brian Leith, Phil Chapman, Lu Chuan Photography: Irmin Kerck, Justin Maguire, Shane Moore, Rolf Steinmann, Paul Stewart Editor: Matthew Meech Music: Barnaby Taylor Narrator: John Krasinski Festivals: San Francisco 2017

The visual splendour of the natural of the harshest and most unforgiving world and its extraordinary creatures is environments on the planet. captured on a grand scale in this true- The footage captured on this life adventure from Disneynature – ideal epic journey into the wilds of China for young animal lovers. is breathtaking for its access and In an epic tale of four seasons, we intimacy – presented as an opportunity follow some of the animal families that for young audiences to relate the populate various corners of China’s natural world to their own lives, and to expansive terrain. Meet Ya Ya, a panda contemplate the mysteries of the circle bear mother guiding her growing of life. — Nicola Marshall baby Mei Mei as she begins to explore Note: Animal survival depicted. Some and seek independence; Tao Tao, scenes may be upsetting for very young a mischievous two-year-old golden children. snub-nosed monkey nudged toward self-sufficiency after the arrival of his new baby sister; and Dawa, a mother A PH Sun 30 Jul, 12.15 pm snow leopard – an elusive animal rarely A EMB Sat 5 Aug, 11.00 am caught on camera – facing the very real A LHP Sun 6 Aug, 2.00 pm A RX Sun 13 Aug, 1.00 pm drama of raising her two cubs in one

Swallows and Amazons

Director: Philippa Lowthorpe UK 2016 | 97 mins Producers: Nicholas Barton, Nick O’Hagan, Joe Oppenheimer Screenplay: Andrea Gibb. Based on the novel by Arthur Ransome Photography: Julian Court Editor: David Thrasher Music: Ilan Eshkeri With: Rafe Spall, Andrew Scott, Kelly Macdonald, Dane Hughes, Orla Hill, Teddie-Rose Malleson-Allen, Bobby McCulloch Recommended for ages 9+ PG low level violence

“The four Walker children have finally “Arthur Ransome’s classic pre-war Features selected by Nic Marshall of Square convinced their parents to let them tale of childhood adventure Swallows Eyes Film New Zealand Film Foundation, set off on their own for a sailing and Amazons still evokes a golden, adventure during summer vacation. prelapsarian age when kids were free ardent promoters of international cinema Their summer of freedom quickly turns range and mucking about in boats to our youngest audiences and their movie- into a fierce turf war when they learn was the acme of excitement… Director their island camp has been claimed Philippa Lowthorpe and screenwriter going companions. The animated short film by the boisterous Amazons, and find Andrea Gibb have tweaked one or programmes are lovingly curated by Nic with themselves caught in the midst of two details of Ransome’s original. some nefarious international intrigue And they’ve added an extra dash of a little assistance from our Animation NOW! that’s landed in their sleepy byways. derring-do. But at heart their film is as maestro Malcolm Turner. Based on the beloved English novels cosily nostalgic as the cherished 1974 by Arthur Ransome, Swallows and version.” — Jason Best, Movie Talk See also: My Life As a Courgette (p60). Amazons is filled with dramas big and small… that come together to create a fluidly captivating story of bravery A NT Sat 29 Jul, 12.30 pm set against the languorous beauty of A PH Sun 6 Aug, 1.45 pm the English countryside.” — New York A TP Sat 12 Aug, 11.15 am International Children’s Film Festival FOR ALL AGES 53

Animation for Kids 4+ 61 mins approx. | Censors rating tbc

We’ve searched all around the world Eagle Blue Awesome Beetle’s Fruit of Clouds and back again to shape this eclectic UK 2016 | Director: Will Rose | 4 mins Czech Republic 2017 | Director: Katerˇina Karhánková collection of imaginative and engaging Colours 11 mins Eagle Blue soars high above the Latvia 2016 | Director: Indra Sprog´e | 3 mins animated short films – terrific viewing mountaintop – but she must swoop A charming tuft makes a great for both the very youngest of filmgoers A nearly impossible story, supported down to the town below and provide discovery through overcoming its fear and animation admiring grown-ups. by a catchy melody, guides us through a proper meal for her hungry kids. of the unknown. There’s only space here to list some the alphabet. highlights. For the full programme Tiger Spider Web The Sled listing go to nziff.co.nz — NM | | Germany 2015 | Director: Kariem Saleh | 4 mins Russia 2016 Director: Natalia Chernysheva 4 mins Russia 2016 | Director: Olesya Shchukina | 4 mins A tiny tiger, happy but hungry, sneakily Anyone can get caught in a sticky In the middle of deepest, snowiest satisfies an endless appetite. situation, but sometimes working winter, a squirrel finds something he The Cage together can make things a whole has never seen before. Big Box Singsong: Bears France 2016 | Director: Loïc Bruyere | 6 mins load easier. Canada 2016 | Directors: Warren Brown, Adam Stone Soup Goddard | 2 mins When a bear and his bird pals find the The Pocket Man right rhythm, teamwork equals sweet France 2015 | Director: Clémentine Robach | 7 mins Let’s hear it for the Bears! Georgia/Switzerland/France 2016 | Director: Ana freedom. Chubinidze | 8 mins Times are tough in one little town: first no food, now no electricity. Mr Night Has A Day Off When he makes a new friend, the A Hole Eventually, the transformative power Lithuania 2016 | Director: Ignas Meilunas | 2 mins pocket man realises that acts of Mexico 2016 | Director: Maribel Suárez | 4 mins of community nourishes all in the best kindness come in all shapes and sizes. What will Mr Night do on his day off? A small girl befriends a hole in her ways possible. Wander through the daylight and garden, discovering that patience and a create mischief, of course. helping hand can make a big difference when you want something to grow.

B PH Sat 29 Jul, 12.00 pm B EMB Sun 13 Aug, 11.15 am

AWESOME BEETLE’S COLOURS A HOLE TIGER

Animation for Kids 8+ 71 mins approx. | Censors rating tbc

Hold tight for a showcase of brilliant Welcome to My Life Nino & Felix Water Path For a Fish animated short films – curated for the USA 2015 | Director: Elizabeth Ito | 9 mins Italy 2015 | Directors: Marta Palazzo, Lorenzo Latrofa Spain 2016 | Director: Mercedes Marro | 8 mins curious. Whether you’re an inquisitive 8 mins A glimpse into a day in the life of Oscar rescues a goldfish from the kid or long-time animation fan, there’s Douglas, aka T-Kesh – just your Two boys, who are not particularly clutches of hungry cats but, with the most certainly something for you. average Monster-American teenager. thrilled at being brought together, clash drought, has trouble caring for it. When There’s only space here to list some out their differences to find the ways in the water returns, the trouble becomes highlights. For the full programme 1 Minute Nature: which they are more alike than not. keeping track of his new fishy friend. listing go to nziff.co.nz — NM Jellyfish Weather Little Mouse Netherlands 2016 | Directors: Stefanie Visjager, G-AAAH Hungary 2016 | Director: Ervin B. Nagy | 7 mins Katinka Baehr | 1 min UK 2016 | Director: Elizabeth Hobbs | 1 min Outdoor Cinema The sea is full of colour and ‘Little Mouse’ is a hugely talented Typographical flights of fancy tell the Russia/Australia 2014 | Director: Tatiana Poliektova, underwater mystery in one boy’s true swimmer who earned a spot at the true story of typist-turned-aviator Amy Filippo Rivetti | 3 mins story of a day at the beach. Bucharest Youth Championship. Will Johnson. A group of industrious creatures make she have what it takes to out-lap the an outdoor cinema to reflect the world Jonas and the Sea big kids? Fire in Cardboard City around them. Netherlands 2015 | Director: Marlies van der Wel New Zealand 2017 | Director: Phil Brough | 8 mins 12 mins Sweaty Armpits There’s action aplenty for the USA 2016 | Director: Tony Dusko | 1 min Cats & Dogs Jonas casts aside everything in pursuit Cardboard City Fire Department as Switzerland/Germany 2015 | Director: Gerd Gockell, of his dream to live in the sea. Does anyone have a mop? they try to curb their first real fire. Jesús Pérez | 6 mins One cat. One dog. You can probably anticipate how this might go.

B EMB Sun 30 Jul, 10.30 am B PH Sat 12 Aug, 12.00 pm

JONAS AND THE SEA LITTLE MOUSE WELCOME TO MY LIFE 54

Araby Arábia FRESH Directors/Screenplay: Affonso Uchôa, João Dumans Brazil 2017 | 96 mins Photography: Leonardo Feliciano Editors: Luiz Pretti, Rodrigo Lima With: Aristides de Sousa, Murilo Caliari, Gláucia Vandeveld, Renato Novaes, Adriano Araújo, Renan Rovida, Wederson Neguinho, Renata Cabral Festivals: Rotterdam, New Directors/New Films 2017 In Portuguese with English subtitles M drug use & offensive language

“Everyone had a story, even the quiet moving picture of harsh lives fully lived. ones,” observes Cristiano (Aristides “Like the Townes Van Zandt song de Sousa), the rootless protagonist of that opens the film, Araby becomes a Araby. The film begins with André, a deeply felt ballad of the drifting life, listless teenager living near a factory devoid of sentimentality but long on in the outskirts of Ouro Preto in the empathy… [and] an utterly convincing Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. When record of a young worker discovering André finds a journal kept by the himself through writing. While many recently hospitalized factory worker filmmakers claim to give voice to the Cristiano, the film abruptly takes to the marginal, few have done so with the road, following Cristiano from prison artistic and political sensitivity displayed to one job then another, from one in Araby.” — Nicholas Elliott, Film makeshift bed to the next. Comment From stories told by lovers, workmates, friends and passing acquaintances remembered from B ED Fri 28 Jul, 2.00 pm a life of itinerant labour, Cristiano A ED Wed 9 Aug, 8.45 pm strings together his own story – and A ED Fri 11 Aug, 6.15 pm A ED Sun 13 Aug, 1.15 pm this beautiful film distils its lyrical and

Bangkok Nites

Director: Tomita Katsuya Japan/France/Thailand/ Laos 2016 | 183 mins Screenplay: Aizawa Toranosuke, Tomita Katsuya Photography: Studio Ishi With: Subenja Pongkorn, Tomita Katsuya, Sunun Phuwiset, Chutlpha Promplang, Tanyarat Kongphu, Sarinya Yongsawat Festivals: Locarno, Busan 2016 In Japanese, Thai, Isan, English, Laotian, Tagalog and French, with English subtitles M offensive language, sexual references & drug use

© BANGKOK NITES PARTNERS 2016 We line up the films that held our attention At the heart of the sprawling supercity World-weary Luck finds a kindred of Bangkok lies Thaniya Road, a red- spirit in Ozawa and accompanies him with their energy and originality – in terms of light district catering exclusively to to visit her family in the rural northeast subject, technique and sensibility. If it weren’t Japanese visitors. Over four years in when Ozawa is sent to Laos to scout the making, this visceral free-form epic business opportunities. Meeting Luck’s so obviously a Special Event, Top of the Lake: from Japanese director Tomita Katsuya family and friends inspires Ozawa, but China Girl (p10) might grace our Fresh list too. explores the fractured psyche of its the scars are still raw in this region denizens. literally haunted by the horrors of the Not every film that feels like a harbinger of High-class Thai call girl Luck supports past. With long-form scope to develop the future is the work of a young filmmaker – her family and is successful enough to its characters and themes, Bangkok be able to pick and choose her clients. Nites delivers a complex and ultimately though an encouraging number on the pages Outsider Ozawa (played by director affecting portrait of a society marred by that follow are. Tomita) is a veteran of the Japanese decades of foreign exploitation. — MM Self-Defence Force and after decades of peacekeeping in Southeast Asia is still searching for his place in the world. His A ED Sat 29 Jul, 1.45 pm compatriots are a seedy collection of B ED Thu 3 Aug, 2.45 pm yakuza rejects who see Thailand only as A ED Sun 6 Aug, 2.30 pm a paradise ripe to be exploited. FRESH 55

A Ghost Story

One of the wonders of this or any year, Director/Screenplay/Editor: David Lowery’s film takes the homeliest David Lowery of images for the supernatural – a sheet USA 2017 | 93 mins with two forlorn eyeholes – and places Producers: Toby Halbrooks, James M. Johnston, Adam Donaghey it at the centre of a layered and piercing Photography: Andrew Droz Palermo contemplation of existential mystery. Music: Daniel Hart With: Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Will Oldham, Working in secret and on a micro-budget, McColm Cephas Jr., Kenneisha Thompson, the director of Pete’s Dragon has Grover Coulson, Liz Franke, Barlow Jacobs Festivals: Sundance 2017 evoked a profound eeriness from the M offensive language most minimal and intimate of means. As the ghost of a young husband (Casey Affleck) observes the grief of his partner (Rooney Mara) and then lingers through subsequent tenancies of the house they shared, the helpless ghost’s attachment to the place he loved becomes increasingly impersonal and unsettled. Lowery’s theme is realised in delicate, folkloric images of a distinctly American paradise lost, its hushed mood disrupted by abrupt bursts of anything-goes quality that’s endlessly activity – Will Oldham on a brilliant fascinating. Any movie that can turn “It’s a rare privilege to see jag as a drunken doom theorist – and a walking joke like The Ghost into a contemporary American radical bends in time. a figure of genuine pathos is a movie “A Ghost Story has the structure and that earns every long pause, and film as ambitious, rhythm of a musical suite, with Lowery every sudden leap.” — Noel Murray, emotionally honest, and working variations on the same The Playlist just-plain-breathtaking.” themes, the same characters, and the “A Ghost Story is filmmaking that same location. The result can be lyrical challenges and exhilarates, a potent — Dan Schoenbrun, Filmmaker A EMB Tue 1 Aug, 8.45 pm and poetic, or more naturalistic and reminder of how many new places B EMB Fri 4 Aug, 4.00 pm minimalist. In both cases, A Ghost Story film can still be taken.” — Dominik A LHP Mon 7 Aug, 8.00 pm is absolutely mesmerizing, with an Suzanne-Mayer, Consequence of Sound

Beach Rats Don’t Swallow My Heart, Alligator Girl! Não devore meu coração!

Director/Screenplay: Felipe Bragança Director/Screenplay: Brazil/The Netherlands/ Eliza Hittman France 2017 | 108 mins USA 2017 | 95 mins Photography: Glauco Firpo Photography: Hélène Louvart Editor: Jon Kadocsa With: Harris Dickinson, Music: Baris Akardere Madeline Weinstein, Kate Hodge, With: Cauã Reymond, Eduardo Nicole Flyus, Anton Selyaninov Macedo, Adeli Gonzales, Zahy Festivals: Sundance, New Guajajara, Márcio Verón, Cláudia Directors/New Films, San Francisco Assunção, Ney Matogrosso 2017 Festivals: Sundance, Berlin 2017 Directing Award (Dramatic), In Portuguese, Spanish and Sundance Film Festival 2017 Guaraní, with English subtitles Censors rating tbc CinemaScope | censors rating tbc

British actor Harris Dickinson is her penetrating gaze on a Brooklyn As flamboyant and melodramatic as its leader of the Guaraní bikers. Joca’s hypnotising as a buff Brooklyn teenage boy navigating an even title, this spirited first solo feature from older brother Fernando (heart-throb teenager projecting a front of churlish more pivotal transition, played with Brazilian writer/director Felipe Bragança Cauã Reymond) is a high-ranking masculinity with his homies and his understated intensity by promising delivers a stylish genre mash-up of Brazilian gangster, and when Fernando hotshot girlfriend, while craving the newcomer Harris Dickinson… teen love, gang warfare and surreal is involved in a deadly street race a tenderness of men and mourning the Hittman folds Helene Louvart’s fantasy. Essentially, it’s a riff on Romeo full-scale turf war breaks out between slow decline of his dying father. Every evocative summertime images, and Juliet set amongst a centuries-old the two rival gangs forcing the lovelorn frame of Eliza Hittman’s film pulses composer Nicholas Leon’s brooding conflict on the river border between Joca to choose sides. with desire and its denial. electronic notes and the fluid rhythms Brazil and Paraguay, a turbulent region With its vibrant neon-drenched “Eliza Hittman’s second feature is shaped by editors Scott Cummings and scarred by a dark history of colonial visuals and moody synth score, very much the work of a filmmaker Joe Murphy into a raw observational oppression. These days the combatants Bragança’s film brings Nicolas Winding with her own distinctive voice, portrait that leaves a haunting are rival Brazilian and indigenous Refn’s Drive to mind but its outré, combining moody poetry with textural impression in its wake.” — David Guaraní motorcycle gangs. dreamlike atmosphere is at times pure sensuality to evoke the dangerous Rooney, Hollywood Reporter Amongst it all, 13-year-old Brazilian Lynch. — MM recklessness that often accompanies boy Joca crushes hard for slightly older sexual discovery. Shifting from A ED Mon 7 Aug, 7.45 pm Guaraní girl Basano, but this haughty A ED Fri 4 Aug, 8.45 pm the portrait of adolescent female A ED Tue 8 Aug, 6.30 pm Amazonian princess with alligator A ED Thu 10 Aug, 6.15 pm experience in her striking debut, It tattoos must also fend off the advances Felt Like Love, Hittman here turns of her much older cousin Alberto, 56 FRESH

Columbus

“Allow writer and director Kogonada Director/Screenplay/Editor: Kogonada to take you on a bizarrely fascinating, USA 2017 | 104 mins visually stunning, and subtly sensual Producers: Andrew Miano, Aaron Boyd, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Chris Weitz, tour of Columbus, Indiana’s modernist Giulia Caruso, Ki Jin Kim architecture… Besides churches by Photography: Elisha Christian Music: Hammock Eero and Eliel Saarinen, libraries by With: John Cho, Haley Lu Richardson, I.M. Pei, and Will Miller’s enviable living Parker Posey, Michelle Forbes, Rory Culkin Festivals: Sundance, Rotterdam 2017 room interior by Alexander Girard, the In English and Korean, with English subtitles film centers on intersecting stories of Censors rating tbc familial responsibility. Jin (played with authority by John Cho) is a middle-aged man who should care that his father is dying in a hospital, but he doesn’t. Casey (played by Haley Lu Richardson, who turns in a phenomenally good, sophisticated performance) is a recent high-school grad who needs to cut the cord, but that’s complicated. The two shouldn’t like each other in any sort of romantic way, but that’s also complicated. “Kogonada films with a keen eye Kogonada includes all the troubles for architecture; he takes a pleasure “A clever and compelling Indianans face – meth problems, comparable to Casey’s in sharp lines, exploration into how having to work two manual-labor jobs sheer surfaces, and open vistas… to pay rent, racial tension – but he Richardson… negotiates the fluently physical structures can smartly builds it into the characters’ erudite and insightful dialogue with a come to represent motivations and backstory. Elisha dancer’s aplomb; Columbus is one of emotional landmarks Christian’s cinematography and the rare films in which nerdy intelligence Kogonada’s story reveal the deep – knowledge without experience – in our personal lives.” A PB Sun 30 Jul, 3.00 pm relationship between architecture and comes off without neurosis, comedic — Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair A PB Tue 1 Aug, 6.45 pm people that many might miss.” — Rich awkwardness, or vengeance.” B PAR Fri 11 Aug, 12.00 pm A PAR Sun 13 Aug, 6.15 pm Smith, The Stranger — Richard Brody, New Yorker

The Future Perfect El futuro perfecto

This cute Bressonian comedy, a Best Import First Feature winner at Locarno last year, revels in the challenge – and Director/Screenplay: Nele Wohlatz possibilities – of language from the Argentina 2016 | 65 mins Producers: Cecilia Salim, Nele Wohlatz immigrant perspective. Fresh off the Photography: Roman Kasseroller, plane from China, 18-year-old Xiaobin Agustina San Martín begins a new, uncertain life in Buenos Editor: Ana Godoy Music: Federico Orio, Ulises Conti Aires: unable to communicate beyond With: Zhang Xiaobin, Saroj Kumar Malik, simple phrasebook expressions, she Jiang Mian, Wang Dong Xi, Nahuel Pérez Biscayart Festivals: Locarno 2016; Rotterdam, New Directors/ nonetheless sets out to overcome such New Films, San Francisco 2017 everyday obstacles as finding a job Best First Feature, Locarno International Film Festival 2016 and ordering a meal in a restaurant. In Spanish and Mandarin, with English subtitles Amusing as these first encounters are, PG cert Xiaobin’s straightforward and forward- thinking approach to culture shock yields pleasantly surprising results, and also speaks volumes of the stoic charm which typifies first-time actor Zhang Xiaobin’s performance, itself a fascinating measure of the relationship between language, speech and acting. linguistic progress and dreams of lives In Español classes, role-playing soon to be lived. And beneath the “It’s simply a delight to find exercises present Xiaobin with an deadpan minimalism she reminds us of a film that’s so insightful opportunity to reinvent herself in the a broader immigrant experience, one Argentine world, against the grain of completely detached from xenophobic about issues of identity, Chinese tradition. Will her social and stereotypes of foreigners who shun exile, language and self – romantic prospects improve along with assimilation and keep to themselves, as and at the same time, so her stilted Spanish? Having her arrive at well as highlighting a young woman’s the titular future perfect tense through agency through fluid identity. A smart, elegantly funny.” A NT Sat 29 Jul, 2.30 pm these lessons, director Nele Wohlatz pin-sharp gem. — Tim Wong — Jonathan Romney, Film Comment A NT Mon 31 Jul, 6.15 pm cleverly expands the film’s trim visual B NT Thu 3 Aug, 4.30 pm language to accommodate Xiaobin’s FRESH 57

Gabriel and the Mountain Gabriel e a montanha

Spectacular and thrumming with life, this richly layered road movie shows us Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Malawi and Director: Fellipe Barbosa Zambia through the eyes of an eager Brazil/France 2017 | 127 mins Producers: Rodrigo Letier, Roberto Berliner, gap-year backpacker. “I travel as I’ve Clara Linhart, Yohann Cornu always dreamed of doing in a non- Screenplay: Fellipe Barbosa, Lucas Paraizo, Kirill Mikhanovsky touristic and sustainable manner,” he Photography: Pedro Sotero emails back home to Brazil. “Spending Editor: Théo Lichtenberger $2 or $3 a day and giving 80% of my Music: Arthur B. Gillette With: João Pedro Zappa, Caroline Abras, daily budget to the locals who feed and Alex Alembe, Leonard Siampala, John Goodluck, shelter me.” Rashidi Athuman, Tonny Lesika, Rhosinah Sekeleti, Luke Mpata, Lewis Gadson Brazilian director Fellipe Barbosa’s Festivals: Cannes (Critics’ Week) 2017 film recreates the journey of his friend In English, Portuguese, Swahili, Chichewa and French, with English subtitles Gabriel Buchmann who died on the CinemaScope | M sex scenes, offensive language, slopes of Malawi’s Mount Mulanje in drug use, & content that may disturb 2009. The film stars João Pedro Zappa as Gabriel and Caroline Abras as his girlfriend Cristina, but the African cast is made up almost entirely of people whom the open-hearted young Brasileiro befriended along the way. film irresistible exuberance and heart. They play themselves – and deliver There’s mystery too: he’s so impatient “A moving look at the personal tributes in voiceover. to knock off the achievements he’s set transformative nature of The director is alive to his friend’s himself, it’s as if he knows his time is vanity and the ironies attendant on limited. It’s that very impatience – a travel, both on those his “total immersion in the heart of refusal to observe the basic rules of hopping around the world Africa.” Required by a waitress at mountain safety – which brings his in search of a new a beachside cafe to order a meal, brief and brilliant life to an end and A PAR Sat 29 Jul, 8.30 pm Gabriel is outraged to be mistaken for sets this wonderfully enlivening film perspective and those they B PAR Tue 1 Aug, 1.00 pm a mere tourist. in motion. encounter along the way.” A LHP Wed 2 Aug, 8.15 pm But his appetite for the freedom A RX Sun 6 Aug, 5.15 pm — Sarah Ward, Screendaily and friendship of the road gives this A PH Thu 10 Aug, 8.15 pm

Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song While I Wait

Bhuddhist lama and filmmaker Director/Screenplay: Khyentse Norbu Khyentse Norbu (The Cup, Travellers Bhutan/Hong Kong 2016 | 96 mins and Magicians) takes us deep into the Producers: Pawo Choyning Dorji, Sarah Chen Photography: Jigme Tenzing jungle of Bhutan to imagine a ritual Editors: Tian Zhuangzhuang, Li Gen – part boot camp, part performance Music: Gary Azukx Dyson With: Tshering Dorji, Sadon Lhamo, festival – where participants obscure Thinley Dorji, Zhou Xun gender and identity behind fearsome Festivals: Locarno, Toronto, Busan, London 2016 In Bhutanese with English subtitles masks. “You are here to prepare for CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc the gap between death and birth,” the elder explains. “You are here to find out who you really are.” Inspired by the concept of the bardo, a state through which departed souls pass before entering their next incarnation, Hema Hema is a colourful plunge into a world where ancient rites conjure our noblest or our basest instincts. “While Hema Hema may seem like an adaptation of an ancient Bhutanese ritual, in fact it is an original story by Norbu, who is the third incarnated nonetheless pleasurable for their lama of a strand of Tibetan Buddhism. (re-) telling. “Very probably the most Under his immaculate cinematic With the pro- and epilogue set in carnal movie ever directed guidance – the film’s jungle colors are a modern club, Norbu clearly and vibrant, its camera lucid and mobile, without a heavy hand brings into an by a Buddhist lama, Hema the masks a delight, the editing is by open-ended present his tale of a limbo Hema is a captivatingly 5th Generation Chinese director Tian state. There, here, the possibilities strange and visually Zhuangzhuang, and even Tony Leung and promises of anonymity are Chiu-wai is hidden behind one of the thwarted by a curiosity and desire beguiling mystery.” A PAR Sat 29 Jul, 4.15 pm masks – it does indeed narrate with the undeniably human and personal.” — Vancouver International Film B PAR Thu 3 Aug, 11.30 am vivid, timeless, pared clarity of an old — Daniel Kasman, Mubi A PB Sat 12 Aug, 6.15 pm Festival legend. The lessons we know but are 58 FRESH

I Am Not a Witch

In Zambian-born, Welsh-raised Rungano Nyoni’s surreal tale, a nine-year-old village girl is accused of witchcraft and Director/Screenplay: Rungano Nyoni hauled off to do witches’ work. Her UK/France/Zambia/Germany 2017 95 mins only transgression has been her lack of Producers: Emily Morgan, Juliette Grandmont affect, but soon she’s identifying the Photography: David Gallego culprit in a line-up of suspects, bringing Editors: George Cragg, Yann Dedet, Thibault Hague on the rain, or, when there’s nothing Music: Matthew James Kelly more profitable available, posing for With: Margaret Mulubwa, Henry B.J. Phiri, Nancy Murilo, John Tembo tourists. Though accusing someone of Festivals: Cannes (Directors’ Fortnight) 2017 witchcraft is illegal in Zambia, Nyoni’s In English, Bemba, Nyanja and Tonga, with English subtitles tale is based on continuing practices Censors rating tbc she observed herself, living for a month in a witches’ camp. The awfulness of her story is leavened by the merciless satirical eye she trains on superstition’s perpetrators – the men who put the women to work. “‘When I die I will kill you,’ says an irked woman in one scene from I Am Not a Witch. This elderly lady, accused feature film… a biting satire attacking of witchcraft in Zambia, has reached the ignorance which provides oxygen “It’s rare and exhilarating her wits’ end with a farmer who’s for this hokum… Satire seemed to be that a new filmmaker forced her to work his fields… The the most appropriate way to tackle a line sums up the absurd, paradoxical subject poised on a knife edge between arrives on the scene so world of witchcraft. When you’ve been tragedy and farce. Underneath the sure of herself and so told you’re a witch, forced to live as humor there’s staunch determination willing to take bold, a witch, forced to act as a witch, you from the director. ‘It’s so important that might eventually start believing you’re we’re not precious about [witchcraft], counter-intuitive chances.” A PAR Fri 28 Jul, 6.30 pm a witch… otherwise nothing gets done,’ she — Jessica Kiang, Variety A LHP Sun 30 Jul, 6.15 pm Director Rungano Nyoni has made said.” — Thomas Page, CNN.com A RX Mon 31 Jul, 6.15 pm B PAR Fri 4 Aug, 4.30 pm the subject the focus of her debut

HIPPOPOTAMUS RESTAURANT AND COCKTAIL BAR Level 3, QT Museum Wellington, 90 Cable Street, Wellington FOR PRE-SHOW DINING VISIT HIPPOPOTAMUS.CO.NZ FRESH 59

Lady Macbeth

Victorian patriarchy meets its match in this juicy period drama. The title alerts us to murderous intent, but the source Director: William Oldroyd material here is one step removed UK 2016 | 89 mins Producer: Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly from Shakespeare: this striking debut Screenplay: Alice Birch. Based on the novella Lady is a stylised reinvention of the 1865 Macbeth of the Mtsensk District by Nikolai Leskov Russian novella Lady Macbeth of the Photography: Ari Wegner Editor: Nick Emerson Mtsensk District. Katherine (Florence Music: Dan Jones Pugh) is a young bride, a virtual With: Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton, Naomi Ackie, Christopher Fairbank captive in the draughty mansion of her Festivals: Toronto, San Sebastián, London 2016; dour mine owner husband. Her flinty Sundance, New Directors/New Films, San Francisco 2017 father-in-law pressures her for an heir, Critics’ Prize, San Sebastián International Film though the sadistic ritual unfolding Festival 2016 CinemaScope | R16 violence, offensive language nightly in the marital bedroom scarcely & sex scenes favours reproduction. The incredulous Katherine plots her liberation. If she’s prepared to contemplate murder to escape this disgusting prison, what won’t she do to guarantee her pleasure when she finds it in the arms of the taunting hunk (Cosmo Jarvis) who runs casting adds a frisson of racism to the the household stable? Her maid (Naomi routine abuse of the servant class while “A barbed feminist fable Ackie) stands by, rendered mute by the Katherine’s self-empowerment may feel of class, cruelty and trouble she sees. Pugh, in virtually every proto-feminist in intent. scene, is mesmerising – her insolence “Oldroyd coolly subverts the sexual power that feels smouldering as she’s corseted into fusty conventions of British costume absolutely true to its tight bodices and hooped skirts, her drama… [the film] deliberately incurs period and uncannily abandon as sumptuous as her flesh as many debts to Chandler and when she casts them off. Hammett as it does to Austen or Eliot.” attuned to the present B EMB Tue 1 Aug, 4.00 pm Twenty-first century identity — Jonathan Murray, Cineaste moment.” A LHP Thu 3 Aug, 8.15 pm politics flicker through this revisionist A EMB Fri 4 Aug, 6.15 pm — A.O. Scott, NY Times A RX Sat 5 Aug, 8.15 pm masterpiece theatre. Colour-blind

Loving Pia Manifesto At Elske Pia

Director/Producer/ Daniel Borgman Screenplay: Director/Photography: Julian Rosefeldt Daniel Borgman Germany 2017 | 94 mins Denmark 2017 | 99 mins Photography: Christoph Krauss Producer: Katja Adomeit Editor: Bobby Good Editors: Sofie Marie Kristensen, Music: Nils Frahm, Ben Lukas Daniel Borgman Boysen Music: Kristian Paulsen With: Cate Blanchett With: Pia Skovgaard, Festivals: Sundance 2017 Céline Skovgaard, Jens Jensen, M offensive language & drug Putte Jensen references Festivals: Berlin 2017 In Danish with English subtitles PG nudity

New Zealand-born director Daniel When she meets the solitary Jens Communism, Dadaism, Futurism, instructive notes from Jim Jarmusch, Borgman has been living and making working on his boat at the harbour, Fluxus, Minimalism, Surrealism, Pop Stan Brakhage and Werner Herzog. films in Denmark since 2008. (He she decides that he may be the one. Art… Declarations drawn from some As myriad rallying calls are radically returned here for his debut feature The two innocents set out to test their 60 published artistic and/or political separated from their historical moments, The Weight of Elephants in 2013.) His compatibility – and their competence manifestos spring from the mouths of this ingenious barrage of displaced second feature is a delicate and quietly as travellers – on a trip to Copenhagen. 13 vividly realised fictional characters revolutions can be both funny and moving hybrid of fact and fiction Filmed in the old square ratio and in Manifesto. Each is played, in a freshly illuminating at the same time. developed from the life of – and awash with gentle, natural light, the dazzling feat of chameleon artistry, by “If the art world gave out Oscars, starring – Pia, a 60-year-old woman film has the faded glow of a treasured Cate Blanchett. German artist Julian Cate Blanchett should win for her tour with intellectual disability. She lives in valentine, while absorbing us in the Rosefeldt’s film, drawn from his widely de force of starring roles in Manifesto.” a tiny house in the country with her contradictions of family bonds, the travelled multi-screen installation, — Roberta Smith, NY Times 84-year-old mother Guittou. In the habits of loneliness and the animating plants each of these characters within a story, both worry about what will power of Pia’s professed faith in marvellously precise theatrical setting. happen to Pia when her mother dies. romance. A Russian choreographer schools Guittou believes she has found a her dancers on Fluxus philosophy; a TV sympathetic care facility. However Pia, A ED Fri 28 Jul, 7.30 pm anchor woman delivers Sol LeWitt’s A ED Sat 29 Jul, 11.45 am who has never had a boyfriend, is A ED Sat 29 Jul, 5.15 pm notes on Conceptual Art; a pre-school A PAR Sat 5 Aug, 11.00 am certain that she needs to find a man teacher recites the rules of Dogma 95 as B ED Wed 9 Aug, 4.30 pm in order to continue to live at home. she corrects her pupils’ work, adding A ED Sat 12 Aug, 6.30 pm 60 FRESH

Marjorie Prime

In Marjorie Prime’s not-too-distant For the Light future, dementia has not yet been cured, though holographic companions Director: Michael Almereyda are a household appliance. An USA 2017 | 98 mins Producer: Uri Singer 80-something widow, played achingly Screenplay: Michael Almereyda. Based on the play by veteran actor Lois Smith, has one by Jordan Harrison cast in the image of her husband when Photography: Sean Price Williams Editor: Kathryn J. Schubert he was still in his 40s (and as handsome Music: Mica Levi as Jon Hamm). But as this wise, wistful With: Geena Davis, Lois Smith, Jon Hamm, Tim Robbins, Stephanie Andujar, Azumi Tsutsui film explores, these machines are Festivals: Sundance, Rotterdam, San Francisco far from adequate replacements for 2017 M suicide references loved ones passed on, capable only of absorbing stories from the past and reflecting them back to their owners. Michael Almereyda, one of America’s most underappreciated directors, has followed up his terrific Experimenter with an equally layered study of human nature, here in the face of ageing and death. As Marjorie’s next of kin, Geena Davis and Tim Robbins’ absorbing deft touch and an excellent Mica Levi conversations around their mother’s score. — Tim Wong “Not since Spike Jonze’s health and family history guide the “It’s a movie of ideas rather than Her has humanity’s film away from its sci-fi surfaces and effects, which make for the best towards a quite moving portrait of science fiction anyway. It asks big uneasy embrace of how adults worry about their parents questions, about the nature of memory, seductive technology and eventually become responsible how we choose to consider those we been given such soulful for them. There’s a beautiful cadence love, how we choose to handle our to these dialogue-rich vignettes own grief… Those who can tune in contemplation.” — David B ED Fri 28 Jul, 4.00 pm of sorting through memories and to its wavelength will find it strangely Rooney, Hollywood Reporter A ED Sun 30 Jul, 3.30 pm contemplating loss, quietly transformed satisfying.” — Jason Bailey, Flavorwire A ED Fri 4 Aug, 6.30 pm A ED Sat 5 Aug, 6.00 pm from their stage origins by Almereyda’s

My Life As a Courgette Ma vie de courgette

A bunch of kids from nightmare The World in Your Window backgrounds find refuge and companionship in this soulful and Director: Claude Barras subversive Oscar-nominated animated Switzerland/France 2016 | 66 mins Producers: Max Karli, Pauline Gygax, feature. Painstakingly crafted over Armelle Glorennec, Eric Jacquot, Marc Bonny a decade, Courgette marks another Screenplay: Céline Sciamma. Based on the novel by Gilles Paris triumph for animation director Kim Animation director: Kim Keukeleire Keukeleire, who worked on Wes Music: Sophie Hunger Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox. French Voices: Gaspard Schlatter, Sixtine Murat, Paulin Jaccoud, Michel Vuillermoz, Raul Ribera, “My Life As a Courgette is a stop- Estelle Hennard, Elliot Sanchez, Lou Wick, motion cartoon, blessed with both Brigitte Rosset, Monica Budde, Adrien Barazzone, Véronique Montel a Swiss director (Claude Barras), and English Voices: Erick Abbate, Ness Krell, an ambition not to do anything the Romy Beckman, Nick Offerman, Barry Mitchell, Clara Young, Olivia Bucknor, Amy Sedaris, conventional way. As if the story of a Susanne Blakeslee, Will Forte, Ellen Page nine-year-old orphan named Courgette Festivals: Cannes (Directors’ Fortnight), Melbourne, Toronto, London 2016; Sundance 2017 who’s sent to a group home after the Nominated, Best Animated Feature, Academy death of his alcoholic mother could be Awards 2017 PG sexual references considered even slightly conventional… The animated characters… are PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH beautifully realized, and the delicate touch of Barras works wonders. ‘There’s nobody left to love us,’ he Skillfully adapted by Céline Sciamma says in a moment of quiet, fleeting “Captivating and vibrant... (Girlhood) from the hit 2002 young realization that can level you. Still, My Life As a Courgette adult novel by Gilles Paris, the film has the feeling of melancholy is undercut a keen eye and ear for the way children by the resilience of these children, is so warm, so alive, that process the inconceivable (neglect, their ability to forge relationships and we forget we’re watching In English – dubbed abuse, deportation, murder). create life out of chaos… cartoon figures.” A EMB Thu 3 Aug, 6.30 pm All is not hopeless for Courgette. My Life As a Courgette never — Stephanie Zacharek, Time B EMB Mon 7 Aug, 10.30 am A cop named Raymond shows him sacrifices what’s true for what’s trite A LHP Tue 8 Aug, 6.15 pm kindness, as does a new girl named and easier to sell. This is animation as Camille. Even the red-haired school bully an art form, inspiring and indelible.” In French with English subtitles Simon forges a hard-won connection. — Peter Travers, Rolling Stone A PH Sat 5 Aug, 12.15 pm FRESH 61

On Body and Soul Teströl és lélekröl

The big winner at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, collecting the Golden Bear along with the critics’ and audience Director/Screenplay: Ildikó Enyedi awards, is also front-runner for the Hungary 2017 | 116 mins Producers: Mónika Mécs, András Muhi, Ernő weirdest romantic comedy of the year. Mesterházy Mária is the new girl at the abattoir, Photography: Máté Herbai a quality controller with mild autism; Editor: Károly Szalai Music: Ádám Balázs Endre is the grizzled financial controller With: Alexandra Borbély, Géza Morcsányi, with his own personal issues and a Réka Tenki, Zoltán Schneider, Ervin Nagy, Itala Békés, Tamás Jordán, Éva Bata, Pál Mácsai dead arm. Work is grim, drab and Festivals: Berlin, Sydney 2017 regimented, and they can manage only Golden Bear (Best Film), Berlin International Film Festival 2017 an awkward, muttering acquaintance. Best Film, Sydney Film Festival 2017 But in their dreams they escape into In Hungarian with English subtitles CinemaScope/Censors rating tbc lyrical fantasies in which they wander through snow-laden forests as deer. When they discover that these dreams are in fact shared, and that they are thus, presumably, mystically connected, things only become more complicated, awkward and fraught. Mária is especially threatened by so devastating Enyedi’s luminous debut feature, a loss of control. 1989’s My Twentieth Century, is “Ildikó Enyedi’s striking, Ildikó Enyedi’s On Body and Soul considered one of the greatest emotional drama explores expertly negotiates a bracing range Hungarian films of all time in its native of tones, from the ravishing wildlife country, but her work is scarcely known the power of human footage of the dream sequences, to internationally. We’re delighted to connection in the blunt documentary of slaughterhouse provide a long overdue introduction to unlikeliest of places.” processes, to romcom whimsy, to a great European director. — Andrew cringe comedy, to arrestingly painful Langridge — Jonathan Romney, Screendaily A ED Sun 30 Jul, 1.15 pm drama. It’s all formally exquisite and A PAR Sat 5 Aug, 1.00 pm beautifully shot, making striking use of B ED Thu 10 Aug, 3.45 pm fragmented and refracted widescreen.

Patti Cake$

“Two stars are born in Patti Cake$, Director/Screenplay: Geremy Jasper one of those rare crowd-pleasers that USA 2017 | 108 mins earn their love honestly. The first is Producers: Michael Gottwald, Noah Stahl, Rodrigo Teixeira, Dan Janvey, Chris Columbus, the sensational Danielle Macdonald, Daniela Taplin Lundberg who plays the second: the movie’s Photography: Federico Cesca Editor: Brad Turner Music: Geremy Jasper, title character, also known as Patricia Jason Binnick Dombrowski, a poor white New Jersey With: Danielle Macdonald, Briget Everett, Siddharth Dhananjay, Mamoudou Athie, rapper who, with her tiny diverse posse Cathy Moriarty, Sahr Ngaujah yearns to cross the bridge to fame Festivals: Sundance, SXSW, New Directors/ New Films, San Francisco, Cannes (Directors’ and fortune. Written and directed Fortnight) 2017 by Geremy Jasper, the movie treads Censors rating tbc familiar aspirational ground: Patricia has dreams, pluck and obstacles (she’s routinely taunted because of her weight), but her outsider status isn’t fetishized or romanticized, and she’s divinely real.” — Manohla Dargis, NY Times “Small town underdog looking to make it in the music business isn’t exactly the most original idea for a movie… audible gasp when she answered her It’s a huge credit to writer and director first question because no one had a “Geremy Jasper’s Geremy Jasper then that Patti Cake$... clue she was Australian let alone not dynamic debut crackles breaks through familiar convention American. In a movie like this, filmmakers with flying colors… Jasper pushes all often have to convince the audience an with energy and grass the right buttons and, more importantly, actor playing a musician is as good as roots authenticity.” knows he’s pushing those buttons and the story says there are. At no point in — Todd McCarthy, Hollywood confidently justifies it. Sort of incredible Patti Cake$ is there ever a hint that considering it’s his feature debut. Macdonald is unable to legitimately rap. Reporter A LHP Fri 28 Jul, 8.00 pm It’s hard to equate what a star-making She’s simply a revelation.” — Gregory A RX Sun 30 Jul, 5.15 pm turn this is for Macdonald. The audience Ellwood, The Playlist B PAR Thu 3 Aug, 3.45 pm A EMB Fri 11 Aug, 9.00 pm at the film’s world premiere gave an 62 FRESH

That’s Not Me

Melbourne director Gregory Erdstein Gregory Erdstein and co-writer/star Alice Foulcher have Alice Foulcher* created a sassy, slyly sympathetic Director: Gregory Erdstein satire of celebrity dreams in this Australia 2017 | 86 mins Producers: Anna Kojevnikov, Sally Storey, neatly proportioned debut feature. Alice Foulcher, Gregory Erdstein Polly (Foulcher) can’t remember when Screenplay: Gregory Erdstein, Alice Foulcher she didn’t fantasise about being an Photography: Shelley Farthing-Dawe Editor: Ariel Shaw acclaimed actress, and she’s already Music: Nicholas Pollock turned down daytime TV to prove it. With: Alice Foulcher, Isabel Lucas, Richard Davies, Belinda Misevski, Rowan Davie, Andrew Gilbert, So it’s a rude shock when her identical Catherine Hill, Lloyd Allison-Young, Janine Watson, twin sister Amy (Foulcher again), Steve Mouzakis Festivals: Sydney 2017 showing no such qualms, steps from M sex scenes, offensive language & drug use Aussie soap to HBO kudos and starts dating Jared Leto. Polly’s desperate measures are best left to the film to divulge, but they put her firmly in line with the unruly young women driving such era-defining comedies as Bridesmaids and Girls. Let’s just say she does not always CATHARINE NEILSON correct those who mistake her for the fill scrapbooks with reports of their real actress in the family. Polly’s sorry daughters’ stellar achievements. “That’s Not Me isn’t world is amusingly filled out by a wryly Cinema-loving visitors to Melbourne about letting go of funny ensemble, including Isabel Lucas may recognise the Astor, one of the as a spaced-out compatriot with one great living picture palaces of the South your childhood dreams. toe firmly placed on the Hollywood Pacific, cunningly dressed to represent It’s about becoming ladder; Richard Davies as a self-styled the multiplex where Polly sort of holds their adult guardian.” guru of Melbourne fringe theatre; down a job. Gregory Erdstein and Belinda Misevski and Lloyd Allison- Alice Foulcher will introduce the film — Gregory Erdstein A RX Fri 28 Jul, 8.15 pm* Young as Polly’s feckless housemates; at its NZIFF screenings in Auckland and A PAR Sun 30 Jul, 5.45 pm* and Catherine Hill and Andrew Gilbert Wellington. B PB Tue 8 Aug, 2.45 pm A PH Wed 9 Aug, 8.30 pm as doting stage parents, eager to

Dive in FRESH 63

Western

German director Valeska Grisebach (Longing) turns a keenly observant eye on the macho environment of a Director/Screenplay: German construction camp on Europe’s Valeska Grisebach Germany/Bulgaria/Austria 2017 eastern frontier. 119 mins “It’s better to forget the title of Producers: Jonas Dornbach, Janine Jackowski, Valeska Grisebach’s Western while Maren Ade, Valeska Grisebach, Michel Merkt you’re watching it… Though this Photography: Bernhard Keller Editor: Bettina Böhler brilliantly observed mood piece about With: Meinhard Neumann, Reinhardt Wetrek, a German road crew arriving in rural Syuleyman Alilov Letifov, Veneta Frangova, Vyara Borisova Bulgaria centres on one lone quietly Festivals: Cannes (Un Certain Regard) 2017 watchful man doing his best to In German, Bulgarian and English, with English subtitles assimilate, it feels as true to, say, the Censors rating tbc builders’ milieu of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet as it does to an oater. Our quiet hero Meinhard (Meinhard Neumann) aside, the crew behave brashly when they arrive, camping on a hill and raising a German flag, but soon find their work stymied by lack of water and the non-arrival of gravel. Meanwhile non-professional actors as its grizzled Meinhard has borrowed a white horse migrant construction workers in a “The filmmaker approaches from a local fixer, and gang boss Vincent foreign land… Although attuned to her fraught collision of has upset the villagers by ducking a emotional hardship, Western is far from local girl in the river. The film unfolds a miserable trudge… Free of affectation nations with humaneness from these tensions in deeply satisfying and distinguished by a generosity and and hope – and the result intimate, brooding encounters.” sincerity exceedingly rare in cinema, is utterly captivating.” — Nick James, Sight & Sound Western’s poignant celebration of “Valeska Grisebach’s stunning human resilience is nothing short of — Daniel Kasman, Mubi B PB Fri 4 Aug, 1.45 pm existential study of masculinity tips its spectacular.” — Giovanni Marchini A PB Fri 4 Aug, 6.15 pm hat to classic genre cinema even as it Camia, Sight & Sound A PAR Sat 12 Aug, 4.00 pm casts an extraordinary troupe of

The Ornithologist The Untamed O Ornitólogo La región salvaje

Director: Oh What a João Pedro Rodrigues Wonderful Feeling Portugal/France/Brazil Director: Amat Escalante 2016 | 118 mins Mexico 2016 | 100 mins Screenplay: João Pedro Rodrigues, With: Ruth Ramos, Simone Bucio, João Rui Guerra da Mata Jesús Meza, Eden Villavicencio With: Paul Hamy, Xelo Cagiao, Festivals: Venice, Toronto, Han Wen, Chan Suan, San Sebastián, London 2016; Flora Bulcao, Isabelle Puntel Rotterdam, San Francisco 2017 Festivals: Locarno, Toronto, Best Director, Venice Film Festival Busan, New York 2016; 2016 Rotterdam, San Francisco, Sydney In Spanish with English subtitles 2017 R16 violence, nudity, sex scenes, In Portuguese, Mandarin and offensive language & content that Latin, with English subtitles may disturb CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc MANUEL CLARO, MARTÍN ESCALANTE In a stunning opening sequence our animals and humans (and, perhaps, A mysterious visitor offers gratification and Alejandra and observes that maybe hero Fernando kayaks out into the creatures in between), all more or less to the sexually oppressed in this they should be getting some of what spectacular Portuguese wilderness hallucinatory, as Fernando tries to arresting mix of hard-edged realism she’s been getting. She directs them to watch birds – and they watch him find his way back to his camp, or to and bio-sci-fi from Mexican provocateur to a chalet in the countryside where back, until he is swept away by the civilisation, or to somewhere entirely Amat Escalante (Heli). Alejandra and a scholarly elderly couple harbour rapids and left for dead on a riverbank. new. her husband Angel live with their the mysterious guest. Not everyone Sometime later he is found by a pair Director João Pedro Rodrigues (To young sons in Guanajuato, Mexico. granted access to the chalet comes of Chinese Christian women who Die Like a Man) presents his picaresque While the swaggering Angel lords it out exhilarated. As in the fierce Heli, have lost their way trying to follow allegory of identity lost and found as over his family, he’s also lining up Escalante’s indictment of posturing an ancient pilgrim trail. Just how far an intimate epic of visionary excess his next furtive hotel room hook-up machismo is graphic, incisive and they have strayed becomes painfully that’s by turns goofy, sombre, poetic with Fabián, Alejandra’s brother. super-realistic. Envisaging its nemesis apparent when Fernando awakens tied and awkward. This is risky, exciting The gentle humanitarian in the film, as nature consumed by sexual ecstasy, to a tree like Saint Sebastian. filmmaking from a bold and original Fabián works in the local hospital. he’s created one memorably weird From here the film executes ever auteur. — Andrew Langridge He too strains under the yoke of the mash-up of a movie. more disorienting narrative turns domineering Angel. into the horrific, the erotic and the A ED Mon 31 Jul, 6.30 pm One day a young stranger arrives A PB Fri 28 Jul, 9.15 pm absurd, conducting our protagonist A ED Thu 3 Aug, 8.30 pm at the clinic, strung out but strangely A EMB Sun 30 Jul, 9.00 pm on a pilgrimage of his own through B ED Fri 4 Aug, 4.15 pm exhilarated, with what appears to be A PB Thu 3 Aug, 6.30 pm a strange series of encounters with a dog bite. Soon she befriends Fabián B PB Wed 9 Aug, 4.15 pm 64

Hostages Mdzevlebi THRILL Director: Rezo Gigineishvili Georgia/Russia/Poland 2017 | 104 mins Screenplay: Lasha Bugadze, Rezo Gigineishvili Photography: Vladislav Opelyants Editors: Jaroslav Kaminski, Andrey Gamov With: Tina Dalakishvili, Irakli Kvirikadze, Giga Datiashvili, Giorgi Grdzelidze, George Tabidze Festivals: Berlin 2017 In Georgian and Russian, with English subtitles R13 violence

Closely based on real-life events, this and the shocking aftermath that impressive thriller from Georgian Gigineishvili truly shines. — MM director Rezo Gigineishvili depicts an “The near half-hour reconstruction infamous hijacking in exacting detail. of how it all went down – from the In Tbilisi, Georgia, 1983, young actor group’s arrival at the Tbilisi airport Nika and his bride-to-be Ana are to the bloody outcome of a tragic busy planning for their upcoming night – dominates the entire second wedding, while secretly planning a act. Aided by superb production drastic act to overcome the ban on design… the scenario plays out with Soviet citizens travelling abroad. Using utter believability… Without lazy their honeymoon as cover, they and explosions or over-the-top CGI, you five other friends, all from privileged actually see the insane danger of the middle-class backgrounds, plan to situation.” — Zhuo-Ning Su, The Film hijack a scheduled flight to the port city Stage of Batumi so they can take it across the nearby border to Turkey and freedom. A PB Sat 29 Jul, 7.15 pm The stifling paranoia of their risky A PAR Wed 2 Aug, 8.45 pm preparations is vividly portrayed, but A PB Fri 4 Aug, 8.30 pm B PB Tue 8 Aug, 4.30 pm it’s in the intensely gripping hijacking

Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts Marlina si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak

Director: Mouly Surya Indonesia/France/ Malaysia/Thailand 2017 93 mins Screenplay: Mouly Surya, Rama Adi With: Marsha Timothy, Dea Panendra, Egi Fedly, Yoga Pratama, Rita Matu Mona, Yayu Unru, Anggun Priambodo Festivals: Cannes (Directors’ Fortnight) 2017 In Indonesian with English subtitles CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc

While she may be channelling the likes requesting that she cook dinner for of Sergio Leone and Quentin Tarantino, him and his cohorts. But Marlina has Indonesian director Mouly Surya flips other ideas and soon she must make the script with this femme-centric, a long trek to the police station to western-influenced tale of vengeance report the crime, with a very special and justice set on the arid island of piece of evidence. — MM Sumba. It’s a place that steadfastly “Mouly Surya has made the first holds onto its traditional values and Satay Western, and a flamingly feminist strict gender roles. Here the outlaws one at that… At once tightly controlled ride motorbikes and wield machetes, and simmering with righteous fury, but they’re also polite enough to it’s gorgeously lensed, atmospherically warn you they’re coming to rob you… scored and moves inexorably toward or worse. a gratifying payoff.” — Maggie Lee, One such outlaw arrives at the Variety remote homestead of widow Marlina (played by the fantastically stone-faced A PB Sat 5 Aug, 7.00 pm Marsha Timothy), announcing that he A PAR Thu 10 Aug, 8.45 pm and his band will take her money and livestock, and threatens rape before THRILL 65

Bad Genius Chalard Games Goeng

Inspired by a series of real-life exam Director: Nattawut Poonpiriya cheating scandals, this pulsating teen Thailand 2017 | 130 mins thriller from Thailand is this year’s most Producers: Jira Maligool, Vanridee Pongsittisak, Suwimon Techasupinan, Chenchonnee entertaining Asian genre offering, Soonthornsaratul, Weerachai Yaikwawong delivering blockbuster thrills without Screenplay: Nattawut Poonpiriya, Tanida Hantaweewatana, Vasudhorn Piyaromna resorting to clichéd action or superhero Photography: Phaklao Jiraungkoonkun theatrics. See it first before the Editor: Chonlasit Upanigkit Music: Vichaya Vatanasapt inevitable Hollywood remake. With: Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, Straight-A student Lynn resorts to Eisaya Hosuwan, Teeradon Supapunpinyo, Chanon Santinatornkul, Thaneth Warakulnukroh cheating to help her BFF Grace lift her In Thai and English, with English subtitles grades, but Grace blabs to her rich CinemaScope | PG violence & coarse language kid boyfriend Pat and soon there is a gaggle of cashed-up students offering to pay handsomely for similar help. Disillusioned by the way the school has exploited her struggling single dad for money, Lynn devises an ingenious plan to beat the system and starts raking in the cash. Buoyed by their success, the three friends set their sights on a scheme to students in an ultra-competitive make millions by scamming the STIC education system, and to the class Genius students try test – an international standardised test inequalities that underpin it. While to beat the system in for students wanting to enrol in the students cheating on their exams may most prestigious overseas universities. not sound like the most cinematic a sublime game of wits They concoct a plan worthy of a high- conceit, director Nattawut Poonpiriya and deception. stakes heist flick, but to do it Lynn makes it work brilliantly, deploying a will need the help of fellow brainbox full arsenal of visual tricks and editing Bank, her rival for a valuable tertiary precision to turn the film’s exam A PB Sun 30 Jul, 5.00 pm scholarship… sessions into Hitchcockian set pieces of A PAR Fri 11 Aug, 8.45 pm Bad Genius is sensitive to the pure suspense. — MM struggles and anxieties faced by

PRESENTED IN Berlin Syndrome ASSOCIATION WITH It Comes at Night

Director: Cate Shortland Director/Screenplay: Australia 2017 | 117 mins Trey Edward Shults Screenplay: Shaun Grant. Based USA 2017 | 92 mins on the novel by Melanie Joosten Photography: Drew Daniels Photography: Germain McMicking Editors: Trey Edward Shults, Editor: Jack Hutchings Matthew Hannam Music: Bryony Marks Music: Brian McOmber With: Teresa Palmer, Max Riemelt, With: Joel Edgerton, Christopher Matthias Habich, Emma Bading, Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, Elmira Bahrami, Christoph Riley Keough, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Franken Griffin Robert Faulkner, Festivals: Sundance, Berlin 2017 David Pendleton, Mikey In English and German, CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc with English subtitles CinemaScope | censors rating tbc

Australian actress Teresa Palmer plays locked her in while he heads out to In a time that might be now, after a domestic thriller joins the rarified introverted Clare, a tourist seeking the teach. plague has emptied the cities, a family company of Cormac McCarthy’s 2006 experience of a lifetime having arrived What follows is a taut thriller of three have boarded themselves up novel The Road and the small handful in Berlin with just her backpack and traversing themes of confinement, in an abandoned backwoods lodge of intimate post-apocalyptic scenarios camera. When she meets Andi (Max control and submission. Director Cate and dedicated every waking moment that puncture through to our deepest Riemelt), she’s prepared to shake off her Shortland (Lore) places the story within to mastering the art of survival. Joel fears… loneliness and talk to a friendly stranger. Berlin although the city itself concedes Edgerton is the family’s patriarch, Don’t hold your breath hoping to He guides her around the city, to the ever-increasingly claustrophobic Carmen Ejogo his wife and Kelvin learn what the plague is. That’s part indulging her fascination for interiors. Clare quickly discovers the Harrison Jr their precious, watchful of what makes Shults’s spare, fablelike photographing GDR architecture, smallest of clues that magnify the 17-year-old son. When a stranger story transcend any number of Walking before dropping her back to her seriousness of her situation. With (Christopher Abbott) breaks into the Dead episodes… It Comes at Night is accommodation for the night. The the doors bolted and windows sealed, house seeking food and refuge for his a film of tense gradations, a chamber mutual attraction is palpable and she how will she escape the binds of her own wife and infant son, the survivalist piece set at the twilight of humanity.” seeks him out the next day at the captivity? — RM nightmare of scarce resources, — Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out NY local bookstore. The sexual tension invisible disease and creeping paranoia culminates back at Andi’s apartment, A PAR Sat 5 Aug, 8.45 pm escalates. A PAR Mon 7 Aug, 8.45 pm hidden within an abandoned residential B PAR Wed 9 Aug, 3.45 pm “A major statement on the subject A LHP Tue 8 Aug, 8.00 pm complex. In the harsh light of the of civilization in freefall, writer-director B PAR Thu 10 Aug, 4.15 pm morning, it appears that he’s mistakenly Trey Edward Shults’s nerve-shredding 66 THRILL

The Merciless The Nile Hilton Incident Bulhandang

Director: Byun Sung-hyun Director/Screenplay: South Korea 2017 Tarik Saleh 120 mins Sweden/Denmark/ Screenplay: Byun Sung-hyun, Germany 2017 | 110 mins Kim Min-soo Photography: Pierre Aim Photography: Cho Hyoung-rae With: Fares Fares, Mari Malek, With: Sul Kyung-gu, Yim Si-wan, Yaser Aly Maher, Slimane Daze Kim Hie-won, Jeon Hye-jin Festivals: Sundance, Sydney 2017 Festivals: Cannes (Midnight Grand Jury Prize (World Cinema), Screenings) 2017 Sundance Film Festival 2017 In Korean with English subtitles In Arabic and Dinka, with English CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc subtitles CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc

“The Merciless is a superior slice of Si-wan) and genial but notoriously In Cairo, as revolution stirs in the always ready to be retrofitted for the hardboiled pulp fiction… Set in the amoral gangland veteran Han Jae-ho streets, police detective Noredin is modern age, The Nile Hilton Incident coastal city of Busan, The Merciless (Sul Kyung-gu). This odd couple first assigned to investigate a suspicious transplants the dark, cynical heart of begins with a wry exchange between forge a brotherly bond in prison after death at the Nile Hilton. A beautiful film noir to the streets of Cairo in the a pair of squeamish junior mobsters backing each other up in a string of singer has been murdered in what may days leading up to the 2011 revolution drawing parallels between eating brutal confrontations with bad-ass be a professional hit; the sole witness that would eventually oust President seafood and committing cold-blooded rivals and crooked guards… is an undocumented Sudanese maid, Hosni Mubarak. Swedish writer-director murder. This darkly comic vignette Restlessly jumping back and forth now on the run. Noredin is no stranger Tarik Saleh’s crime drama about a seems to promise a more arch, in time, The Merciless comes together to the corruption that lubricates his cop investigating the murder of a knowing, Tarantino-esque take on like a jigsaw, each piece revealing more department, so the higher up the chain beautiful singer is a paranoid portrait the gangster genre. But the plot soon detail of a grand canvas full of risky his investigation takes him, the more of individual and systemic corruption settles into a more familiar mix… shared secrets, fragile loyalties and certain he is that he is being played. that leaves none of its characters Feeling at times like a Korean- Faustian bargains.” — Stephen Dalton, Winner of the Sundance Film unscarred.” — Nick Schager, Variety language cousin of Martin Scorsese’s Hollywood Reporter Festival Grand Jury Prize, this pungently The Departed, which was itself a remake atmospheric thriller threads police of an Asian crime thriller, The Merciless A RX Sat 29 Jul, 8.15 pm procedure through its depiction of A PB Mon 31 Jul, 6.30 pm revolves around a generation-spanning A EMB Sun 6 Aug, 8.30 pm a labyrinthine regime on the brink B TP Fri 4 Aug, 4.00 pm bromance between youthful wannabe of collapse. A TP Sat 12 Aug, 8.15 pm gangster Jo Hyun-su (K-pop star Yim “Proof that classical genres are

A Prayer Before Dawn Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton

Director: Rory Kennedy USA 2017 | 118 mins Director: Screenplay: Mark Bailey, Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire Jack Youngelson Photography: Alice Gu, Don King France/UK 2017 Editor: Azin Samari 116 mins Music: Nathan Larson Screenplay: Jean-Stéphane With: Laird Hamilton, Gabrielle Sauvaire, Nick Saltrese Reece, Nick Carroll, Darrick With: Joe Cole, Billy Moore, Doerner, Sam George, Vithaya Pansringarm Bill Hamilton Festivals: Cannes (Midnight Festivals: Sundance 2017 Screenings) 2017 In English and Thai, with English CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc

“At once exhausting and astonishing, An international bestseller in 2014, The life and exploits of surf legend lacking a functioning fear mechanism, this no-holds-barred adaptation of Moore’s A Prayer Before Dawn: A Laird Hamilton are rewardingly covered this portrait of the charismatic big- British junkie-turned-pugilist Billy Nightmare in Thailand is the kind in this exemplary sports documentary, wave surfer catalogues almost four Moore’s Thai prison memoir is a big, of redemptive misery memoir that weaving footage familiar and new decades of Hamilton’s achievements bleeding feat of extreme cinema, given could easily have invited more lurid or around a frank interview with the while offering an admiring assessment elevating human dimension by rising mawkish mainstream film treatment. unfailingly forthright man himself. of his unstoppable drive. Tapping star Joe Cole’s ferociously physical lead Moore (who appears briefly on “The pioneering big-wave surfer into a wealth of breathtaking action performance… A Prayer Before Dawn screen as his own father) should be gets the full legacy treatment in Rory footage, the film naturally is at its most appropriately premiered at Cannes glad his book landed in the hands of Kennedy’s rip-roaring account of a life exciting when it puts us right there in as a midnight screening – the right Sauvaire, [a] filmmaker with a visceral spent conquering untameable walls of the surging waters.” — David Rooney, slot for a film that mixes down-and- understanding of bodily strain and its water. Hollywood Reporter dirty fight-night thrills with a kind of effect on the psyche.” — Guy Lodge, Taking a breather from the social- heightened sensory experimentalism, Variety issues docs that have been her main hypnotically fixated with bodies and sphere, prolific nonfiction filmmaker motion. (It’s certainly not every film that Rory Kennedy steers the audience on A PAR Sun 30 Jul, 8.15 pm calls to mind, by turns, such disparate A EMB Mon 31 Jul, 9.00 pm an exhilarating ride in Take Every Wave: A ED Tue 1 Aug, 8.30 pm reference points as Midnight Express, B PAR Wed 2 Aug, 3.45 pm The Life of Laird Hamilton. An extreme- A ED Wed 2 Aug, 8.45 pm Only God Forgives and Jean-Claude sports film that’s also a laser-focused A LHP Sun 6 Aug, 8.00 pm Van Damme in Kickboxer.) biographical study of a crazy man B ED Tue 8 Aug, 4.15 pm THRILL 67

Wind River

Following up his energetic scripting for Sicario and Hell or High Water, actor-turned-screenwriter Taylor Director/Screenplay: Taylor Sheridan Sheridan takes the director’s chair for USA 2017 | 111 mins Producers: Basil Iwanyk, Peter Berg, Matthew this chilly backwoods thriller set in the George, Wayne Rogers, Elizabeth A. Bell remote Wind River Indian reservation, Photography: Ben Richardson Wyoming. Jeremy Renner stars as Editor: Gary Roach Music: Nick Cave, Warren Ellis Cory Lambert, an expert marksman With: Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, employed by the US Fish and Wildlife Gil Birmingham, Jon Bernthal, Julia Jones, Kelsey Asbille, James Jordan, Teo Briones, Service to cull dangerous animals. While Apesanahkwat, Graham Greene, Tantoo Cardinal, out on a job he discovers the body of a Eric Lange, Althea Sam Festivals: Sundance, Cannes (Un Certain Regard), young Native American woman. The FBI Sydney 2017 hold jurisdiction and they send rookie Best Director (Un Certain Regard), Cannes Film Festival 2017 agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc to investigate. She soon realises she’s in over her head, so looks to Lambert to help her hunt down a predator of a different kind. — MM “Wind River is a modern western, and one of very few forays into the © 2016 SUNDANCE INSTITUTE genre that’s set in snow country… “Sheridan’s beady, inquisitive script Sheridan and cinematographer Ben scrutinises all its characters’ credentials “Delivers shrewd insights Richardson use that landscape in turn… But when it comes down to into troubling American beautifully in a story that reaches it – and during some blistering, Sam out in several directions – it’s about, Peckinpah-like set-pieces, in which social issues in a punchy, among other things, communities the bullets strike with the force of action-and-violence-filled of forgotten people, the intricacies thunderbolts, it most emphatically does package.” — Todd McCarthy, of gender dynamics and the ways in – they’re just people with guns in the which violence against women can be middle of nowhere, each ready to fight Hollywood Reporter A PAR Thu 3 Aug, 9.00 pm insidiously veiled. The story comes to their corner to the bitterest of ends.” A LHP Sat 5 Aug, 8.00 pm rest in a way that’s both somber and — Robbie Collin, The Telegraph B PAR Fri 11 Aug, 4.15 pm gratifying.” — Stephanie Zacharek, Time

Wùlu The Wound Inxeba

Director/Screenplay: Each to Their Own Daouda Coulibaly France/Senegal/Mali Director: John Trengove 2016 | 95 mins South Africa/Germany/ Photography: Pierre Milon The Netherlands/France Editor: Julien Leloup 2017 | 88 mins With: Ibrahim Koma, Inna Modja, Ismaël N’Diaye, Jean-Marie Traoré, Screenplay: John Trengove, Thando Habib Dembélé, Mariame N’Diaye Mgqolozana, Malusi Bengu Festivals: Toronto, London 2016; Photography: Paul Özgür New Directors/New Films 2017 With: Nakhane Touré, Bongile Mantsai, Niza Jay Ncoyini In French and Bambara, with Festivals: Sundance, Berlin 2017 English subtitles In Xhosa, Afrikaans and English, CinemaScope | R16 violence, drug with English subtitles use, sexual material & content CinemaScope | M violence, that may disturb offensive language & sex scenes

“Malian director Daouda Coulibaly’s made a familiar story singularly his Ukwaluka is the Xhosa tradition of male guardian through the ritual is Xolani, auspicious debut is a pulse-pounding own. And while much remains the circumcision that separates 18-year- played in a provocative act of casting political thriller about a low-level same – the crime, the punishment and olds from their families for a period of by Nakhane Touré, an out gay South transit worker turned drug trafficker, the intimations of incest – here, acts healing, fasting and manhood-proving African singer. Xolani is a poor whose rapid ascent in Bamako’s of individual wrongdoing tend to pale tests of stamina. In making this the warehouse worker who takes annual criminal underworld entangles him next to the wrongs of postcolonialism scene for a suspenseful psycho- leave to join his friend Vija to attend with the military, the government, and and organized terror. That deepens the drama, director John Trengove – who the camp. Mocking so much enforced eventually al-Qaeda… Suspenseful tragedy of Ladji (an excellent Ibrahim is white – and his cowriters, Thando masculinity and needling Xolani about and impeccably paced, Coulibaly’s first Koma)… who, even as he advances Mgqolozana and Malusi Bengu, defy his unmanly devotion to Vija, Kwanda feature marks him as… equally skilled through the underworld, remains as the ‘what happens on the mountain, becomes increasingly disruptive. at crafting thrilling set pieces and at much a victim as a victimizer.” stays on the mountain’ ethos of the Expertly playing our fears for both the shining a critical light on systems of — Manohla Dargis, NY Times tradition. They also demonstrate with young initiate and his targets, Trengove power.” — Cameron Bailey, Toronto devastating conviction how that code brings the tension to a shocking peak. International Film Festival might struggle in the modern world to “Scarface is the genre gift that keeps withstand such exposure. on giving, even when set in Mali. Yet A PB Tue 1 Aug, 9.00 pm Kwanda, a privileged, thoroughly B PB Tue 1 Aug, 4.30 pm one of the strengths of Wùlu is that A PAR Tue 8 Aug, 8.30 pm urbanised young Xhosa man, is A PAR Sun 6 Aug, 8.30 pm its writer-director, Daouda Coulibaly, A PB Wed 9 Aug, 8.30 pm compelled by his father to submit to B PAR Mon 7 Aug, 4.00 pm A PB Sat 12 Aug, 8.15 pm in a tense, tight feature debut, has these traditional rites. His appointed 68

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail REALITY FRAMING Director: Steve James USA 2016 | 88 mins Photography: Tom Bergmann Editors: John Farbrother, David E. Simpson With: Thomas Sung, Jill Sung, Vera Sung, Heather Sung, Hwei Lin Sung, Chanterelle Sung, Cyrus Vance Jr, Matt Taibbi Festivals: Toronto, New York, Amsterdam Documentary 2016 In English, Mandarin and Cantonese, with English subtitles Colour and B&W

Steve James (Hoop Dreams) takes is severely tested by a District Attorney’s us deep into the business and culture office that is determined to make an of New York’s Chinatown as he example of them, oblivious to the race- explores the fortunes of Abacus, the baiting implications of such a punitive only US bank ever indicted for fraud stance. Succinctly outlining the nexus in connection with the subprime of history and culture in which they mortgage scandal of the late 00s. find themselves targeted, James holds As journalist Matt Taibbi explains, the close to the Sungs through their five- banks actually responsible for the crisis year battle. His family portrait is sharp, were all deemed “too big to fail… funny and stirring. and Abacus [with a mere six branches] “An exemplary piece of filmmaking, is small enough to jail.” an investigation into two kinds of Thomas Sung, a Chinese-American double standards.” — Tom Charity, lawyer, founded the bank in the 50s Sight & Sound to invigorate Chinatown businesses, themselves often family-owned A NT Sat 29 Jul, 6.00 pm and unsupported by the major banks. B NT Tue 1 Aug, 4.30 pm Sung’s sense of mission, carried A NT Mon 7 Aug, 6.15 pm forward by his formidable daughters, A NT Wed 9 Aug, 6.15 pm

All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone

Director: Fred Peabody Canada 2016 | 92 mins Producers: Peter Raymont, Andrew Munger, Steve Ord Photography: John Westheuser Editors: Jim Munro, James Yates With: Jeremy Scahill, Matt Taibbi, Glenn Greenwald, Amy Goodman, Noam Chomsky, John Carlos Frey, Cenk Uygur Festivals: Toronto, Amsterdam Documentary 2016

© WHITE PINE PICTURES Completed before the Trump into Democracy Now’s 2015 coverage The profusion of excellent documentaries ascendancy, this juxtaposition of of the Yemeni Civil War, as well as submitted to us is staggering. We try to steer interviews with contemporary journalists the 2016 presidential election. It’s with historical film now reminds us that remarkably nonpartisan, revealing that a course that favours formal sophistication there’s nothing new about fake news. the title does indeed refer to every and complexity, while allowing ourselves on “Director Fred Peabody brings on government and politician, even those big-name investigative journalists such that we admire and align our ideals occasion to fall for the most forthright advocacy as Matt Taibbi, Jeremy Scahill, Glenn with.” — Kimber Myers, LA Times and appeals to the heartstrings. Greenwald, Amy Goodman and others “The establishment reporters, to create a damning indictment of without a doubt, know a lot of things You will find more fine examples filling the mainstream media. All Governments I don’t know. But a lot of what they Lie weaves together the efforts of these know isn’t true.” — I.F. Stone Aotearoa section of the programme and in the contemporary figures with the impact sections that follow. Also in our Big Nights, of Stone, who covered Lyndon B. Johnson, the Vietnam War and more. Thrill and For All Ages sections. In other words, All Governments Lie is a timely, A NT Sun 30 Jul, 11.00 am documentaries are everywhere at NZIFF. convincing documentary that will A NT Tue 8 Aug, 8.30 pm cause audiences to question what B NT Thu 10 Aug, 4.15 pm they see and read. It offers insight FRAMING REALITY 69

I Am Not Your Negro

“Whatever you think about the past and future of what used to be called ‘race relations’ – white supremacy and Director: Raoul Peck the resistance to it, in plainer English – USA/France 2016 | 93 mins Producers: Rémi Grellety, Raoul Peck, Hébert Peck this movie will make you think again, Screenplay: Raoul Peck, James Baldwin and may even change your mind. Photography: Henry Adebonojo, Bill Ross, Though its principal figure, the novelist, Turner Ross Editor: Alexandra Strauss playwright and essayist James Baldwin, Music: Alexei Aigui is a man who has been dead for nearly Narrator: Samuel L. Jackson With: James Baldwin, Malcolm X, 30 years, you would be hard-pressed to Martin Luther King Jr, Medgar Evers, find a movie that speaks to the present Lorraine Hansberry Festivals: Toronto, New York 2016; Berlin 2017 moment with greater clarity and force, People’s Choice Award, Toronto International Film insisting on uncomfortable truths Festival 2016 Nominated, Best Documentary, Academy Awards and drawing stark lessons from the 2017 shadows of history… Panorama Audience Award, Berlin Film Festival 2017 B&W and Colour To call I Am Not Your Negro a movie about James Baldwin would be to understate [director Raoul] Peck’s achievement. It’s more of a posthumous collaboration, an uncanny and thrilling communion between words – some of the most powerful the filmmaker… and his subject. The and penetrating ever assembled on the “Masterfully addressing the voice-over narration (read by Samuel tortured subject of American identity – American racial divide, L. Jackson) is entirely drawn from accompany images from old talk shows Baldwin’s work. Much of it comes from and news reports, from classic movies past and present… a notes and letters written in the mid- and from our own decidedly non-post- galvanizing, ominous film, 1970s, when Baldwin was somewhat racial present… thrumming with a sense of B EMB Fri 28 Jul, 11.15 am reluctantly sketching out a book, never I Am Not Your Negro is a thrilling A PH Mon 31 Jul, 8.15 pm to be completed, about the lives and introduction to his work, a remedial history repeating itself.” A EMB Wed 2 Aug, 6.15 pm deaths of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X course in American history, and an — Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out NY B PH Thu 3 Aug, 4.15 pm and Martin Luther King Jr… advanced seminar in racial politics.” A LHP Sun 6 Aug, 6.00 pm His published and unpublished — A.O. Scott, NY Times A RX Sat 12 Aug, 5.00 pm

Austerlitz A Bastard Child Horungen

Director/Producer/ Screenplay: Sergei Loznitsa Director: Knutte Wester Germany 2016 | 94 mins Sweden/Norway 2016 Photography: Sergei Loznitsa, 57 mins Jesse Mazuch Producer: Therese Högberg Editor: Danielius Kokanauskis Editor: Jesper Osmund Festivals: Venice, Amsterdam Voice: Inga Landgré Documentary 2016 Festivals: Amsterdam In German, English and Spanish, Documentary 2016 with English subtitles In Swedish with English subtitles B&W Blu-ray

In Austerlitz, Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei That’s pretty much it: Loznitsa simply When painter Knutte Wester was vivid recollections, Wester illustrates Loznitsa (Maïdan, The Event), surely the placed his static camera in full view of a child the stories his grandmother her memoir with his own haunting world’s foremost documentarian of his camera-toting subjects and filmed. told him were grim tales of her own watercolour paintings, and with crowds, watches wave after wave of The effect is not simple at all, a storm childhood. He was transfixed. Born startlingly pristine period footage. tourists traipsing through former Nazi of perplexing questions about our out of wedlock in 1909, Hervor was No other work in this year’s NZIFF extermination camps. Loznitsa filmed capacity to process the horrors of which spurned along with her mother by makes such powerful use of archival principally in Sachsenhausen, 18 miles humanity is so dreadfully capable. their ‘slave-class’ rural family. Passed in film to conjure the actuality of lives from Berlin, where more than 30,000 The title, with its hint of Auschwitz, and out of her mother’s care through long passed. The immanence of the prisoners died during World War II. alludes to the W.G. Sebald novel of the a succession of foster homes, she past in the present feels intuitive in Decked for a summer day trip in t-shirts same name, which also concerns the quickly learned how a society uses its Wester’s vision, as his film seamlessly and cargo shorts, the tourists throng interrogation of historical evidence for designated outsiders. She characterises incorporates a contemporary world past the surviving machinery of living meaning. the venality of her persecutors and her where the rights of marginalised genocide. We see them looking for Loznitsa’s new feature A Gentle own dogged instinct for survival with children are no more recognised than somewhere to have lunch, or posing Creature (p37) also screens at NZIFF. the dramatic acuity of a Dickens. they were in Sweden a century ago. for selfies against the “ARBEIT MACHT What makes her tale doubly FREI” sign on the gate. We hear snatches A ED Sun 30 Jul, 11.15 am exceptional is the grandson’s re-telling C CG Tue 1 Aug, 1.45 pm of the docents’ scrupulously rehearsed A ED Sat 5 Aug, 1.45 pm – and the gradual revelation of the C CG Fri 4 Aug, 12.15 pm commentaries and from time to time remarkable woman this imperilled C CG Mon 7 Aug, 12.15 pm see a visitor absorbed in thought. child became. Drawing from his 70 FRAMING REALITY

Dina

The winner of the US Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at Sundance is a portrait of a marriage filmed at Director/Producers: such a tender, graceful remove that Antonio Santini, Dan Sickles USA 2017 | 101 mins it scarcely feels like a documentary at Photography: Adam Uhl all. Dina and her fiancé Scott, both on Editor: Sofía Subercaseaux the autism spectrum, met at a social Music: Michael Cera With: Dina Buna, Scott Levin group for neurologically diverse adults. Festivals: Sundance 2017 She has invited Scott, a Walmart door Grand Jury Prize (Documentary), Sundance Film Festival 2017 greeter with a penchant for croony love songs, to move in with her ahead of the nuptials. While Dina moves into full throttle wedding planning, the couple are well supported in their romance by her friends, his family and social services. Dina’s wise-cracking mother, long accustomed to her daughter’s “smorgasbord of mental health issues,” seems more exhausted by the prospect of a new chapter than hostile. gladden the heart of any relationship Filmmakers Dan Sickles – a counsellor. “A sensitive snapshot of longstanding family friend – and “Viewers who might think they two ordinary people on Antonio Santini are on hand as Dina wouldn’t be able to relate to someone mounts her campaign to break down like the brassy, plain-spoken 48-year- the autism spectrum who Scott’s intense shyness of physical old Dina may be surprised at just how are determined to carve intimacy. There’s no question about very, yes, universal her story can be. out a meaningful future Scott’s devotion or desire to be with Directors Antonio Santini and Dan her, but when it comes to the human Sickles never condescend to or coddle together.” — David Rooney, B NT Thu 3 Aug, 2.30 pm touch, he freezes. The unabashed their vivacious leading lady, and the Hollywood Reporter A NT Fri 4 Aug, 6.15 pm candour with which Dina articulates result is a fascinating love story.” A NT Sun 6 Aug, 1.45 pm A NT Thu 10 Aug, 6.15 pm her pain, and recognises his, should — Alonso Duralde, The Wrap

PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM IN ASSOCIATION WITH Dealt Dream Empire

Luke Korem Russell Wayne Groves* Director: Luke Korem Director: USA 2017 | 85 mins David Borenstein Producer: Russell Wayne Groves Denmark 2016 | 73 mins Screenplay: Bradley Jackson, Producer: Jesper Jack Luke Korem Photography: Lars Skree Photography: Jacob Hamilton Editors: Anders Villadsen, With: Richard Turner, Kim Turner, Christian Enshøj Asa Spades Turner, Simon Carmel, Music: Jason Prover Lori Dragt, Michaela Vail Festivals: Amsterdam Festivals: SXSW 2017 Documentary 2016; Sydney 2017 Audience Award (Documentary), In Mandarin with English subtitles SXSW Film Festival 2017 Blu-ray

Richard Turner is one of the world’s Turner’s proud refusal to be Chongqing’s property boom lures unpleasantness beneath the gleaming greatest card magicians. With four defined by his disability is not without 24-year-old Yana with the promise of surface of China’s economic miracle, decades of experience, his amazing its drawbacks, as the film savvily wealth and privilege. She opens an much of the documentary maintains sleight of hand and deft card control demonstrates by contrasting his agency to provide Chinese real estate a levelheaded approach as Borenstein are astonishing to see, even before you situation with his sister’s. She too is developers with ‘white monkeys’ learns the intricacies of the property find out he is completely blind. As one blind, but has no compunction about – foreigners who attend openings, boom on the fly. But as the filmmaker audience member exclaims after seeing using a seeing eye dog to get around. dressed in miscellaneous national reaches a point where he can no longer his show, “Is there a deeper magic When not performing, Turner is wholly costumes to create an air of festivity, rationalize taking any more ‘white that’s happening?” reliant on his wife, Kim, and his sophistication and prosperity around monkey’ gigs, Dream Empire delivers a Director Luke Korem’s portrait of delightfully named son, Asa Spades. developments that more often or not focused critique of how this system has card artistry and stubborn dedication But when Asa leaves for college, Turner remain tragically unoccupied. Yana created so many layers of artifice that introduces us to the man behind the has to learn a few new tricks and struggles to reconcile this ruthless authenticity is now in perilously short magic. Inspired by the theme song to finally come to terms with his visual absurdity with her rural roots. Danish supply.” — John Berra, V Cinema Maverick, Turner committed his life impairment. — MM documentarian David Borenstein, a to “livin’ on jacks and queens” and the seasoned ‘white monkey’ himself, gradual loss of his eyesight that began A PAR Thu 3 Aug, 6.15 pm mixes an insider’s view and an B TP Sun 30 Jul, 12.00 pm when he was nine did little to deter B PAR Fri 4 Aug, 2.00 pm outsider’s perspective on the biggest C CG Tue 1 Aug, 12.15 pm him. Indeed, if it were up to him, he’d A LHP Thu 10 Aug, 6.15 pm building boom in human history. C CG Thu 10 Aug, 1.30 pm rather no one even knew he was blind. “Despite all the duplicity and C CG Fri 11 Aug, 1.30 pm FRAMING REALITY 71

Kedi

“It’s hard to say whether Ceyda Torun’s Stay delightful and visually splendid Kedi is a documentary about Istanbul, with Director: Ceyda Torun cats, or a documentary about cats Turkey/USA 2016 | 79 mins Producers: Ceyda Torun, Charlie Wuppermann that happens to be set in Istanbul… Photography: Charlie Wuppermann If Kedi is any sort of anthropological Editor: Mo Stoebe examination of the life of a city, it Music: Kira Fontana With: Sari, Bengü, Aslan Parçasi, Psikopat, works because its vision is filtered Deniz, Gamsiz, Duman, Bülent Ustun, through the lazy-looking but in Mine Sogut, Elif Nursad Festivals: Melbourne, Vancouver 2016 fact hyper-aware eyes of our feline In Turkish with English subtitles compatriots. They always see things we can’t. In turning our gaze toward them, we learn deep truths about ourselves. Meanwhile, their lives go on, their brains whirring with thoughts like ‘What is that guy doing on my turf?’ ‘I’d like a nice piece of fish right now,’ and ‘Where’s a good spot to have kittens?’ We see cats thinking all of those things, and more, in Kedi – which while explaining how much his means cat, in Turkish. The picture’s store cat enriches his life and the “Impossible to resist… Kedi pleasures are bountiful, particularly for neighborhood. The cat recently needed is almost shamelessly cat lovers… There are cats sleeping medical care. ‘We all have a running obliviously on unnervingly high-up tab at the vet,’ he says with a shrug. satisfying: a documentary ledges; cats padding across corrugated In all great cities, the magnificent about the thousands B RX Fri 28 Jul, 1.00 pm rusty-red roofs; cats just hanging out in intersects with the mundane – that’s of scrappy wild cats that A LHP Fri 28 Jul, 6.15 pm doorways, their ears barely twitching what makes them not only livable A PAR Sat 29 Jul, 11.15 am as nearby humans extol their virtues… but vital. The cats of Kedi tell that story, prowl Istanbul with A LHP Mon 31 Jul, 6.15 pm A baker goes about his daily business, in between naps. They know a good insouciance.” B EMB Fri 4 Aug, 10.45 am creating homey-looking pastries that place when they’ve found it.” A PH Sun 6 Aug, 3.45 pm — Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out NY you’ll wish you could eat immediately, — Stephanie Zacharek, Time B PH Tue 8 Aug, 12.15 pm

Intent to Destroy: Minute Bodies: The Intimate World of Death, Denial & Depiction F. Percy Smith

Director: Joe Berlinger USA 2017 | 115 minutes Screenplay: Joe Berlinger, Director: Stuart A. Staples Cy Christiansen UK 2016 | 54 mins Photography: Bob Richman Editor: Cy Christiansen Producers: Stuart A. Staples, Music: Serj Tankian David Reeve With: Terry George, Photography/Animation: Paul Boghossian, Fatma Müge F. Percy Smith Göçek, Eric Bogosian, Editors: David Reeve, John Marshall Evans, Stuart A. Staples Peter Balakian, Michael Bobelian Music: Tindersticks, Festivals: Tribeca 2017 Thomas Belhom, Christine Ott Festivals: London 2016; Rotterdam 2017 B&W

At first glance, the latest from history with the help of historians, “Minute Bodies, directed by Stuart with pin-point reflections on their sleek heavyweight documentarian Joe scholars and filmmakers. But the Staples of the Tindersticks, is a surfaces creating alien eyes… Berlinger resembles a behind-the- questions multiply. What can depiction tribute to the pioneering science Rather than cleaving to Smith’s scenes production diary for another do to reverse the damage? Is there any films of F. Percy Smith, setting images pedagogical intentions, this film grander movie: Terry George’s The one narrative that can do an atrocity from Smith’s work to a sympathetic reinvents its source material, Promise, a wartime epic set during like this justice? Can history ever be musical score to create a new and emphasising the beauty of his work the Armenian genocide of 1915 more than just a set of lies agreed hypnotical silent movie. Smith’s and its experimental allure… While it (starring Oscar Isaac & Christian Bale). upon? Berlinger’s confrontation with movies, all shot at his home in north may not help anyone pass their science But Intent to Destroy quickly reveals these difficult questions is probing and London, captured plants and animals, exams, it is ideally scaled to seep under its own intentions as a historical deeply powerful. — JF but used magnification, timelapse the audience’s skins and into their corrective. Using the film production “Intent to Destroy is a timely photography and a little inventive veins.” — Pamela Hutchison, Sight & as a springboard, Berlinger launches reckoning with the large-scale showmanship to reveal their essential Sound into his own enquiry into the Armenian suppression of a historical tragedy.” processes: photosynthesis, pollination, holocaust and exposes one of the most — Elizabeth Bao, Tribeca Film Festival reproduction, growth, decay… horrific chapters in human history – one Sprouting seeds bud delicately furred which the Turkish government still B NT Mon 31 Jul, 4.00 pm roots in the darkness of the soil; a B ED Fri 28 Jul, 6.15 pm denies ever happened. A NT Sun 6 Aug, 11.30 am flower with quivering petals opens to B ED Sun 6 Aug, 1.15 pm Exposing their cruel denialism, A NT Sat 12 Aug, 4.15 pm reveal its veined heart; the globular tips B ED Mon 7 Aug, 6.30 pm C CG Tue 8 Aug, 12.15 pm Berlinger reconstructs this suppressed of slime fungus glisten in the gloom, 72 FRAMING REALITY

Quest

Quest brings us a vital and disarmingly Director/Photography: intimate picture of American life Jonathan Olshefski through the Obama years as USA 2017 | 105 mins experienced by a young black family Producer: Sabrina Schmidt Gordon Editor: Lindsay Utz living on Philadelphia’s rough north Music: T. Griffin, Christopher Rainey side. The director Jonathan Olshefski With: Christopher Rainey, Christine’a Rainey, Patricia (PJ) Rainey, William Withers, Price set out to make a film about his friend Festivals: Sundance 2017 Christopher ‘Quest’ Rainey’s home recording studio and the community PROUDLY SPONSORED BY that gathered there. He soon extended his frame to include Christine’a (aka Ma Quest), their young daughter Patricia, and Christine’a’s grown-up son from an earlier marriage. When we meet him, Quest is mobilising the neighbourhood to vote for the first black president. The film ends a decade later with the election of the white billionaire who told black voters their lives were already so bad they had nothing to lose. The passage weathering the ordinary storms of life of time is marked by news events – – ill health, bad luck, occasional crossed “An essential reflection successive elections, Hurricane Sandy, purposes. But the Raineys endure of social transitions – for the Newtown shooting – and Patricia’s troubles that are painfully specific to growth from sparky child to spikey their colour and class and moment in better and worse – in young woman. (Like a non-fictional history. Though Olshefski never beats Barack Obama’s America.” Boyhood, the film witnesses children a drum, he leaves no doubt how much — Guy Lodge, Variety growing up and parents growing older the world might gain by showing Quest in mesmerising condensed form.) and his crew the same generosity they B TP Tue 1 Aug, 11.00 am It’s a warm and engrossing picture extend to the world. A TP Fri 4 Aug, 6.30 pm of smart people making the most of A NT Sun 6 Aug, 5.30 pm B NT Wed 9 Aug, 4.00 pm what they’ve got, helping others and HHM907 0617 HHM907

This is Olivia and Verena.

They love to indulge in a glass of wine at the hotel before heading to a film.

VISIT WWW.HERITAGEHOTELS.CO.NZ FOR PRE-SHOW DINNERS AND ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES OR CALL US ON 0800 368 888

FRAMING REALITY 73

Step

If you come to NZIFF in search of real-life heroines, the ‘Lethal Ladies’ of Baltimore Leadership School for Young Director: Amanda Lipitz Women are here to steal your hearts USA 2017 | 83 mins Producers: Steven Cantor, Amanda Lipitz – before they dazzle you in a blaze of Photography: Casey Regan step dance fury. Editor: Penelope Falk Opened in 2009 with a mandate to Music: Laura Karpman, Raphael Saadiq With: Blessin Giraldo, Cori Grainger, Tayla Solomon, send every student to university, the Gari McIntyre, Paula Dofat school is well attuned to the fractured Festivals: Sundance, San Francisco 2017 Special Jury Prize (Documentary), Sundance Film home lives and poverty facing many Festival 2017 of its brightest charges. The film trails three very differently positioned seniors as each is guided through a nerve- wracking college application process. Where they find unity, relief and exhilaration is on the step dance team. Under the new step mistress, that’s no walk in the park either: she’s pushing them to kill at the state dance-off. Director Amanda Lipitz gets close to her subjects and into their relationships “Step is so much fun, it could cause with the women who champion and some doc purists to gripe at the glossy “Inspirational… Step tells a challenge them: their mothers, a touches… but that’s where the film story that highlights heroically persistent college counsellor, may ultimately prove most powerful. and the no-bullshit step coach. With By offering some of society’s most the intertwining values so much effort concentrated on marginalized members – young black of hope and education.” getting into college, the outcome of women – their time in the spotlight — Steve Greene, Indiewire the step competition assumes a lesser without any inkling of condescension significance than in the standard ‘Best or exploitation, Lipitz does more than A PH Fri 28 Jul, 6.15 pm in Show’ documentary, which only just entertain or enlighten. She’s A LHP Sat 29 Jul, 6.15 pm makes it more loaded when the big breaking down barriers in nonfiction A RX Tue 1 Aug, 6.15 pm A EMB Thu 10 Aug, 6.30 pm moment suddenly arrives. cinema.” — Geoff Berkshire, Variety

Napalm Nowhere to Hide

Director: Director/Screenplay: Claude Lanzmann Zaradasht Ahmed France 2017 | 100 mins Norway/Sweden/Iraq Producer: François Margolin 2016 | 86 mins Photography: Caroline Photography: Nori Sharif, Champetier Zaradasht Ahmed Editor: Chantal Hymans With: Nori Sharif Festivals: Cannes (Out of Festivals: Amsterdam Competition), Sydney 2017 Documentary 2016 In French with English subtitles Best Film, International Documentary Festival Amsterdam 2016 In Arabic with English subtitles

In 1958 Claude Lanzmann, the future Lanzmann may definitely be in love Nori Sharif was a nurse working the ‘triangle of death’ by the media, director of Shoah, joined a western with his own voice… but he’s also a at the Jalawla Medical Center in becomes a battleground of shifting delegation of young communists to supreme storyteller who has relied on central Iraq when he was first filmed conflicts. Nori, his wife and children see visit North Korea. Sixty years later he first-hand accounts throughout his by Kurdish-born director Zaradasht their homeland engulfed in violence, returns, looking beyond the displays career to bear witness to some of the Ahmed. As American troops withdrew confusion and uncertainty about who of national confidence that greet darkest periods in modern history. In in 2011, Nori remained committed the enemy is. “This is an undiagnosed all visitors to explore the historical Napalm he uses his own experience to to hospital work and cheerful about war,” he says, his camera surveying the resonance of a lost love. fuel the narrative… What results is a his prospects. All too soon eruptions devastation of a car bombing. “All we “At 91 years and counting, unique look at a place and people who of fundamentalist violence made it see are the symptoms.” Intimate and venerable documentary filmmaker we have mostly known through news too risky for the filmmaker to stay, immediate, it’s an unforgettable picture Claude Lanzmann still has it in reports or government propaganda, and he handed over the camera to of aspiration eroded but still ardent in him to both inform and go against but rarely in movies through such his subject. This compelling film is the face of mayhem. convention… Not that this combination a human point of view.” — Jordan edited together from the subsequent travel diary and personal recollection in Mintzer, Hollywood Reporter video diaries in which Nori records his any way champions the regime of Kim struggle to preserve and protect his Jong-un and his predecessors, but it A NT Sat 29 Jul, 7.45 pm young family amidst the destruction A NT Sat 29 Jul, 4.15 pm does give us a good idea of how North A NT Thu 3 Aug, 8.15 pm of infrastructure and the relentless A NT Thu 10 Aug, 8.15 pm Korea became what it is, and why it is B NT Fri 4 Aug, 4.15 pm disintegration of civilised life. We B NT Fri 11 Aug, 4.30 pm A NT Sun 13 Aug, 2.15 pm unlikely to change anytime soon… watch as central Iraq, a region dubbed 74 FRAMING REALITY

The War Show

Joining the 2011 street protests against the oppressive Assad regime, Syrian radio host Obaidah Zytoon Directors/Screenplay: armed herself with a video camera, Andreas Dalsgaard, Obaidah Zytoon Denmark/Germany/Syria/Finland determined to propel the Arab 2016 | 105 mins Spring forward. The regime’s violent Producers: Ronnie Fridthjof, David B. Sørensen reprisals that followed the uprising Photography: Obaidah Zytoon, Dana Bakdounes, continue to shock the world and have Amr Kheito, Hisham Issa, Wassim Anonymous, Lars Skree dispersed refugees to all corners, but Editor: Adam Nielsen this painfully poignant film, so much Music: Colin Stetson With: Amal, Houssam, Lulu, Hisham, Rabea, Argha more than a collection of distant and Festivals: Venice, Toronto, London, Amsterdam disturbing images of war, personalises Documentary 2016 Best Film (Venice Days), Venice Film Festival 2016 its dispatches from the Syrian frontline In Arabic with English subtitles with an intimacy and lucidity that cuts right through the banality of evil. Assembling Zytoon’s footage, co- director Andreas Dalsgaard (The Human Scale) threads in the simple dreams and fragile hope of individuals – including many of Zytoon’s best friends and fellow activists – together with the spectacle of terrorism and extremism. complicated role video plays in the — Tim Wong “An intimate, complex and conflict, on both sides of the equation, “The War Show reminds us that raw vision of life from in a way that recalls the personal and there are indeed living, breathing, and moral enquiry of last year’s superb loving individuals just trying their best within a horrific civil war.” Cameraperson. As Zytoon’s poetic to endure this war-torn time period — John Bleasdale, Cinevue narration concedes, “There was a place in their homeland. Sometimes just for everybody in the war show, except trying to stay out of the way of war the people.” Bravely carried out of the is blatantly impossible, and the only A TP Sun 30 Jul, 6.00 pm war zone, her documentary movingly thing left to do is embrace those you B TP Mon 31 Jul, 1.30 pm restores some of the names, faces and love and hope to live another day.” B NT Mon 7 Aug, 4.15 pm A NT Wed 9 Aug, 8.00 pm identities obscured by the everyday — Jordan M. Smith, Ioncinema.com

Starless Dreams To Stay Alive: A Method Royahaye dame sobh

Have you tried, maybe, not worrying? Director/Producer/ Director: Erik Lieshout Screenplay: The Netherlands/ Mehrdad Oskouei Belgium 2016 | 70 mins Iran 2016 | 76 mins Producer: Marc Thelosen Photography: Mohammad Haidadi Photography/Editor: Editor: Amir Adibparvar Reinier van Brummelen Music: Afshin Azizi Music: Iggy Pop Festivals: Berlin, Hot Docs, With: Michel Houellebecq, Melbourne, London 2016 Iggy Pop, Anne Claire Bourdin, Best Documentary, London Film Jerome Tessier Festival 2016 Festivals: Amsterdam M drug references & sexual abuse Documentary 2016; Sydney 2017 themes In English and French, with English subtitles

The young female inmates of a Tehran of Tehran and makes a movie that A Michel Houellebecq/Iggy Pop combo rewards of suffering. detention facility find more support finds enough air to breathe within may initially seem incongruous. Houellebecq’s “advice to young in each other’s company and in the the stifling walls. The girls’ stories are However, these two enfants terribles, poets” combines reflections on artistic attention of a respectful filmmaker uniformly heartbreaking, but Starless veteran disrupters of the worlds of existence and the experiences of people than they ever expect to find outside Dreams is no parade of misery. Like literature and rock music on opposite in his own life, whom we also have prison walls. Under no illusions about much of the best nonfiction cinema sides of the Atlantic, share many the privilege of meeting. Far from the the nature of the world that has this year, Oskouei knows how to open affinities, not the least of which is the misérabilisme for which Houellebecq brought them to this place, their often up routes toward true empathy and shared belief that the role of the artist is renowned, this superbly crafted fatalistic perspectives are delivered understanding by including his own is to “put your finger on the wound film mines the value in difference and with vitality, defiance and surprising processes and disappointments. It’s a of society and press down real hard.” otherness, often with deadpan and playfulness. Filmmaker Mehrdad film that thinks and feels and asks us Iggy’s first encounter with impish wit – something else the two Oskouei has exercised extraordinary to do the same.” — Robert Greene, Houellebecq’s writing was like delving men share. — SR patience in securing permission to film Sight & Sound into his own autobiography, so much in the facility and winning the trust of did it seem to describe his early his subjects. The outcome may be the experience as a geeky outsider. His most richly peopled and unshakeable A NT Tue 1 Aug, 6.15 pm inimitable voice, gravel-rough and B NT Fri 28 Jul, 4.15 pm documentary of the year. B NT Wed 9 Aug, 2.15 pm poised, wonderfully recites excerpts A NT Thu 3 Aug, 6.15 pm “Mehrdad Oskouei goes inside an from To Stay Alive: A Method, the A RX Sun 6 Aug, 1.00 pm A NT Sat 12 Aug, 12.15 pm all-girl detention facility on the outskirts French writer’s manifesto about the FRAMING REALITY 75

Trophy Unrest

Director: Shaul Schwarz USA/UK 2017 | 108 mins Co-director: Christina Clusiau Director: Jennifer Brea Producers: Lauren Haber, USA 2017 | 97 mins Julia Nottingham Photography: Christina Clusiau, Screenplay: Jennifer Brea, Shaul Schwarz Kim Roberts Editors: Halil Efrat, Jay Arthur Photography: Sam Heesen, Sterrenberg Christian Laursen With: Philip Glass, John Hume, With: Jennifer Brea, Omar Wasow, Michelle Otto, Christo Gomes, Jessica Taylor, Lee Ray Denton, Joe Hosmer, Adam Roberts, Randy Denton, Casie Jackson Tim Fallon, Richard Hume Festivals: Sundance, SXSW 2017 Festivals: Sundance, SXSW 2017 Special Jury Prize (Documentary), In English and Afrikaans, with Sundance Film Festival 2017 English subtitles In English and Danish, with English subtitles

In 2015 a single image of an African by a white South African rhino A largely mysterious condition that Unrest tells the story of Jen and her lion named Cecil, killed by a Minnesota farmer. His campaign to legalise the reportedly afflicts as many as 17 husband, Omar, facing the unexpected, dentist, said everything that needs remunerative export of the allegedly million people worldwide, chronic and four of the community of ME to be said about big-game hunting aphrodisiac rhinoceros horn is opposed fatigue syndrome or myalgic patients whom Jen brings together on for millions of people the world by animal rights activists. “How much encephalomyelitis (ME) still perplexes the internet, in the United States, UK over. In this intelligent, disconcerting do they know of African realities?” most doctors and is often dismissed and Denmark. Together they explore documentary filmmakers Shaul Schwarz he replies. as a psychosomatic illness. how to make a meaningful life when and Christina Clusiau invite us to Confronting those realities, not least Director Jennifer Brea was a everything changes. The film is a feat take a more careful look. Challenging the ravages of game poachers and journalist and academic studying for of disability filmmaking, made with an us-vs-the-deplorable polarities, the the lives of dirt-poor African villagers, a PhD at Harvard. Months before her international team and using innovative filmmakers steer us deep into the ethos Trophy provides a singularly provocative wedding she became progressively technologies to allow the bedbound of one inveterate American ‘hunter’ picture of the Great White Hunter as ill, losing the ability even to sit in a director to cover the world and film as whose view of God-given ‘dominion Africa’s destroyer tasking itself to be wheelchair. When told by her doctor if she’s in the room. over the animals’ is clearly ascendant in saviour too. it was ‘all in her head’, her response a globalised, monetised world. was to start filming from her bed, A LHP Sat 29 Jul, 4.15 pm That literal ownership – through A NT Sun 30 Jul, 1.00 pm gradually deploying crews globally B PB Wed 2 Aug, 2.00 pm corralling and breeding – might in fact B NT Wed 2 Aug, 2.00 pm to document the world inhabited by A PB Wed 9 Aug, 6.30 pm be the surest road to conservation is A NT Wed 2 Aug, 8.30 pm millions of patients whom medicine B PH Fri 11 Aug, 2.00 pm championed memorably, and movingly, A NT Sun 6 Aug, 7.30 pm forgot. A PAR Sat 12 Aug, 11.45 am

The Venerable W. We Don’t Need a Map Le vénérable W.

Director: Director: Barbet Schroeder Warwick Thornton France/Switzerland 2017 Australia 2017 | 91 mins 107 mins Producer: Brendan Fletcher Photography: Screenplay: Warwick Thornton, Victoria Clay Mendoza Brendan Fletcher Editor: Nelly Quettier Photography: Warwick Thornton, With: Ashin Wirathu, U. Zanitar, Dylan River, Drew English Kyaw Zayar Htun, U. Kaylar Sa, Editor: Andrea Lang Matthew Smith, Abdul Rasheed Festivals: Sydney 2017 Festivals: Cannes (Special In English, Warlpiri, Wardaman, Screenings) 2017 Dhuwala and Dhuwaya, In Burmese, French, English and with English subtitles Spanish with English subtitles

“Everyone knows that Buddhism nevertheless effective long hard stare In 2009, the year his Samson and whole night sky as astronomers and is the religion of peace, love and into the eyes of intolerance. Delilah won the Camera d’Or at elders from North East Arnhem Land, understanding. So there’s something However, this is also a chilling Cannes, Aboriginal director Warwick Katherine and the Central Desert tell deeply wrong about a Buddhist monk corrective to accounts of Burma that Thornton was nominated Australian their stories of the stars. On desert who calmly spouts anti-Muslim hate paint its recent history simply as a fight of the Year. When asked at a press sands, bush puppets act out a cartoon speech and incites ethnic riots. The between courageous pro-democracy conference what his main concern history in which the Southern Cross has monk in question, an influential forces led by Aung San Suu Kyi (by no would be if he received Australia’s constantly figured as an emblem of the Burmese figure known as the means a heroine in this particular story) highest honour, he replied, “that coloniser. Tattooists, musicians and a Venerable Wirathu, is the subject of and a repressive military regime. In the the Southern Cross is becoming the range of lively commentators observe the powerful final installment of Swiss era of Trump (Wirathu is a fan), Farage new swastika.” All hell broke loose. the enduring connotations – and the director Barbet Schroeder’s ‘Axis of and Le Pen, it also shines timely light Thornton fills out his comments in this dangers lurking for those who resist, Evil’ trilogy, which began in 1974 with on the mechanisms of nationalistic genial and wide-ranging film essay, such as the organisers of the Big Day General Idi Amin Dada: A Self Portrait, rhetoric.” — Lee Marshall, Screendaily contrasting Aboriginal legends of the Out who asked music fans to leave and continued in 2007 with Terror’s heavens with the nationalist fervour their flags at home. Advocate… that’s fastened in recent years upon the It’s the shocking disjunct between his B TP Thu 3 Aug, 3.45 pm five-star constellation. B NT Wed 2 Aug, 4.15 pm religion and the rabid nationalism of his A TP Sun 13 Aug, 8.15 pm Thornton and his filmmaker son A NT Fri 4 Aug, 8.30 pm sermons, writings and declarations that Dylan River turn their cameras to the A PAR Sun 6 Aug, 12.00 pm powers Schroeder’s conventional but heavens, flooding the screen with the 76

Beuys: Art As a Weapon CHANGERS GAME Director/Screeplay: Andres Veiel Germany 2017 107 mins Photography: Jörg Jeshel Editors: Stephan Krumbiegel, Olaf Voigtländer With: Joseph Beuys, Caroline Tisdall, Rhea Thönges-Stringaris, Franz Joseph van der Grinten, Johannes Stüttgen, Klaus Staeck Festivals: Berlin, Sydney 2017 In German and English, with English subtitles Colour and B&W

“Most Germans, regardless of their level Beuys shows you the man, his of education or their interest in art have interactions with the press, his inner heard of Joseph Beuys [1921– 1986]. family life and the dilemmas he faced in Born in Kleve, he walked the earth like his career: from youthful depression to a shaman, dressed in a hat and a khaki starting a counter-cultural revolution.” fishing vest, offered healing thoughts, — Rene J. Meyer-Grimberg, Berlin aktionen (happenings) and confusing Film Journal installation pieces suggesting ways to “Veiel’s film strives to not only heal a wounded post-war Germany. invite viewers to reminisce over the His personal legend includes being a importance of Beuys’ work, but also member of Hitler youth, a gunner with provide us with an insight into the the Luftwaffe and getting shot down workings of a true anti-conformist’s over the Caucasus. His pilot died but mind.” — Josef Proimarkis, Cineuropa he survived and, according to his story (which is gently questioned in the film), the Tartars rolled him in fat and wool B NT Fri 28 Jul, 2.00 pm until he could be brought to a hospital. A NT Sat 12 Aug, 2.00 pm Consequently, fat and wool figure A PAR Sun 13 Aug, 12.00 pm prominently in his work.

Blue

Director/Screenplay: Karina Holden Australia 2017 | 76 mins Photography: Jody Muston Underwater photography: Jon Shaw Editor: Vanessa Milton With: Lucas Handley, Madison Stewart, Mark Dia, Phillip Mango, Jennifer Lavers, Tim Silverwood, Valerie Taylor Festivals: Sydney 2017 PG cert

With a background in natural history patiently extracting some of that waste For better or worse – we couldn’t say TV, director Karina Holden has made from the bellies of endangered sea birds. – these men and women never wanted to an empowering conservationist On Cape York Peninsula the Nanum documentary showcasing the work Wunghtim rangers clear the coastal leave the world the way they found it. and advocacy of six `ocean guardians'. waters of the vast ghost nets abandoned Madison Stewart, who grew up on by fishing boats and trapping sea life. See also: the Great Barrier Reef, has become Proving that conservation is not the Beuys: Art As a Weapon (p76), BPM (Beats an underwater filmmaker, using her sole preserve of the young, pioneering camera and social media to increase diver, shark advocate, artist and per Minute) (p10), I Am Not Your Negro (p69), public awareness of the plight of sharks. Australian heroine Valerie Taylor is Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web (p19), Mark Dia, regional oceans campaigner cautiously upbeat at 82. The ocean will for Greenpeace South Asia, uncovers recover, she says, “if we leave it alone.” My Year with Helen (p11). illegal fishing practices, corruption and labour abuses in the seafood industry. A RX Sat 29 Jul, 1.00 pm Following the surf was what led Tim A PH Sun 30 Jul, 6.15 pm Silverwood to combat the appalling A PH Tue 1 Aug, 6.15 pm ubiquity of plastic waste in sea and on A EMB Sun 6 Aug, 1.30 pm shoreline, Dr Jennifer Lavers is a marine B ED Mon 7 Aug, 2.30 pm eco-toxicologist, seen in the film A LHP Sat 12 Aug, 4.30 pm GAME CHANGERS 77

Risk

Julian Assange loathes Risk. Or he Director: Laura Poitras loathes, at least, what Risk has become. Germany/USA 2016 | 93 mins When it premiered at Cannes in 2016, Producers: Laura Poitras, Brenda Coughlin Photography: Kirsten Johnson Laura Poitras’ film presented a mostly Editors: Melody London, Laura Poitras admiring portrait of the WikiLeaks Music: Jeremy Flower With: Julian Assange, Sarah Harrison, founder. It has since been updated, and Jacob Appelbaum, Renata Avila, Joseph Farrell, updated again. WikiLeaks’ controversial Jennifer Robinson Festivals: Cannes (Directors’ Fortnight) 2016; role in the US presidential election Sydney 2017 is part of that evolution, but Poitras’ In English, Arabic and Spanish, with English revisions are more profoundly spurred by subtitles a deepening suspicion about Assange’s character, particularly around his response to sexual assault allegations. Seven years in the making, Risk is a thematic sibling to Citizenfour, the Edward Snowden feature that won Poitras the 2015 Oscar for Best Documentary. The access is extraordinary. We see Assange marshalling his cohorts as if they were PRAXIS FILMS an intelligence agency. Telephoning brilliance risks becoming subsumed the US State Department, demanding by narcissism, with a startling attitude “A messier, weirder, to speak to Hillary Clinton. Taking on to those who challenge him – and and more interesting an elaborate disguise for the dash to a filmmaker unwilling to remain a the Ecuadorian embassy in pursuit of bystander. The most conspicuous documentary than political asylum. change in the re-cut Risk is a voiceover Citizenfour, about a Spellbinding and at times disquieting, from the director herself. “The lines messier, weirder, and Risk explores the moral and ethical have become blurred,” she says, A TP Sun 30 Jul, 8.15 pm debate sparked by WikiLeaks, the impact drawing on notes from her production more persistently relevant B NT Fri 4 Aug, 12.00 pm of which has been felt throughout journal. “I thought I could ignore the man.” — Josephine Livingstone, A NT Fri 11 Aug, 8.45 pm journalism and politics. But at its core contradictions... I was wrong. They are The New Republic it is a study of an individual whose becoming the story.” — Toby Manhire

Citizen Jane: Battle for the City An Insignificant Man

Director: Matt Tyrnauer Khushboo Ranka USA 2016 | 92 mins Vinay Shukla Producer: Robert Hammond, Directors: Corey Reeser, Jessica Van Garsse, Khushboo Ranka, Matt Tyrnauer Photography: Chris Dapkins Vinay Shukla Editors: Daniel Morfesis, India 2016 | 96 mins Andrea Lewis Photography: Khushboo Ranka, Music: Jane Antonia Cornish Vinay Shukla, Vinay Rohira With: Jane Jacobs, Robert Moses Editors: Abhinav Tyagi, Festivals: Toronto, Amsterdam Manan Bhat Documentary 2016; Sydney 2017 With: Arvind Kejriwal, Colour and B&W Yogendra Yadav, Santosh Koli Festivals: Toronto, London, Amsterdam Documentary 2016 In Hindi with English subtitles

At his most powerful in the years has fashioned a lively documentary The global backlash against neo- world’s largest democracy. after World War II, powerbroker about the enduring issues enunciated liberalism finds its Indian champion The film has been effectively and developer Robert Moses was so clearly in their clash. in this fascinating behind-the-scenes silenced in India by the Censor Board, determined to modernise New York “Tyrnauer transforms what could account of the rise of the former tax who have demanded No Objection and speed up the traffic. He demolished be a staid profile film into an urgent official turned anti-corruption activist Certificates from the Prime Minister, the great swathes of housing to build story about the dangers of ‘urban Arvind Kejriwal and The Common Man’s Chief Minister of Delhi and ex-Chief high-rise accommodation and construct renewal,’ something Jacobs herself Party (AAP). Obviously partial to his Minister of Delhi, before clearing the superhighways the length of Manhattan. would admire… How do we retain cause but attentive to the complexities film for public viewing. “It’s like asking David to his Goliath, Jane Jacobs led a neighborhood diversity amid rapid and contradictions of the man and an Michael Moore to furnish a certificate grass-roots campaign to thwart his plan gentrification? Can a metropolis retain organisation still arguing its way into from George W. Bush before clearing to plough an expressway across town, its humanity when everyone’s living in shape, the filmmakers make the most of Fahrenheit 9/11,” say filmmakers right through Lower Manhattan. Author high-rises?” — April Wolfe, Village Voice two years’ worth of exceptional access. Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla, of The Death and Life of Great American Going into the 2013 Delhi elections, who will present the film in person Cities, Jacobs had a vision of urban life A EMB Sat 29 Jul, 11.00 am the established parties realise that at its NZIFF screenings. that involved people, neighbourhoods, A RX Sun 30 Jul, 1.00 pm AAP is making inroads into their heritage and habitation on a human A LHP Tue 1 Aug, 6.15 pm support, and the film assumes the A TP Mon 31 Jul, 8.15 pm scale, qualities Lower Manhattan B EMB Thu 3 Aug, 10.30 am urgency of a political thriller, delving B TP Tue 1 Aug, 1.15 pm enjoyed in abundance. Director Matt A PH Sat 5 Aug, 6.15 pm deeper into media warfare and Tyrnauer (Valentino: The Last Emperor) A PH Tue 8 Aug, 6.30 pm governmental machinations in the 78

ON NOW – THE KING IN THE RING | NGARARA – OVERCOMING ADDICTION HELEN’S STORY | ONE WORLD – HE AO KOTAHI POLY MOVEMENT – KAIKANIKANI | GET YOUR ARSE OFF THE TABLE DON SELWYN - POWER IN OUR HANDS – MAUI’S HOOK | NGA TAMATOA

Pōhina / Every Monday 8.30pm GAME CHANGERS 79

The Young Karl Marx Le jeune Karl Marx

Raoul Peck, director of the masterful Director: Raoul Peck James Baldwin documentary I Am Not France/Germany/Belgium 2017 Your Negro (page 69), has described 118 mins Baldwin and the revolutionary socialist Producers: Nicolas Blanc, Raoul Peck, Rémi Grellety, Robert Guédiguian Karl Marx as “the two feet I stand Screenplay: Pascal Bonitzer, Raoul Peck on... They frame who I am, my way of Photography: Kolja Brandt Editor: Frédérique Broos thinking and the way I analyse society.” Music: Alexei Aigui Peck’s equally striking film about With: August Diehl, Stefan Konarske, Vicky Krieps, Hannah Steele, Olivier Gourmet, Alexander Scheer Marx is a handsomely mounted Festivals: Berlin, Sydney 2017 historical drama – and political In French, German and English, with English subtitles CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc argument – based largely on the letters exchanged between 1843 and 1850 by Marx (August Diehl) and Friedrich Engels (Stefan Konarske). The film charts their personal lives and the course of their friendship and ideological brotherhood from a first wary meeting until the eve of the drafting of The Communist Manifesto. Reconstructing the conditions of the industrial age that made Europe ripe is the rich kid whose father is a mill for their radical programme, it tacitly owner, with a dandy-ish manner of “Peck’s intelligent, evokes contemporary parallels. The dress and a romantic mien… textured film-making densely packed screenplay, co-written This is a film which sticks to a with Pascal Bonitzer, reanimates their credo that people arguing about makes potentially arcane arguments with fervour, clarity and the theories and concepts – while also political discussions colour of their personal histories. periodically angrily rejecting the sing with urgency.” “Marx is played by August Diehl: notion of mere abstraction – is highly ragged, fierce with indignation and interesting. And Peck and Bonitzer — Jessica Kiang, BBC.com B PAR Tue 8 Aug, 3.45 pm poverty, addicted to cheap cigars, pull off the considerable trick of making A PAR Thu 10 Aug, 6.15 pm spoiling for an argument and a fight. it interesting.” — Peter Bradshaw, Engels, played by Stefan Konarske, The Guardian

Politics, an Instruction Manual Winnie Política, manual de instrucciones

Director/Screenplay: Fernando León de Aranoa Spain 2016 | 115 mins Director/Screenplay: Producers: Jaume Roures, Pascale Lamche Fernando León de Aranoa France/South Africa/ Photography: Jordi Abusada Editor: Yago Muñiz The Netherlands 2017 With: Pablo Iglesias, Íñigo Errejón 98 mins Festivals: Toronto 2016; Photography: Olivier Raffet, Berlin 2017 Felix Meyburgh In Spanish with English subtitles With: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Zindzi Mandela-Hlongwane Festivals: Sundance 2017 Directing Award (World Cinema Documentary), Sundance Film Festival 2017

Even set against the turbulence travel to Latin America, inspiration for French director Pascale Lamche’s Zindzi, biographers, journalists and of recent times, the emergence of their political ambitions. At home they Sundance award winner outlines the lawyers make it abundantly clear how Podemos as a political force in Spain confront internal rifts and opponents life and work of legendary activist she became such a formidable fighter, is gobsmacking. Seeded in the street who no longer underestimate the ‘kids Winnie Madikizela-Mandela – and still going strong at 80. protests of 2014, the left-wing who started a party in a garage’. allows her to deliver her side of a “It might be apparent where the group harnessed widespread anti- True to its name, Politics, an disputed history. Nelson Mandela film’s sympathies reside, but Winnie is establishment fury as they set about Instruction Manual offers fascinating was often perceived as a saint, even by no means a simple or straightforward breaking apart a decades-long two- lessons about building a party and by the regime he opposed. Winnie, missive of support. Lamche’s efforts to party grip on power. designing a campaign strategy in a who was married to him for 38 years unravel not only the tale at hand but As Fernando León de Aranoa’s media-saturated age. It is also a story and furthered his agenda in a violent also the reasoning behind the many exhilarating film begins, Podemos that encapsulates a vexed, invigorating outside world during his 27 years of conflicting views surrounding her (‘We Can’) has just over a year to moment, prefiguring both Brexit and incarceration, was almost as readily subject – and the ripples both leave in prepare for a general election. We tag Trump. And it’s one hell of a ride. demonised. Lamche’s film makes telling the country today – are deftly along, enjoying virtually unfettered — Toby Manhire use of archival clips, not least Winnie handled.” — Sarah Ward, Screendaily access as Pablo Iglesias, the charismatic Mandela’s fractious engagement thirtysomething leader, endeavours to A NT Fri 28 Jul, 8.15 pm with the Truth and Reconciliation B TP Mon 31 Jul, 11.15 am convert outrage into ballot-box success. B PB Thu 3 Aug, 2.00 pm Commission and her breathtaking B RX Mon 7 Aug, 1.00 pm Iglesias and his motor-mouthed, baby- A NT Sat 5 Aug, 11.45 am denunciation by Bishop Desmond Tutu. A TP Sun 13 Aug, 11.00 am faced political strategist Íñigo Errejón A PB Mon 7 Aug, 6.30 pm Interviews with diplomat daughter 80

BANG! The Bert Berns Story MUSIC MUSIC Directors: Brett Berns, Bob Sarles USA 2016 | 96 mins Directors: Brett Berns, Bob Sarles Screenplay: Joel Selvin Photography: Aaron Medick, Gil Gilbert Narrator: Steven Van Zandt With: Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Solomon Burke, Keith Richards, Ben E. King, Wilson Pickett, Ronald Isley, Cissy Houston, Brenda Reid, Betty Harris, Mike Stoller, Doug Morris, Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich Festivals: SXSW, Vancouver 2016

Bert Berns created some of the most nightclub go-go dancer), and a record gloriously soulful pop records of the industry hustler and standover man 1960s. This Bronx-born son of Russian known as ‘Wassel’. Jewish immigrants wrote such immortal Berns had friendships and songs as ‘Twist and Shout’ and ‘Piece of partnerships with colourfully unsavoury My Heart’, brought Cuban rhythms into characters, and vicious showdowns R&B and produced the hits that kick- with colleagues and rivals. And yet started Van Morrison’s career. He also the word that keeps recurring in this “walked with gangsters – and exalted documentary is ‘soul’. Everyone attests them,” according to his biographer Joel that Berns had it, from Morrison to Selvin. black soul giants like Ben E. King and Berns, who died in 1967, age 38, Cissy Houston. This movie helps us lived as though he was on borrowed understand that soul, its origins and its time. The movie parallels the punchy torments. — Nick Bollinger pace of his brief but dramatic life. Steven Van Zandt (from Springsteen’s E A ED Tue 1 Aug, 6.30 pm Street Band) narrates. Interviewees are A ED Tue 8 Aug, 8.45 pm mostly straight-shooting New Yorkers, A ED Wed 9 Aug, 6.45 pm A RX Sun 13 Aug, 2.45 pm including Berns’ widow Ilene (a former

Bill Frisell: A Portrait

Director/Producer/ Screenplay/Photography/ Editor: Emma Franz Australia 2017 | 114 mins Music: Bill Frisell With: Bill Frisell, Paul Motian, Jim Hall, Mike Gibbs, Jason Moran, Jim Woodring, Joey Baron, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wollesen, John Zorn Festivals: SXSW 2017

I can’t think of another music film love for the guitar and its expressive See also: that puts as many smiles on screen as possibilities, combined with a genuine Bill Direen: A Memory of Others (p16), this gently revealing portrait of jazz self-effacement. Though articulate, guitarist Bill Frisell. Fellow artists smile he clearly finds words inadequate to Félicité (p39), Minute Bodies: The Intimate as they describe what it’s like to make describe what he does and why he World of F. Percy Smith (p71), Patti Cake$ (p61), music with him, and we catch the silent does it. Likewise, he is reluctant to smiles that pass between players during speculate on why other musicians find Swagger of Thieves (p22). performances. such delight in working with him. Frisell, now in his mid-60s, has been But drummer Joey Baron has no a unique source of joy ever since he trouble explaining what makes Frisell emerged from the New York downtown such a musical magnet. “It’s integrity,” jazz scene of the late 70s. His repertoire he says, with a smile. “And who is unusually democratic and in the wouldn’t want to find out more about generous live performance sequences that?” — Nick Bollinger we see him in a wide range of settings, from duos to symphony orchestras, A ED Wed 2 Aug, 6.30 pm playing anything from Coltrane tunes A ED Sat 5 Aug, 3.45 pm to old folk songs. B ED Mon 7 Aug, 4.15 pm A PH Sun 13 Aug, 8.00 pm There is a near-innocence about his MUSIC 81

The Paris Opera L’Opéra

“The Palais Garnier has graced the ninth Director: Jean-Stéphane Bron arrondissement since 1875, dazzling France/Switzerland 2017 | 110 mins onlookers with its ornate beaux-arts Producers: Philippe Martin, David Thion Photography: Blaise Harrison facade and gilded statuary honoring Editor: Julie Lena the fine arts… In this captivating With: Benjamin Millepied, Stéphane Lissner, Philippe Jordan, Bryn Terfel, Mikhail Tymoshenko, documentary, Swiss director Jean- François Hollande Stéphane Bron takes audiences inside Festivals: San Francisco 2017 one of the world’s great performing In French and English, with English subtitles arts venues for one season, revealing the complex artistic collaborations at its heart… The film illuminates the backstage bustle of the Opéra National de Paris and the scores of artists, financiers, administrators, and patrons that make the whole endeavor possible. Through the company’s tireless director Stéphane Lissner, the glories and peculiar challenges of working in such a legendary setting are detailed. Can the production designer safely get a 1,200-pound live bull onstage de ballet and their improbably named during a performance of Schoenberg’s choreographer, Benjamin Millepied. “Jean-Stéphane Bron’s Moses and Aaron? How far can All the while, an army of polyglot magnificent doc… [is] ticket prices be lowered to combat chorists, stage managers, wig stylists, the perceived elitism of the opera? linen pressers, and makeup artists help a thrilling inside look… Is Bryn Terfel available for a last- shape the much-lauded performances at the workings of the minute substitution in Wagner’s Die that leave ballerinas and maestros city’s venerable and Meistersinger von Nürnberg? A sense alike sweating and exhausted, collapsing of barely contained chaos descends as in the wings.” — Paul Meyers, magnificent cultural hub.” B EMB Thu 3 Aug, 12.45 pm labor unions strike, a precocious [and San Francisco International Film Festival — Doris Toumarkine, Film Journal A PH Sun 6 Aug, 5.45 pm adorable] young bass-baritone debuts, International and tensions arise between the corps

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Rumble: The Indians Tony Conrad: Completely in the Present Who Rocked the World

Director/Editor: Tyler Hubby Director: USA 2016 | 96 mins Catherine Bainbridge Producers: Christine Beebe, Canada 2016 | 102 mins Paul Williams Photography: Damian Calvo, Co-director: Alfonso Maiorana Fortunato Procopio With: Robbie Robertson, Buffy Music: Tony Conrad Sainte-Marie, John Trudell, With: Tony Conrad, Tony Oursler, Pat Vegas, Martin Scorsese, Jim O’Rourke, David Grubbs, Tony Bennett, Steven Tyler, Marie Losier, John Cale, Moby, Iggy Pop, Taj Mahal, Adam Beach Branden Joseph Festivals: Sundance 2017 Festivals: Rotterdam 2017 Special Jury Prize (World Cinema Contains strobe effects Documentary), Sundance Film Festival 2017

This revealing tribute to Native thunder of drummer Randy Castillo to Filmed over two decades, this and created the trance-like stroboscopic American musicians celebrates their the glides and slides in the singing of entertaining documentary captures film The Flicker. Moving into teaching, little credited contributions to popular early jazz queen Mildred Bailey. the freewheeling spirit and joyous he continued to rail against conventional contemporary music from blues to jazz, In the end, though, the point is not creativity of iconoclastic multimedia artistic practice, creating video and from Hendrix to Metallica. to untie the tangled blood knot of artist Tony Conrad, who died last April. conceptual works with Tony Oursler “A Native American singer of the American music so much as celebrate A pioneering minimalist musician, and Mike Kelley. — MM Tuscarora tribe, Pura Fe Crescioni sits the greatest Native American music avant-garde filmmaker and conceptual “An exploration of avant-garde beside a turntable as it plays a 1929 stars, many of whom kept their origins performer, Conrad was a fixture of the art that has little time for elitism or recording of the bluesman Charley concealed. As Robbie Robertson of The downtown scene in 60s New York, pretense… [Tyler] Hubby captures an Patton. ‘When I hear this, it’s Indian Band was warned when he was young, where he mingled with the likes of the artistic personality that could manifest music to me,’ she says. ‘That rhythm. ‘Be proud you’re an Indian, but be Velvet Underground, filmmaker Jack big ideas without a shred of snobbery, Do you hear it?’ After the field careful who you tell.’” — Nick Bollinger Smith and composer La Monte Young. could deflate pomposity while still recordings of Mississippi Chocktaws Conrad made some of the most inviting deep thought.” — John pulsating and dramatic drone music ever DeFore, Hollywood Reporter performing their ‘Drunk Dance’ just A ED Sun 30 Jul, 5.45 pm moments earlier, I hear it. A ED Sun 30 Jul, 7.45 pm recorded, in collaboration with Young Once this idea has been sown, it’s B ED Mon 31 Jul, 4.15 pm (who proceeded to squirrel away the A ED Sat 29 Jul, 7.45 pm hard not to hear Native American A ED Thu 3 Aug, 6.15 pm recordings, much to Conrad’s disgust). A ED Mon 31 Jul, 8.45 pm elements throughout the music profiled A ED Sun 6 Aug, 6.00 pm He performed the soundtrack for Smith’s B ED Fri 4 Aug, 2.15 pm in this film, from the heavy metal A RX Wed 9 Aug, 8.15 pm underground classic Flaming Creatures A ED Fri 11 Aug, 8.30 pm 82

BIG Time AN ARTIST AN OF PORTRAIT Director/Photography: Kaspar Astrup Schröder Denmark 2017 | 93 mins Producer: Sara Stockmann Editors: Bobbie Esra G. Pertan, Cathrine Ambus, Kaspar Astrup Schröder Music: Ali Helnwein With: Bjarke Ingels In Danish and English, with English subtitles

As a kid, Danish architect Bjarke Ingels ground and opening a New York office considered the flat roof on his parents’ to embark on mammoth projects that house to be a waste of space – with will join the most famous architectural potential. In 2016, his plans for a skyline of them all. smoke ring-blowing power plant with a Schröder documents the architect’s ski slope on its roof attracted attention struggle to balance ambition, ill health outside the usual architectural press. and relationships with remarkable Time magazine named him, at the age intimacy, but his film never feels closer of 42, one of the world’s 100 most to the heart of its subject than when it influential people of the year. lets him talk about buildings, marker at Documenting Ingels on and off over hand, dashing off lightning illustrations several years, this portrait of a driven of everything he says. man stretched increasingly thin is both compelling and alarming. Early in the A PH Sun 30 Jul, 2.00 pm film there’s wry coverage of the fallout A PH Mon 31 Jul, 6.15 pm that occurs when the power company B ED Wed 2 Aug, 1.30 pm asks who’s paying for the ski slope, but A EMB Sun 6 Aug, 11.15 am there’s a world of difference between B ED Mon 7 Aug, 12.45 pm fielding such paltry objections on home A RX Mon 7 Aug, 6.15 pm

La Chana

Director: Lucija Stojevic Spain/Iceland 2016 83 mins Producers: Lucija Stojevic, Deirdre Towers Photography: Samuel Navarrete Editor: Domi Parra Music: Ernesto Briceño With: La Chana Festivals: Amsterdam Documentary 2016 Audience Award, International Documentary Festival Amsterdam 2016 In Spanish with English subtitles

‘La Chana’, the living legend of Spanish her brutally possessive [first] husband… See also: flamenco dancing, surveys the emotional The shadowy husband turned down Bill Direen: A Memory of Others (p16), rollercoaster of her tough life and Hollywood offers and effectively forced remarkable career in a documentary La Chana into an early retirement, from Faces Places (p7), Kobi (p18), Maudie (p27), that mixes highly personable interview which she emerged triumphantly via Tony Conrad: Completely in the Present (p81). footage with a lifetime’s worth of a 1977 TV special… In her late sixties flat-out amazing performance clips. at the time of filming, the dignified, Has anybody else anywhere ever dowager-like La Chana has mobility moved their feet with such speed, issues but is still very much a ‘force expression and passionate intensity? of nature’. She retains just enough “La Chana is an admiring, even ‘strength, speed and soul’ – the crucial adoring portrait of a strong-willed elements of flamenco – to be coaxed female performer rising above the into one last show.” — Neil Young, restrictions of the patriarchal society Hollywood Reporter into which she was born. In the case of La Chana – also known as Antonia B PH Thu 3 Aug, 2.30 pm Santiago Amador – this was the A PH Mon 7 Aug, 6.30 pm fiercely traditional gypsy society of A LHP Fri 11 Aug, 6.15 pm A TP Sun 13 Aug, 6.15 pm Franco-era Spain, as personified by PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST 83

House of Z

“As good looking and stylish as its Director: Sandy Chronopoulos subject, House of Z is a portrait of the USA 2017 | 90 mins artist as a young man. Famously well Producers: Jana Edelbaum, Rachel Cohen, Sandy Chronopoulos connected, Zac Posen rode a rocket Photography: Konrad Czystowski, Nadia Hallgren, ship to fame and success at the age of Mark Klassen Editors: Hollie Singer, Madeleine Gavin 21. But his is a cautionary tale of what Music: Eric Stamile happens to those whose PR machines With: Zac Posen, Susan Posen, Alexandra Posen, Stephen Posen, Naomi Campbell, are steps ahead of reality. As quickly Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, André Leon Talley, as the handsome Zac made a name Paz de la Huerta, Claire Danes for himself, he found himself on the Festivals: Tribeca 2017 receiving end of damaging gossip, PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH bad reviews and dropping sales. Told with the help of a star-studded cast, including Puff Daddy, Naomi Campbell and Claire Danes, this all-access story charts the rise and fall – and rise again – of a fashion world wunderkind.” — Aisha Jamal, Hot Docs “‘Fashion has a dark side. Not all runways and lipstick and fishtail gowns,’ Posen says about his chosen In Posen’s continued dedication to milieu, and while House of Z is making dresses in his atelier – and by “An enjoyable doc aesthetically quite straightforward, personally draping gowns over female overflowing with stunning it receives a jolt of unique energy bodies, as the foundation of his process from Posen’s own front-and-center – House of Z captures the way in which pieces of clothing, both participation in this portrait… He direct hands-on engagement is vital on models and on its star.” comes across as a young man to an artist’s continued relevance, and — John DeFore, Hollywood humbled by failure and appreciative vitality.” — Nick Schager, Variety B EMB Fri 28 Jul, 4.15 pm of the opportunities he still has, not to Reporter B RX Wed 2 Aug, 1.00 pm mention now capable of viewing his B PH Fri 4 Aug, 1.45 pm past through a more mature, objective A PH Sat 5 Aug, 2.00 pm lens… A EMB Sun 13 Aug, 1.00 pm

China’s Van Goghs Everybody Knows… Elizabeth Murray

Directors: Yu Haibo, Yu Tianqi Kiki China/The Netherlands Director: Kristi Zea 2016 | 84 minutes USA 2016 | 60 mins Producer: Yu Tianqi Kiki Producers: Kristi Zea, Caroline Photography: Yu Haibo Goodman-Thomases, Jen Fineran, Editors: Søren Ebbe, Tom Madeline Warren Hsinming Lin, Axel Skovdal Photography: Anthony Janelli, Roelofs Bob Holman, John Murphy, Music: Lukas Julian Lentz Richard White With: Zhao Xiaoyong Editors: Jen Fineran, Festivals: Amsterdam Jenny McCormack Documentary 2016 Voice: Meryl Streep In Mandarin with English subtitles Festivals: Tribeca 2016 Blu-ray

Dafen in Shenzhen, China, open for relentlessly, knee-deep in their “Kristi Zea brings to her debut, an American artist who hasn’t quite business since 1988, is now the world’s productions. A former peasant Everybody Knows... Elizabeth Murray, gotten her due. This cogent, fascinating largest oil-painting village, providing farmer, like many of the villagers, all the visual smarts she developed portrait of the artist, who died in employment to some 10,000 painters Zhao Xiaoyong has mastered the as a costume designer and award- 2007 at 66… shows the great variety who produce replicas of the Western skills to reproduce Van Goghs. His winning production designer for Martin of Murray’s always vivid, colorful work, canon’s famous paintings. Most are immersion in the Dutch master’s every Scorsese and Jonathan Demme. A and culminates with a triumph not destined to be sold in Europe, from brushstroke has become a passion friend of Murray’s since the 80s, the just for Murray but also, as the film street stalls close to the galleries and a dream: he longs to see the filmmaker captures the vivacious artist’s takes pains to point out, for women holding the originals. originals and experience Van Gogh’s flair for colour and shape. Murray’s in American art: a retrospective While providing plenty of startling world. An invitation from one of zany, fractured canvases feature paeans at the Museum of Modern Art… information about the booming trade Zhao’s main clients enables him to to domesticity (crying children, coffee Meryl Streep, reading from Murray’s in replicas and the Chinese labour travel to Amsterdam and to encounter cups) as they fairly burst with the journals, does well communicating her powerhouse fuelling it, this intimate his inspiration. The journey will be remarkable good humor and energy emotional and intellectual acuity.” and compelling portrait zeroes in on revelatory in unexpected ways. — SR the artist herself exhibited even in the — Glen Kenny, NY Times a single painter and addresses the final days of her life.” — Film Forum conflicting values placed on creativity A NT Mon 31 Jul, 8.00 pm “While she achieved a good deal of C CG Fri 4 Aug, 1.30 pm and authenticity. A NT Sat 5 Aug, 4.30 pm recognition in her lifetime, Elizabeth C CG Mon 7 Aug, 1.30 pm With orders in the thousands A NT Sun 6 Aug, 3.45 pm Murray, the subject of this fine C CG Thu 10 Aug, 12.15 pm B NT Tue 8 Aug, 2.00 pm and deadlines tight, painters labour yet too-short documentary, remains 84 PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST

Dries

Although he doesn’t have the name Director/Producer/Screenplay: recognition or profile of some of his Reiner Holzemer contemporaries, acclaimed Belgian Germany/Belgium 2017 | 90 mins designer Dries Van Noten is the latest Photography: Reiner Holzemer, Toon Illegems, Erwin Van Der Stappen to get the fashion documentary Editors: Helmar Jungmann, Stephan Krumbiegel treatment in this intimate and Music: Colin Greenwood, Matthew Herbert, Sam Petts-Davies understated portrait. All the requisite With: Dries Van Noten, Iris Apfel, Pamela Golbin, fashion film fixtures are on show: Geert Brulot In English and Dutch, with English subtitles gorgeous clothes, stunning models and plenty of sartorial drama. For 30 years, Van Noten has carved a successful career as an independent designer in a fickle and demanding industry. His fashion shows are must- see events and he can count Iris Apfel and Kanye West among his fans. Dries provides a peek at Van Noten’s creative process as he and his team prepare four new collections. His clothes revel in clashing prints, blending low and high culture and exhibiting an unrivalled eye footage of previous shows. These for detail. Like many designers, Van are some of the film’s most insightful “The fashion industry Noten is sensitive to the fast fashion scenes, allowing Van Noten to chart the has been dying in its climate. “‘Fashion’ is such an empty evolution of his abilities and confidence word,” he says. “I think we have to as a designer and acknowledge his own grave, and people invent a new word.” In a world where successes and missteps. like Dries keep the we’re constantly told what’s hot or Like its subject, Dries is a quietly flame alive.” — Iris Apfel not, designers like Van Noten provide modest film that allows the opulent a counterpoint to an industry driven by fashion to soar. This is cinematic B EMB Mon 31 Jul, 12.45 pm trends. window shopping that won’t break the A EMB Mon 7 Aug, 6.15 pm Dries is also a chance for Van Noten bank. — Chris Tse B PH Thu 10 Aug, 11.15 am A PH Sun 13 Aug, 3.45 pm to revisit the past through archival

Final Portrait

“Stanley Tucci has created a very Director/Screenplay: Stanley Tucci amusing, astringent chamber piece UK/France 2017 | 90 mins of a movie, performed with sympathy Producers: Gail Egan, Nik Bower, Ilann Girard Photography: Danny Cohen and wit by Geoffrey Rush and Armie Editor: Camilla Toniolo Hammer. It is based on the true story Music: Evan Lurie With: Geoffrey Rush, Armie Hammer, of how Alberto Giacometti invited the Clémence Poésy, Tony Shalhoub, James Faulkner, young American critic and influential Sylvie Testud Festivals: Berlin, Sydney 2017 admirer James Lord to sit for him in Paris Censors rating tbc in 1964; the resulting comedy is written for the screen by Tucci and based on Lord’s own memoir of the event. Having airily promised that the portrait sitting would last a few hours at the most, making no difference to Lord’s imminent return flight to New York, Giacometti announces he needs a few more days and then a few days more, and all the while declaiming his agony of self-doubt at the easel, repeatedly overpainting near-complete work he angrily decides is mediocre – “Refreshingly free of the ‘tortured and assuring Lord grimly that art can genius’ clichés that can so often “Let director Stanley Tucci never be finished… Lord has to figure characterize biopics of artists, and offer this balm for frayed out a way of persuading Giacometti to bouncily, unapologetically fond of its stop painting. A strange bond develops subjects, Tucci’s movie is not a film of nerves, whisking you between the men, something between grand ambition or world-changing off to France with this friendship and duel… stakes. Instead it’s a charming, modest amiable, shaggy-dog of It’s a highly entertaining portrait glimpse into a rarefied world that, lit of the two men, and Tucci’s own with so much humble affection for its a film.”— Ben Croll, Indiewire A LHP Wed 2 Aug, 6.15 pm directorial brush strokes are bold and characters, manages to make it seem A PAR Sun 6 Aug, 2.00 pm invigorating.” — Peter Bradshaw, The not so rarefied after all.” — Jessica A PH Thu 10 Aug, 6.15 pm B PAR Fri 11 Aug, 2.15 pm Guardian Kiang, The Playlist PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST 85

Leaning Into the Wind: Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy is a British sculptor, Director/Photography/Editor: photographer and environmentalist Thomas Riedelsheimer whose site-specific sculptures and UK/Germany 2017 | 93 mins land art redeploy nature’s resources in Director/Photography/Editor: Thomas Riedelsheimer Producers: Leslie Hills, Stefan Tolz startling and harmonious new shapes Music: Fred Frith and textures. The spell of his work, With: Andy Goldsworthy, Tina Fiske, Holly Goldsworthy whether it lasts as long as a country Festivals: San Francisco 2017 wall or until the next gust of wind 93 minutes blows it away, invariably encompasses its inevitable passing. Thomas Riedelsheimer’s landmark Rivers and Tides (2001) inventively documented Goldsworthy in the act of creation and introduced him to an international audience. Fifteen years later, Riedelsheimer returns to find Goldsworthy still engaged in his philosophical and tactical exploration of the natural world. The two pick up where they left off, only ranging more widely as Goldsworthy now “‘You can walk down the path, or accepts commissions around the world. you can walk through the hedge…’ That “Nothing short of Leaning Into the Wind is their Goldsworthy invariably chooses Plan B extraordinary, Thomas collaborative sequel, taking us into the goes to the heart of the fascination with hillsides, terrains and other outdoor his… variably ephemeral work, in which Riedelsheimer’s Leaning spaces where Goldsworthy feels most elements of the natural surroundings are Into the Wind rekindles the at home and inspired. He chats and altered into striking yet harmonious new captivating observation of he works. Exquisitely soundscaped and shapes. Leaning Into the Wind is not so seductively photographed to a score much a sequel to as simply an extension English artist Andy A PH Sat 29 Jul, 1.30 pm by Fred Frith, this is as entrancing of [Rivers & Tides], sharing the same Goldsworthy.” A PH Wed 2 Aug, 6.15 pm an onscreen encounter with an artist meditative, episodic, visually seductive A EMB Sat 12 Aug, 1.15 pm — Kerry Levielle, Indiewire as you could hope to find. appeal.” — Dennis Harvey, Variety

Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan Whiteley

Directors/Producers: Director: James Bogle Linda Saffire, Australia 2017 | 94 mins Adam Schlesinger Producer: Sue Clothier USA 2016 | 90 mins Screenplay: James Bogle, Victor Gentile Photography: Don Lenzer Photography: Jim Frater Editor: Bob Eisenhardt Editor: Lawrie Silvestrin Music: Philip Sheppard Music: Ash Gibson Greig With: Wendy Whelan With: Brett Whiteley, Wendy Festivals: New York 2016 Whiteley, Frannie Hopkirk, Barry Pearce, Kathie Sutherland, Phillip Adams, Andrew Olle

“For balletomanes worldwide, Wendy determination will steal your heart.” Blending archival footage, interviews genius at work deeply affected by his Whelan's name conjures vivid images of — Film Forum and personal correspondence, Whiteley surroundings and fractured psyche. ethereal beauty, coupled with sinewy, “Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger is a bold portrait of Australian artist “I am trying to become a great breathtaking athleticism. Beginning show as much generosity of spirit to Brett Whiteley that charts his chaotic man. Believe in me.” Whiteley says ballet class as a three-year-old in their subject, prima ballerina Wendy life in his own words. Despite early this with a determination in his voice Louisville, Kentucky, she came to New Whelan, as she has displayed to fellow success, Whiteley’s public struggles that acknowledges the forces in his York City in 1981 and spent the next dancers during a storied 30-year with addiction soon overshadowed life that both fuelled his talent and 30 years as a star of the New York City career. Their adoring documentary, his artistic talents, pulling him ever sealed his untimely death. Although he Ballet. The film follows a particularly Restless Creature, isn’t hagiography, deeper into a state of personal and may have always questioned himself, difficult period when Whelan undergoes but it does serve as a corrective to creative turmoil. there’s no denying the legacy he left surgery for an injury and must negotiate the way ballerinas are portrayed in One of the constants of Whiteley’s behind. Whiteley ensures that we – both emotionally and professionally fictional movies as being ferociously life was his wife and muse Wendy, who continue to recognise this iconic artist’s – for her place in the dance world. competitive.” — Serena Donadoni, features as the film’s other prominent achievements. — Chris Tse Featuring gorgeous performances Village Voice voice, recounting decades of passion from Balanchine and Jerome Robbins and drama with him. The film breathes classics as well as ballets by Christopher A TP Sun 30 Jul, 4.00 pm new life into many of Whiteley’s works B TP Thu 3 Aug, 1.45 pm Wheeldon, William Forsythe, Brian B PH Mon 7 Aug, 12.00 pm – from his erotically charged landscapes A TP Wed 9 Aug, 6.15 pm Brooks, and Alexei Ratmansky. B TP Wed 9 Aug, 11.30 am to his political New York output – A PH Sat 12 Aug, 4.15 pm Whelan's disarming charm and steely giving us an impressionistic view of a 86

Dark Night STRANGE INCREDIBLY Director/Screenplay: Tim Sutton USA 2016 | 85 mins Producer: Alexandra Byer Photography: Hélène Louvart Editor: Jeanne Applegate Music: Maica Armata With: Robert Jumper, Eddie Cacciola, Aaron Purvis, Anna Rose Hopkins, Karina Macias, Rosie Rodriguez Festivals: Sundance, Venice 2016 Censors rating tbc

This disquieting, gorgeously crafted an ex-soldier cleaning his guns. At first portrait of American gun culture was a it seems like the characters’ arcs are direct response to the Dark Knight Rises part of one large unrelated tableau, cinema shooting in Aurora, Colorado. US but as we drift dreamily through distributors and theatre owners weren’t their activities, jarring moments of overjoyed about showcasing such a film, disconnection and alienation begin and it’s only now that general audiences to add up, and the suburban malaise can finally see what impressed those transforms into something far more who saw it at its acclaimed Sundance sinister and profound. and Venice premieres. Those who were affected by Gus Sutton’s third feature is a dazzling Van Sant’s Elephant will feel an eerily cinéma vérité experience of the lives familiar claustrophobia as the film of six strangers, played by non-actors, slowly unfolds towards its inevitable over the course of one hot and and gripping conclusion. — AT sweaty Florida day. We observe the minutiae of the life of a mum and her A ED Sat 5 Aug, 8.15 pm videogame-playing son, a teen driving A ED Thu 10 Aug, 8.45 pm around town, an obsessive beauty queen, a couple of music junkies and

The Evil Within

Director/Screenplay: Andrew Getty USA 2017 | 99 mins Photography: Stephen Sheridan Editors: Michael Luceri, Michael Palmerio Music: Mario Grigorov With: Sean Patrick Flanery, Dina Meyer, Frederick Koehler, Michael Berryman, Francis Guinan, Brianna Brown, Kim Darby Censors rating tbc

The only thing loopier than this film is those around him by his own demonic Films selected to keep you wide awake the true story behind its making. The reflection, this drug-fuelled tale, under and save NZIFF from respectability by meth-addicted heir to the five-billion- the obsessive and painstaking direction dollar J. Paul Getty oil fortune, Andrew of its semi-reclusive auteur, is like some Ant Timpson, founder of the legendary Getty had few wishes in life: to drive familial guilt-soaked scream from an Incredibly Strange Film Festival. fast cars, be surrounded by beautiful alternate earth of sheer unpleasantries. women and become a famous horror Audiences jaded with this type of director. Well, he nailed the first two, generic horror premise will certainly and now we’re trying to make the third be unprepared for such a disorienting happen posthumously. narrative. Compounded by surreal In 2002 work began on a film inspired fever dreams and grotesque practical by nightmares Getty experienced as a makeup, it’s as if Wes Craven became child. The puzzling personal production trapped by Tommy Wiseau in a has finally been released 15 years after Lynchian landscape. — AT it all began, and two years after Getty’s untimely accidental death in the very A PB Mon 31 Jul, 8.45 pm house it was shot in. B PB Mon 7 Aug, 4.15 pm Centring on Dennis, an academically A PAR Wed 9 Aug, 9.30 pm challenged man compelled to kill all INCREDIBLY STRANGE 87

Blade of the Immortal Mugen no junin

It beggars belief that this is Miike Takashi’s 100th feature, but even more impressive is how the man behind Director: Miike Takashi such stone-cold classics as Audition, Japan/UK 2017 | 141 minutes Producers: Jeremy Thomas, Saka Misako, Happiness of the Katakuris and Ichi Maeda Shigeji the Killer is still on fire in the director’s Screenplay: Oishi Tetsuya. Based on the manga chair. So, rejoice fans – the maestro by Samura Hiroaki Photography: Kita Nobuyasu is back on form, katana in hand and Editor: Yamashita Kenji ready to party. Music: Endo Koji With: Kimura Takuya, Sugisaki Hana, Fukushi Sota, Based on a hugely popular manga Ichihara Hayoto, Toda Erika, Kitamura Kazuki, series about a vengeful swordsman with Kuriyama Chiaki, Mitsushima Shinnosuke Festivals: Cannes (Midnight Screenings) 2017 an uncanny ability to self-heal, Blade of In Japanese with English subtitles the Immortal is a gorgeous and brutal Censors rating tbc fantasy romp, and a welcome return to the heroic bloodshed of Miike’s great samurai epic, 13 Assassins. Less rigid than that chanbara opus, and without the cartoonish violence of his recent loopy outings, this is Miike unplugged – raw and savage, with just the right amount of levity. looks uncannily like Manji’s dead sister. Mega idol Kimura Takuya stars as Before the last drop of blood hits “With a body count in Manji, whose sister is viciously killed the dirt viewers will be immersed in a the thousands and a by bounty hunters. After dispatching complex web of political conspiracy, the scum, a mysterious nun uses blood double-crosses and supernatural breakneck pitch… Blade worms to work their magic on Manji’s shenanigans, as the expertly staged of the Immortal is… veins and meaty bits. Years later he is battles between ever increasing gleefully over-the-top.” hired as a bodyguard for Rin (Sugisaki numbers of adversaries erupt in crimson Hana), whose kendo-master father geysers of body parts. It all builds to a — Ben Croll, Indiewire A EMB Sat 29 Jul, 9.15 pm and pupils were slaughtered by the virtuoso display of kinetic action that B ED Tue 1 Aug, 3.45 pm swordsmen of Itto-ryu. Together they some are saying even tops 13 Assassins’ A RX Fri 4 Aug, 8.15 pm A LHP Fri 11 Aug, 8.00 pm make an odd couple, especially as Rin climax to end all climaxes. — AT

Hounds of Love Multiple Maniacs

Director/Screenplay: Director/Producer/ Ben Young Screenplay/Photography/ Australia 2016 | 106 mins Editor: John Waters Photography: Michael McDermott USA 1970 | 97 mins Editor: Merlin Eden Music: George S. Clinton Music: Dan Luscombe With: Divine, David Lochary, With: Ashleigh Cummings, Mary Vivian Pearce, Mink Stole, Emma Booth, Stephen Curry, Edith Massey, Cookie Mueller, Susie Porter, Damian de Montemas Rick Morrow, Susan Lowe, Festivals: Venice, Busan 2016; Paul Swift, Howard Gruber, SXSW, Tribeca 2017 Vincent Peranio, George Figgs CinemaScope | R18 violence, B&W | R16 violence, sexual sexual violence & content that violence, drug use, offensive may disturb language & sex scenes

© FACTOR 30 FILMS True crime is the new black. Well, place in the confines of suburbia. After John Waters’ precursor to Pink unleashing general mayhem upon let’s be honest, it’s never been out they lure plucky Vicki into their home, it’s Flamingos is back in all its filthy glory, the unsuspecting public. The seedy of fashion. Audiences have been not long before her drink is spiked and fully exposed for the very first time in Cavalcade’s sex, violence and unhinged gorging on a constant homicidal diet she is chained to a bed. With no way to a pristine digital restoration. Sticking blasphemies abound unchecked, until of podcasts, TV shows and even Oscar- escape, she realises her only chance of its finger to both mainstream and a fateful encounter with a giant, horny nominated movies – but every so often survival is to start pushing the buttons counterculture, with tongue placed lobster sends Divine on a downward a film comes along like a breath of fetid of the highly wound sicko couple. The firmly in cheek, Multiple Maniacs is an spiral over the edge and into the abyss, air and raises the bar of the entire genre. whole riveting affair is ratcheted through outrageous slice of anti-establishment dragging her followers along on an Ben Young’s masterful debut will the roof with performances from the grunge inspired by the schlocky gore orgy of pre-Bad Taste comedy gore. The have a few delicate souls clamouring three leads that are enthralling, of H.G. Lewis’ Two Thousand Maniacs. multiple maniacs invite you to join their for it to be his last, while the rest of us transformative and pitch perfect. It is also the only feature film depraved party by feasting your eyes upon this will be championing the arrival of a This potent watch may do for Perth’s enough to portray onscreen Homo freshly remastered masterpiece of 70s major new Antipodean talent. Stephen suburbs what Wolf Creek did for the sapiens and crustacean intercourse. midnight movie mayhem. — AT Curry and Emma Booth play John and outback. — AT The plot, such as it is, features drag Evelyn, a loved-up pair of truly nauseating queen icon Divine as the driving force serial killers based in Perth, circa the late A PB Wed 2 Aug, 8.30 pm behind ‘Lady Divine’s Cavalcade of B PB Fri 28 Jul, 4.45 pm 1980s. Based on the horrendous real-life A PB Thu 3 Aug, 8.45 pm Perversions’, a travelling show of sub- A PB Sat 5 Aug, 9.00 pm crimes of murderers David and Catherine A PB Tue 8 Aug, 6.30 pm Manson family freaks whose raison A PB Thu 10 Aug, 9.00 pm A PB Tue 8 Aug, 8.45 pm A PB Fri 11 Aug, 9.00 pm Birnie, much of the depraved action takes d’être involves kidnap, murder and 88 INCREDIBLY STRANGE

The Love Witch

The only way to truly honour this Director/Producer/Screenplay/Editor: freaky, funny, erotically-charged Anna Biller homage to 70s sexploitation films is USA 2016 | 120 mins for us to show it as it was shot and Photography: M. David Mullen Music: Anna Biller, Ennio Morricone intended – from a gloriously saturated With: Samantha Robinson, Gian Keys, new 35mm print. Played dead straight, Laura Waddell, Jeffrey Vincent Parise, Jared Sanford, Robert Seeley, Jennifer Ingrum, both director Anna Biller and her film Randy Evans, Clive Ashborn, Lily Holleman, are the real deal. Not content with April Showers, Stephen Wozniak Festivals: Rotterdam 2016 writing and directing, the obsessive 35mm | Censors rating tbc cineaste also designed and produced everything from the soundtrack, to the lush sets, to the outrageous costumes. Remarkably, this intensely detailed film is neither a parody nor pastiche; it is a true anomaly, a contemporary feminist tale of sex and gender politics, told within the framework of a horror sexploitation melodrama from yesteryear. Arriving in a sleepy California town in a scarlet red convertible, sexy femme all categories and upends expectations. fatale Elaine begins practising witchcraft That’s The Love Witch, an entrancing, “Stiletto-sharp and as while looking for love with potions and emotional, intelligent and challenging precise as a stocking magic. She soon starts to leave a trail picture that’s much more than the of handsome beefcakes in her wake, retro rumination some have pegged seam… cult status before setting her sights on Griff, the it as. The suggestion that it feels like surely awaits this cop investigating the deaths. Her utter the work of ‘the great-granddaughter bewitching oddity.” desperation to win his love pushes of Russ Meyer’... is too easy to slap on her towards the edge of madness and this picture. There’s a deeper, darker — Wendy Ide, The Guardian A PAR Fri 28 Jul, 8.30 pm murder. — AT undercurrent lacing every moment, and B PAR Mon 31 Jul, 3.45 pm “It’s exhilarating and inspiring when it’s uniquely its own creature.” — Kim a work of art comes along that defies Morgan, Sight & Sound

IT JUST TASTES Secret Screening

BIGGER 100 mins or less Censors rating tbc

Who likes being kept in the dark? It isn’t child friendly. It isn’t Luc Besson’s We introduce our first ever secret Valerian and the City of a Thousand screening – and we can’t wait to see it Planets. It isn’t either of the upcoming unfold before unsuspecting audiences. Stephen King adaptations, The Dark All secret screenings at NZIFF will take Tower and It. It most definitely isn’t the place simultaneously so as to ensure new Blade Runner movie. everyone is held in perfect suspense up All we can say is that genre fans are until the opening titles roll. going to enjoy the hell out of it. We Without giving too much away, have no idea if this secret screening will we can say that it is a new film. We entice festival audiences, so if you value can also say that it is bloody fun. In the element of surprise and would like an alternate reality where video stores to see the concept continue, please still reign supreme, our choice of film satisfy your curiosity and come along. would be found in any of the following — AT genre sections: action, horror, thriller, comedy. A PAR Fri 4 Aug, 8.45 pm What the film isn’t is a major studio blockbuster. It doesn’t feature anyone www.epicbeer.com wearing spandex, fighting supervillains.

00226-epic-film-fest-ad-01.indd 2 1/06/10 8:50 AM INCREDIBLY STRANGE 89

My Friend Dahmer

Like Bundy, Manson and Gacy before Director: Marc Meyers him, we all know of sandy-haired, USA 2017 | 108 mins handsome Jeffrey Dahmer, who killed – Producers: Jody Girgenti, Marc Meyers, Adam Goldworm, Michael Merlob, and sometimes chewed on – 17 young Milan Chakraborty men and boys. You’ve probably seen Screenplay: Marc Meyers. Based on the graphic novel by Derf Backderf the documentaries, the archival news Photograph y: Daniel Katz reports or maybe even that terrific Editor: Jamie Kirkpatrick Music: Andrew Hollander movie with Jeremy Renner as Dahmer. With: Ross Lynch, Anne Heche, Dallas Roberts, But this savvy and creepy new feature Alex Wolff, Tommy Nelson, Vincent Kartheiser, Harrison Holzer, Miles Robbins film, adapted from the New York Times Festivals: Tribeca 2017 best-selling graphic novel based on CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc Dahmer’s high school life, is nothing short of remarkable. Coming off like the love-child of Napoleon Dynamite, American Splendor and Elephant, director Marc Meyers’ film mines the unseen territory of Dahmer as an awkward student as told through the eyes of John ‘Derf’ Backderf, who went to school with Dahmer and knew him before he was a morbid global headline. notorious killers of our time. — AT It’s a teen film unlike any you’ve seen “My Friend Dahmer… is more than “As an examination of before, one that offers the usual tropes a twisted Afterschool Special. It’s a a notorious American and hijinks of institutionalised learning serious and audacious attempt to alongside sharp insightful jabs as a dramatize the inner life of a sick puppy killer… it’s fun, sinister, slow-burn, coming-of-rage story. when he wasn’t quite so sick. As you and remarkably thoughtful.” Ross Lynch, the former Disney watch the movie, its central idea – that — Michael Arbeiter, Nerdist teen star, disappears deep inside the Jeffrey Dahmer wasn’t just born, he was character of lanky Dahmer – a teenager made; that he started off as an actual A PAR Tue 1 Aug, 8.45 pm whose damaged view of his own human being – has a shocking validity B PB Thu 3 Aug, 4.15 pm sexuality and abnormal rituals eventually that never undercuts the extremity of his A PB Fri 11 Aug, 6.45 pm led him to becoming one of the most crimes.” — Owen Gleiberman, Variety

Super Dark Times Tragedy Girls

Director: Kevin Phillips Director: Tyler MacIntyre USA 2017 | 102 mins USA 2017 | 98 mins Screenplay: Ben Collins, Screenplay: Chris Lee Hill, Luke Piotrowski Tyler MacIntyre. Based on an Photography: Eli Born original screenplay by Justin Olson Editor: Ed Yonaitis Photography: Pawel Pogorzelski Music: Ben Frost Editor: Martin Pensa With: Owen Campbell, Charlie Music: Russ Howard III Tahan, Elizabeth Cappuccino, With: Alexandra Shipp, Max Talisman, Sawyer Barth, Brianna Hildebrand, Jack Quaid, Amy Hargreaves Nicky Whelan, Kerry Rhodes Festivals: Rotterdam, Tribeca 2017 Festivals: SXSW 2017 CinemaScope | Censors rating tbc Censors rating tbc

This critically acclaimed coming-of-age descends into a tailspin of paranoia and Sadie and McKayla are high school best fantastically gooey splatter in spades. story begins as a meticulous study of guilt, like a creepy fusion of River’s Edge, friends. The two are social media- Send-ups of horror films have come adolescence, before morphing into a Stand by Me and 80s slasher movies. obsessed partners in crime, reporting thick and fast in the 21st century. terrifying and brutally effective thriller Director Kevin Phillips, in his feature on a serial killing spree in their sleepy Whereas Wes Craven (Scream) and – a change so dramatic that many debut, develops a deep sense of midwestern town in the hope of gaining others turned the original slasher viewers will feel as if they’ve been foreboding early on with a surreal more than 15 minutes of online infamy. movies on their head, genre-savvy sucker punched. sequence of an animal dying in a When things don’t move fast enough millennials are now having to out-meta Zach and Josh are best friends growing classroom. It’s a visceral image that for the ruthlessly ambitious pair, they each other with films like Final Girls and up in mid-90s upstate New York. They infects the characters’ headlong rush decide to take matters into their own Tucker & Dale vs Evil. So it’s refreshing spend their hours hanging out, arguing into the confusion of teenage life, as hands. As the bodies pile up and the that Tyler MacIntyre’s debut feature about superheroes, watching scrambled well as the murky boundaries they girls’ hunger for fame drives a wedge avoids Xeroxing the competition. It’s cable porn, playing 8-bit games and must navigate between adolescence between them, the serial killer on the one of the funniest horror comedies riding their bikes around. Ultimately, and adulthood, courage and fear, and loose has devious plans of his own. since Jason and the Mean Girls went to they’re just trying to fit in. good and evil. — AT Deliriously anarchic in its see Clueless together. — AT The two friends become a foursome deconstruction of genre, Tragedy when they are joined by noxious frenemy A PB Sun 30 Jul, 7.30 pm Girls will generate much goodwill A PB Sat 29 Jul, 9.15 pm Daryl and little Charlie to test out a A PB Wed 2 Aug, 6.30 pm with horror diehards. With nods to B PB Fri 4 Aug, 4.15 pm samurai sword. But when they accidently A PB Sun 6 Aug, 8.00 pm everything from Carrie to Cannibal A PAR Sat 12 Aug, 9.15 pm slice things they shouldn’t, the film swiftly Holocaust, the film also delivers 90

Shorts with Features As we go to print the following shorts have been scheduled to precede features.

AMERICAN PARADISE

American Paradise Import USA 2017 | Director: Joe Talbot | Festivals: Sundance, SXSW 2017 Netherlands 2016 | Director: Ena Sendijarevic 16 mins Festivals: Cannes (Directors’ Fortnight), Toronto | 17 mins SIXTH A forgotten man tempts fate by committing the A family of Bosnian refugees try to make sense of perfect crime. Screening with Una (p43). their new home in a quaint Dutch village. Screening ANNUAL with The Future Perfect (p56). Boxes WELLINGTON New Zealand 2017 | Director: Jack Barrowman | 13 mins Oh What a Wonderful Feeling Canada 2016 | Director: François Jaros | Festivals: Cannes (Critics’ Week), FILM A young man gets a reality check when his Toronto, London, Vancouver 2016 | 15 mins grandmother suddenly falls ill. Screening with A Date SOCIETY for Mad Mary (p36). At night, a truck stop becomes a sinister realm of mystery. Screening with The Untamed (p63). QUIZ Each to Their Own New Zealand 2016 | Director: Maria Ines Manchego Stay Festivals: Locarno 2016 | 19 mins New Zealand 2017 | Directors: Craig Gainsborough, Luke Thornborough 7 mins 2017 A grieving girl is drawn in by a charismatic church. Screening with The Wound (p67). The lives of June and her pet dog Lucas change forever. Screening with Kedi (p71). Hosted by the For the Light Wellington Film Society New Zealand 2017 | Director: Steven Chow | 15 mins We All Need Love New Zealand 2017 | Director: Brendan Donovan | 9 mins A man reflects as the New Year is celebrated outside. Don’t pass up a swell chance to join the Screening with Marjorie Prime (p60). A solo mum working as a cam girl makes an unwanted connection. Screening with Kiki, Love to Sixth Annual WFS Film Quiz, Foraging Love (p38). otherwise you’ll end up like a wet firecracker. New Zealand 2016 | Director: Simon Ogston | 5 mins Grab the gang and register your team. The World in Your Window Musician Christoph el Truento explores a natural New Zealand 2016 | Director: Zoe McIntosh | Festivals: Tribeca 2017 soundscape. Screening with Bill Direen: A Memory of 15 mins The quiz is a celebration of cinema – a free event Others (p16). Eight-year-old Jesse strikes up an unusual friendship. that’s open to the public with the duration kept to Grey William Screening with My Life As a Courgette (p60). a maximum of 90 minutes to ensure you can make New Zealand 2017 | Director: Sandy Augusto Burton | 14 mins your next NZIFF screening. It takes place at Embassy World Premiere Theatre’s Blondini’s Café and is run by the friendly A quirky tour guide can’t let the past go. Screening volunteers of the year-round Wellington Film Society. with Ethel & Ernest (p41). Teams of four to six can register. Have you tried, maybe, not Space is limited so sign up here: filmquiz.typeform.com/to/OO23Hu worrying? New Zealand 2017 | Director: Rachel Ross | 15 mins BOOK AT A young woman’s life is riven by a crippling anxiety Blondini’s, Level 1, Embassy Theatre Sunday 6 August, 4.00 pm disorder. Screening with To Stay Alive: A Method NZIFF.CO.NZ (p74). FREE ADMISSION 91

Meet the Filmmakers As we go to print, the following international guests have confirmed their attendance at NZIFF in Auckland. These filmmakers will introduce their films and answer questions following the screening of the sessions indicated.

Luke Korem Khushboo Ranka Jennifer Peedom Russell Wayne Groves Vinay Shukla A EMB Mon 31 Jul, 6.15 pm A PAR Thu 3 Aug, 6.15 pm A TP Mon 31 Jul, 8.15 pm Jennifer Peedom is a BAFTA- B PAR Fri 4 Aug, 2.00 pm B TP Tue 1 Aug, 1.15 pm nominated director, known for Luke Korem Khushboo Ranka is a director and recently her gripping, intimate portraits of producer whose recent work co-wrote the fiction feature film people in extreme circumstances. includes the feature documentary Ship of Theseus, which premiered Her documentaries include Solo LUKE KOREM KHUSHBOO RANKA JENNIFER PEEDOM Lord Montagu, which chronicles at the Toronto International Film (2008, AFI for Best Documentary), the life of one of England’s Festival 2012. Her first short film, Miracle on Everest (2010), Living the End (2011). most controversial and iconic Continuum, was shown at various Peedom was a guest filmmaker at NZIFF with her aristocrats of the 20th century. international film festivals. 2015 documentary Sherpa, and returns this year with Vinay Shukla Korem directed and produced the wrote and her spectacular new feature, Mountain (p13), a big film, which premiered at London’s directed his first short film, screen celebration of the allure of the mountains, prestigious BAFTA Theater and is Bureaucracy Sonata, in 2011. complemented by a grand orchestral score. now being distributed worldwide. Premiering at the 42nd RUSSELL WAYNE GROVES VINAY SHUKLA Russell Wayne Groves has International Film Festival of India, produced a wide array of projects, including Lord it went on to win the HBO Best Short Film Award at Kate Adie Montagu. Dealt (p70), Groves’ second documentary the South Asian International Film Festival in 2012. A EMB Tue 8 Aug, 8.30 pm feature with Korem, follows Richard Turner, widely For their first documentary feature, An Insignificant B PAR Wed 9 Aug, 1.15 pm considered one of the world’s greatest card magicians Man (p77), Ranka and Shukla spent two years Kate Adie is an English journalist, – and who is also completely blind. following polarising activist-turned-politician Arvind and one of the best-known Kejriwal – ‘the Bernie Sanders of India’ – and his faces of British broadcasting. campaign to overturn the corrupt status quo of Radio New Zealand listeners Alice Foulcher Indian politics as the head of the Common Man’s KATE ADIE will also be familiar with Adie’s Gregory Erdstein Party (AAP) regular reports on Nine to Noon. Highly regarded A RX Fri 28 Jul, 8.15 pm A PAR Sun 30 Jul, 5.45 pm in her role as chief news correspondent for the BBC (1989–2002), she has reported from such hotspots as Alice Foulcher is an Australian Daniel Borgman Tiananmen Square, the Gulf War, Rwanda and Sierra actor and writer. She frequently A ED Fri 28 Jul, 7.30 pm Leone. She broke ground in 1980 with her coverage collaborates with her husband, A ED Sat 29 Jul, 5.15 pm ALICE FOULCHER of the Iranian Embassy siege in London. She is director and co-writer Gregory Daniel Borgman is an Otago played by Abbie Cornish in 6 Days (p17), Toa Fraser’s Erdstein. Their short films include University graduate who has been gripping dramatisation of events. Picking Up at Auschwitz (2012), based as a filmmaker in Denmark A Bit Rich (2014) and Paris since 2005. He studied directing Syndrome (2016). As a writer DANIEL BORGMAN at the Danish alternative film Francis Lee and director, Foulcher’s own short school Super16, before returning to New Zealand A EMB Sun 30 Jul, 6.00 pm films have screened at major to film his debut feature, The Weight of Elephants. B EMB Mon 31 Jul, 3.00 pm GREGORY ERDSTEIN film festivals in Australia and A Danish/New Zealand co-production, it premiered Francis Lee was brought up on internationally. at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2013 his parents’ farm on the Pennine Gregory Erdstein is an award-winning filmmaker and also screened at NZIFF. Loving Pia (p59) is his Hills in Yorkshire, UK. After and Masters graduate of the Victorian College of second feature film. It was developed at the Berlinale training at Rose Bruford College, the Arts (VCA) School of Film and Television. In 2014 Residence and made with support from The Danish FRANCIS LEE he worked extensively as an actor Erdstein and Foulcher were granted an eight-month Film Institute and FilmFyn. in theatre, television and film. His directorial debut, writing residency at the prestigious Cité des Arts The Farmer’s Wife, screened at many international Internationale in Paris, where they co-wrote the script film festivals. God’s Own Country (p41) is his first for That’s Not Me (p62). That’s Not Me is Erdstein’s feature-length film. feature debut as a director, and Foulcher’s feature debut as a writer and actor.

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Without Whom

IN WELLINGTON O’Donnell, Donna Schwass, Sassy Shepheard, Marc Taddei; Anna Gavin, Anna Gorman, Los Angeles, CA; Rebecca Celli, Cargo Film & Ashleigh Muir, Australian High Commission; Jodie Stack, Tiana Wakefield 2degrees Mobile Ltd; Brendon Bainbridge, Releasing, NY; Jason Ishikawa, Cinetic Media, Steve Barr; Rachel Barrowman; Tony Hiles, Ushers: Sarah Garven, Rebecca Goodbehere, Ticketek; Michael Eldred, Transmission Films; New York, NY; Kim Hendrickson, Fumiko Takagi, City Associates Films; Christine Dann; Sarah Stephen Hay, Rachel Lynch, Jane Penney, Mel Read Adria Buckton & staff, Trigger Marketing; The Criterion Collection, New York, NY; Diana Catherall, Dani McDonald, Chelsea McLaughlin, Trusts Community Foundation; Kate Rodger, Holtzberg, East Village Entertainment, New York; IN AUCKLAND The Dominion Post; Martin Durrant; Caroline Dan Rutledge, TV3; Darren Bevan, TVNZ; Jill Danny Guzman, The Exchange, Los Angeles, CA; Neil Lambert, 20th Century Fox New Zealand; Toplis, Embassy of the United States of America; McNab, Cameo England, Vendetta Films; Jamie Jeffrey Winter, The Film Collaborative, Los Angeles, Sam Davis, Hugh Sundae, Mikey Havoc, 95bFM; Caleb Button, Embassy Theatre; Judah Finnigan; Archer, Paul Kim, Stewart Putwin, Jordan Williams, CA; Michael Galinski, Suki Hawley, Brooklyn, NY; Ashleigh Fletcher, ABE’S BAGELS, Gordon Moller, Marie France; Ulrike Rosenfeld, Christian Kahnt, Vista Entertainment Solutions; Leo Koziol, Brian Gordon, New York, NY; Donald Yew, IM Auckland Theatre Company, Hamkala Nath, Goethe-Institut; Robin Greenberg; Paul Wolffram, Wairoa Ma¯ ori Film Festival; Steve Austin, Sir Global, Los Angeles; Brian Belovarac, Janus Films, Austin’s; Ruth Barraclough, Joe Downing, Handmade Productions Aotearoa; Frida Harper; James Wallace, Wallace Media; Charles Ort, The New York, NY; Luke Korem, Austin TX; Lauren Charmaine Ngarimu, ATEED; Mark Andersen, Cass Hesom-Williams; Gwen Isaac; Selena Walt Disney Company; Patricia Watson, WIFT Haber, Pulse Films, New York; Tamar Chafets, Andrew Lockett, Jane McKenzie, Auckland Film Hurndell Bulled, L’affare; David Larsen; Anna André Bossier, Revolutionary Releasing, Los Society; Barbara Glaser, Paul Christ staff and ELSEWHERE IN NEW ZEALAND Lee; Athol McCredie; Hugh Macdonald; Malcolm Angeles; Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger, players of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra; Gillian Ashurst, Christchurch; John Chrisstoffels, McKinnon; Sarah McMullan; Bradley Pratt, New York; Julie Matson, Shoreline Entertainment, Christina Milligan, James Nicholson, AUT Christchurch; James Croot, Charlie Gates, Fairfax, Eddie Solomon, NEC New Zealand Ltd; Sarah Los Angeles; Charlie Wuppermann, Termite Films, University; Simon Ogston, Bellbird Pictures; Julian Christchurch; Beck Eleven, Christchurch; Nancy Chandler, Shelagh Magadza, Lara Signal, Guy Los Angeles, CA; Daniel Turcan, New York, NY; Boshier; Grant Berridge, Matthew Buchanan, Gary Gosden, Dunedin; Philip Mathews, Christchurch; Somerset, Megan Williams, NZ Festival; Tracey Joe Yanick, Visit Films, New York; Jett Steiger, Henson, Hayden Hunter, Kirstin Marcon, Karl von Nick Paris, Christchurch; Jo Scott, Christchurch Brown, Dave Gibson, Mladen Ivancic, Selina Ways & Means, Los Angeles, CA Randow, Cactuslab; Tui Ruwhiu, Directors & IN LONDON Joe, Kate Larkindale, Jasmin McSweeney, Lesa ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE Editors Guild of NZ; Luke Nicholas, Ellie Tocker, Mike Runagall, Jordan Allwood, Altitude MacLeod-Whiting, Chris Payne, New Zealand Nasrine Médard de Chardon, DreamLab Films, Epic Beer; Erica Austin, Bill McDermid, Event Film Sales; George Watson, BFI Distribution; Film Commission; Mark Cubey, NZ Writers Le Cannet, France; Cosima Finkbeiner, Beta Cinemas; Steve Kilgallon, Fairfax Media; David Neil Brand; Luke Brawley, Fatima Hussein, C Festival; Rebecca Elvy, Diane Pivac, Nga¯ Taonga Cinema, Munich; Carmen Ceneciarelli, Carmen Farrier; Nicola Denney, Celia Nelson, Sharon International; Ana Vicente, Dogwoof Global; Sound & Vision; Matt Bluett, Ponui Patuaka, Accaputo, Cineteca di Bologna, Bologna; Paul Walling, Film & Video Labelling Body; Liam Simon Field, Illumination Films; David Fisher, Meri Gracia, Sam Dungey, Blair Mainwaring, Williams, Burning Bridges, Northampton, UK; Maguren, Steve Newall, Paul Scantlebury, Flicks. Faber Music; Clare Stewart, London Film Festival; Ocean Design; David Shanks, Jared Mullen, Jo Halpin, Crossing The Line Productions, Dublin; co.nz; Antonia Crowley, Flying Tresles; Jenny Gill, Bojana Maric, Taskovski Films; Alex Pye, Lucie Office of Film and Literature Classification; Anne-Marie Kürstein, Danish Film Institute, Claire Rosanowski, Foundation North; Four Winds Touboul, Westend Films Ltd Brannavan Gnanalingam, Pantograph Punch; Copenhagen; Valeska Neu, Films Boutique, Berlin; Foundation; Dorothee Basel, French Film Festival; Alexander Bisley, Paperboy; Park Road Post IN MELBOURNE Patricia Heckert, Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau- Richard Howarth, Gemba; Annie Goldson; Florian Production; Sibilla Paparatti; Gaylene Preston; Cathy Gallagher, ABCG Film; Kristy Mathieson, Stiftung, Munich; Valeria Losniza, Imperativ Film, Habicht; Robyn Harper; Sir Bob Harvey; Kate Gabriela Barrientos, Chris Lee, Steven Oakley, ACMI; Chloe Brugale, Arene Media; Lizzette Berlin; Sergi Steegmann, The Match Factory Cleaver, Sonya Gandras, Heart of the City; Susan QT Hotel; Christine Cessford, Caitlin Cherry, Atkins; Simon Killen, Hi Gloss Entertainment; GmbH, Cologne; Toril Simonsen, Norwegian Film Gibson, Nikki Rowan, Heritage Hotel; Tom Hern; Lynn Freeman, Jo Leavesley, Simon Morris, Eva Gregory Erdestein; Alice Foulcher; Emma Franz; Institute, Oslo; Nick Varley, Graham Fulton, Park Don Howie; Mark Chilvers, Hoyts Cinemas; Jen Radich, Dan Slevin, Jacob West, Radio New Eddie Tamir, Tamar Simons, Jewish International Circus, Glasgow; Clémence Michalon, Jour2fête, Huang; Kate Ryan, Juggernaut Graphics; Eric Zealand; Jo Randerson; Kirstie Ross; Tim Clarke, Film Festival; Tait Brady, Label Distribution; Anna Paris; Petter Mattson, Sara Ruster, Swedish Film Kearney; Sue May, Kiriata Publicity; Angela Katharine McGhie, Russell McVeagh; Tim Prebble, Kojevnikov; Paul Wiegard, Paul Tonta, Madman Institute, Stockholm. Soundbite; Glenis Giles, Tom Dorman, Tom & Barnett & James Boshier, Karma Cola; Marijana, Entertainment; Michelle Carey, Al Cossar, David ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD Luke; Vincent Burke, Topshelf Productions; Andrea Paul & Michael Brajkovich, Kumeu River Wines; Thomas, Melbourne International Film Festival; Anne Sophie-Lehec, Asian Shadows, Hong Bosshard and Shane Loader, Torchlight Films; Debbie Fox, Lanyards Only; Julia Parnell, Nia Richard Moore; Mark Spratt, Potential Films; Kong; Sebastien Chesneau, Cercamon Films, Chris Tse; Graeme Tuckett; Douglas Easterley, Phipps, Sandy Wijetunge, Loading Docs; Andrew Mike Vile, Rialto Distribution; Jose Ortiz, Stephen Dubai; James Quandt, Cinémathèque Ontario, Eli Feth, School of Design, Victoria University Cozens, Luke Murray, Jonno Young, Madman Iacovangelo, Roadshow Films; Natalie Miller, Toronto; Ela Elbaz, Philippa Kowarsky, Cinephil, of Wellington; Kate Hiatt, Wellington Community Entertainment; Toby Manhire; Te Amohaere Katharine Thornton, Sharmill Films; Alison Tilson; Tel Aviv; Jan Rofekamp, John Nadai, Films Trust; Chris Hormann, David Jenkinson and the Tapene, Ma¯ ori Television; Jim Rendell and the Achala Datar, Umbrella Entertainment team, McCollams Print; Veronica McMaughlin; Transit, Montreal; Ohno Atsuko, Flying Pillow Committee of the Wellington Film Society IN PARIS Graeme Hill, Kristen Cartmer, Kimberley Jones, Films, Yokohama; DD Pholthaweechai, Kulthida Maëlle Guenegues, Cat & Docs; Hannah Horner, Nityasuddhi, GDH 559, Bangkok; Ina Rossow, At City Gallery Wellington: Emily Hancox, Mediaworks Radio; Lauren Dyke, Doc & Film International; Sophie Soghomonian, Deckert Distribution GmbH, Leipzig; Bumsu Lee, Erika McClintock, Caleb Gordon and staff Catherine McGregor, Susannah Walker, Metro The Festival Agency; Pascale Ramonda, Festival DreamWest Pictures Inc, Seoul; Kwon Yura, Jeon At Embassy Theatre: Magazine; Alexander Behse, Monsoon Pictures Strategies; Sanam Madjedi, Joris Boyer, Films Yejin, Finecut, Seoul; Jonathan Frantz, IsumaTV, Caleb Button, the management team and staff International; David Tse, NEC; Fay Yuen, Network Distribution; Bruno Chatelin, FilmFestivals.com; Igloolik; Daegil Yun, Bumsu Lee, JBG Pictures, At Light House Cinema: Visuals; Joanna Hunkin, Chris Schulz, Siena Yates, Martin Gondre, Indie Sales; Lise LZ. Zipci, Les Seoul; Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Vitor Graize, Katásia Simon Werry, Blair Collie and staff NZ Herald; Amanda Cox, Emily Durham, Tim Films du Losange; Anne-Laure Barbarit, MK2; Filmes; Charlotte Mickie, Mongrel Media, Toronto; At Ngaˉ Taonga Sound & Vision: Wilson, NZME; Russell Baillie, Peter Calder, James Coline Kneusé, Pyramide Films; Livia van der Patricia Arias, Mundial, Mexico City; Asuka Rebecca Elvy and staff Robins, NZ Listener; Paul Oremland; Rob Dawson, Staay, Esther Devos, Wild Bunch Kimura, Nippon Television Network Corporation, Our Auckland; Doug Dillaman, Jacob Powell, At Paramount: Steven Ferguson and staff Tokyo; Sun Ning, PAD International, Hong Rosabel Tan, Pantograph Punch; Jeremy Hansen, IN SYDNEY At Penthouse Cinema: Kong; Khushboo Ranka, Vinay Shukla, Mumbai; India Hendrikse, Paperboy; Tony Bald, Paramount Jason Hernandez, Sara Jones, Natalie Motto, Sandra Kisby, Iain Macleod and staff Richard Sowada, Jack Sargeant, Revelation Pictures NZ; Jamey Holloway, Ben Stonyer, Troy Lum, Entertainment One Australia; Paige At The Roxy Cinema: Phil Jack and staff Perth International Film Festival; Howard Yang, Phantom Billstickers; Shirley Horrocks, Point of Diamond, Michael Tait, Nic Whatson, Palace Films; At Soundings Theatre, Te Papa: Taiwan Film Institute, Taipei; Vtape, Toronto; View Productions; Craig Fasi, Pollywood Film Jennifer Peedom; Paul McKenzie, Roadshow Lianne Donnelly, Andrew Dorrington and staff Nele Wohlatz, Gustavo Beck, Buenos Aires Festival; Hineani Melbourne, Pounamu Media Films; Nashen Moodley, Jenny Neighbour, Simon Our thanks to all who have advertised in this Venue Managers: Cathy Burke, Paul Johanson, Group; Lyn Chung, Stephanie Ireland, Primesite Anlezark, Sydney Film Festival; Matt Soulos, brochure. Janna Holbrooke-Roach, Ange Senior, Anna Properties; Will Rooke, QMS Media; Karen Transmission Films; Amelia Rowe, Universal Sheffield, Ben Speak, Lesley Simpson Warman, Resene Paints; Kelly Rogers, Kevin Pictures; Nick Hayes, Icon Film Distribution; NZIFF ANIMATION SCORE Projectionists: David Goldthorpe, Oscar Halberg, Gordon, Rialto Distribution; Wallace Chapman, Courtney Botfield, Goodship; Amelia Rowe, Composer: Tim Prebble Jesse Hansen, Cam Lett, Sara Pattison, Darryl Dita de Boni, Denise Montgomery, Radio New Universal Pictures (Australasia) Pty Ltd; Amber Orchestrator & Conductor: Ewan Clark Burnand, Phil Grieg Zealand; Esther Cahill-Chiaroni, Script to Screen; Pemberly, The Walt Disney Company Performers: Aroha Quartet, The Tudor Consort Cashiers: Daniel Simpson Beck, Ben Bro, Gabby Christine Massey, Jacinda Ryan, Sony Pictures; IN THE USA Mixed at: Park Road Post Production Bush, Lara Denby, Luke Finnigan, Elly Holland, Duncan Grieve, Simon Wilson, The Spinoff; Nigel Armen Aghaeian, Los Angeles, CA; Adam Special thanks to: Catherine Fitzgerald, Hannah Kelly, Lydia Le Gros, Jo Maslin, Sapeer Forsyth, Priscena Major, StudioCanal; Sarah Watt, Goldworm, Aperture Entertainment, Los Angeles, Tusi Tamasese, Ian Powell Mayron, Sequoia Morison, Paul Nelson, Jack Sunday Star Times; Joe Gehrke, Teza Drinks; CA; Brett Berns, New York, NY; Anna Biller, 93

World View

Argentina Happy End 31 100 Men 16 Thailand Heal the Living 31 Bill Direen: A Memory of Others 16 The Desert Bride 26 Bad Genius 65 A Gentle Creature 37 The Free Man 17 The Distinguished Citizen 26 Bangkok Nites 54 I Am Not Your Negro 69 Free Theatre 17 The Future Perfect 56 Pop Aye 41 Let the Sunshine In 32 Human Traces 19 A Prayer Before Dawn 66 Australia The Midwife 32 The Inland Road 20 Berlin Syndrome 65 My Life As a Courgette 60 Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web 19 Turkey Bill Frisell: A Portrait 80 Napalm 73 Kobi 18 Kedi 71 Blue 76 The Paris Opera 81 Michael Smither: Light Through the Trees 20 UK Don’t Tell 27 A Prayer Before Dawn 66 My Year with Helen 11 Hounds of Love 87 The Venerable W. 75 New Zealand’s Best 2017 25 6 Days 17 Jasper Jones 27 Winnie 79 Nga¯ Whanaunga… 2017 25 Ethel & Ernest 41 Mountain 13 A Woman’s Life 33 No Ordinary Sheila 20 Final Portrait 84 That’s Not Me 62 The Workshop 33 Not Just Another Mountain 21 God’s Own Country 41 Top of the Lake: China Girl 10 Wùlu 67 One Island of Good 21 I Am Not a Witch 58 We Don’t Need a Map 75 The Young Karl Marx 79 Spookers 23 Lady Macbeth 59 Leaning Into the Wind: Andy Goldsworthy 85 Whiteley 85 Georgia Swagger of Thieves 22 Minute Bodies 71 Belgium TEAM TIBET: Home away from Home 22 Hostages 64 Waru 23 A Monster Calls 43 Dries 84 Germany What Lies That Way 21 The Party 42 A Prayer Before Dawn 66 Bhutan Austerlitz 69 Where There Is Life 21 Swallows and Amazons 52 Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song… 57 Beuys: Art As a Weapon 76 Norway Dries 84 USA Brazil Nowhere to Hide 73 Frantz 31 20th Century Women 43 Portugal Araby 54 In Times of Fading Light 34 Abacus: Small Enough to Jail 68 Don’t Swallow My Heart, Alligator Girl! 55 Manifesto 59 The Ornithologist 63 BANG! The Bert Berns Story 80 Gabriel and the Mountain 56 Risk 77 Russia Beach Rats 55 Bulgaria Western 63 Beatriz at Dinner 44 A Gentle Creature 37 The Young Karl Marx 79 The Beguiled 45 Western 63 Loveless 12 Hungary Born in China 52 Canada Stalker 15 On Body and Soul 61 Brigsby Bear 45 All Governments Lie 68 Senegal Citizen Jane: Battle for the City 77 India Maliglutit (Searchers) 29 Félicité 37 Columbus 56 Maudie 27 An Insignificant Man 77 Wùlu 67 Dark Night 86 Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked… 81 Hotel Salvation 35 Dealt 70 Singapore Newton 35 Dina 70 Chile Indonesia Pop Aye 41 The Evil Within 86 A Fantastic Woman 29 Everybody Knows… Elizabeth Murray 83 Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts 64 Slovakia A Ghost Story 55 China The Teacher 35 Iran Good Time 9 Born in China 52 Starless Dreams 74 South Africa House of Z 83 China’s Van Goghs 83 I Am Not Your Negro 69 The Summer Is Gone 29 Iraq Winnie 79 The Wound 67 Intent to Destroy 71 Czech Republic Nowhere to Hide 73 It Comes at Night 65 South Korea The Teacher 35 Ireland The Lost City of Z 51 Claire’s Camera 37 The Love Witch 88 Denmark A Date for Mad Mary 36 The Merciless 66 Marjorie Prime 60 The Farthest 11 BIG Time 82 Yourself and Yours 37 Menashe 45 Dream Empire 70 The Killing of a Sacred Deer 12 Spain Multiple Maniacs 87 Loving Pia 59 Italy My Friend Dahmer 89 Kiki, Love to Love 38 The War Show 74 Call Me by Your Name 9 Patti Cake$ 61 La Chana 82 Quest 72 DR Congo Japan Politics, an Instruction Manual 79 Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan 85 Félicité 39 Summer 1993 38 Bangkok Nites 54 Risk 77 Egypt Blade of the Immortal 87 Sweden Step 73 The Nile Hilton Incident 66 Mali A Bastard Child 69 Super Dark Times 89 The Nile Hilton Incident 66 Take Every Wave: The Life of… 66 Finland Wùlu 67 Sami Blood 39 Tony Conrad: Completely in the Present 81 The Other Side of Hope 13 Mexico The Square 7 Tragedy Girls 89 Trophy 75 France The Untamed 63 Switzerland Una 43 Belle de Jour 15 Netherlands My Life As a Courgette 60 Unrest 75 BPM (Beats Per Minute) 10 To Stay Alive: A Method 74 The Venerable W. 75 Wind River 67 Faces Places 7 Syria Félicité 39 New Zealand Zambia Frantz 31 6 Days 17 The War Show 74 I Am Not a Witch 58 94

Tour Guide

THE SQUARE

Animals Belle de Jour 15 Comedy Dance Berlin Syndrome 65 Born in China 52 20th Century Women 43 La Chana 82 Blade of the Immortal 87 Kedi 71 Beatriz at Dinner 44 The Paris Opera 81 Call Me by Your Name 9 Pop Aye 41 Brigsby Bear 45 Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan 85 Don’t Tell 27 Trophy 75 A Date for Mad Mary 36 Step 73 Ethel & Ernest 41 Hotel Salvation 35 Animation Heal the Living 31 Environment Kiki, Love to Love 39 Animation for Kids 4+ 53 In Times of Fading Light 34 Blue 76 Newton 35 Animation for Kids 8+ 53 Jasper Jones 27 Born in China 52 The Other Side of Hope 9 Animation NOW! 2017 51 Lady Macbeth 59 Leaning Into the Wind: Andy Goldsworthy 85 The Party 42 Ethel & Ernest 41 The Lost City of Z 51 No Ordinary Sheila 21 Patti Cake$ 61 A Monster Calls 43 A Monster Calls 43 Trophy 75 My Friend Dahmer 89 Secret Screening 88 Architecture My Life As a Courgette 60 Spookers 23 Families BIG Time 82 A Prayer Before Dawn 66 The Square 7 20th Century Women 43 Citizen Jane: Battle for the City 77 Stalker 15 That’s Not Me 62 Ethel & Ernest 41 Columbus 56 Swallows and Amazons 52 Tragedy Girls 89 Félicité 39 A Woman’s Life 33 Happy End 31 Armchair Travel The Teacher 35 In Times of Fading Light 34 Based On True Stories Call Me by Your Name 9 Coming Of Age The Inland Road 20 Columbus 56 6 Days 17 20th Century Women 43 Marjorie Prime 60 Faces Places 7 Don’t Tell 27 Beach Rats 55 Menashe 45 The Farthest 11 Gabriel and the Mountain 57 Call Me by Your Name 13 Quest 72 Gabriel and the Mountain 57 Hostages 64 My Friend Dahmer 89 Summer 1993 38 Hotel Salvation 35 Hounds of Love 87 Sami Blood 38 The Summer Is Gone 29 Kedi 71 The Lost City of Z 51 Waru 23 The Lost City of Z 51 My Friend Dahmer 89 Costume Drama Fashion Mountain 13 A Prayer Before Dawn 66 The Beguiled 45 Swallows and Amazons 52 Dries 84 Cannes Competition 2017 Frantz 31 House of Z 83 Artists Lady Macbeth 59 The Beguiled 45 Kobi 18 The Lost City of Z 51 See Portrait of the Artist pp 82–85 BPM (Beats Per Minute) 10 A Woman’s Life 33 Faces Places 7 Good Time 9 Glamour Kobi 18 A Gentle Creature 37 The Young Karl Marx 79 Belle de Jour 15 Maudie 27 Happy End 31 Crime Call Me by Your Name 9 Michael Smither: Light Through the Trees 20 The Killing of a Sacred Deer 12 Dries 84 Good Time 9 The Square 7 Loveless 12 House of Z 83 The Merciless 66 To Stay Alive: A Method 74 The Square 7 The Love Witch 88 Tony Conrad: Completely in the Present 81 The Nile Hilton Incident 66 Classics Top of the Lake: China Girl 10 Health Based On Books Belle de Jour 15 Wind River 67 BIG Time 82 The Beguiled 45 Stalker 15 Wúlu 67 BPM (Beats Per Minute) 10 95

Heal the Living 31 Dries 84 TEAM TIBET: Home away from Home 22 War Zones Unrest 75 A Ghost Story 55 The Venerable W. 75 Nowhere to Hide 73 Where There Is Life 21 God’s Own Country 41 Rights Of Children The War Show 74 Loving Pia 59 Horror Maudie 27 A Bastard Child 69 Westerns The Evil Within 86 On Body and Soul 61 Don’t Tell 27 Magilutit (Searchers) 29 A Gentle Creature 37 Quest 72 I Am Not a Witch 58 Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts 64 It Comes at Night 65 Jasper Jones 27 Wind River 67 The Killing of a Sacred Deer 12 Magic Loveless 12 Western 63 Secret Screening 88 Dealt 70 My Life As a Courgette 60 Tragedy Girls 89 Witches What Lies That Way 21 One Island of Good 21 Human Rights Maoˉ ri/Pacific Quest 72 I Am Not a Witch 58 Sami Blood 39 The Love Witch 88 Araby 54 New Zealand’s Best 2017 25 Starless Dreams 74 I Am Not Your Negro 69 Ngaˉ Whanaunga 25 Writers Step 73 Intent to Destroy 71 Ma¯ ori Pasifika Shorts 2017 Bill Direen: A Memory of Others 16 The Teacher 35 Nowhere to Hide 73 Not Just Another Mountain 21 The Distinguished Citizen 26 Waru 23 Quest 72 Spookers 23 I Am Not Your Negro 69 Starless Dreams 74 Waru 23 Road Movies No Ordinary Sheila 20 The War Show 74 What Lies That Way 21 To Stay Alive: A Method 74 The Desert Bride 26 The Workshop 33 Indigenous Martial Arts Faces Places 7 The Young Karl Marx 79 See also Ma¯ori/Pacific Blade of the Immortal 87 Gabriel and the Mountain 57 Don’t Swallow My Heart, Alligator Girl! 55 A Prayer Before Dawn 66 Pop Aye 41 Women Make Features Félicité 39 Music School Days Beach Rats 55 I Am Not a Witch 58 The Beguiled 45 Maliglutit (Searchers) 29 See Music pp 80–81 Bad Genius 65 Berlin Syndrome 65 Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked 81 Bill Direen: A Memory of Others 16 My Friend Dahmer 89 The Desert Bride 26 the World Félicité 39 Super Dark Times 89 Don’t Tell 27 Sami Blood 39 Minute Bodies 71 The Teacher 35 Faces Places 7 We Don’t Need a Map 75 Patti Cake$ 61 Science The Future Perfect 56 The Wound 67 Swagger of Thieves 22 Heal the Living 31 Blue 76 Jewish Online I Am Not a Witch 58 The Farthest 11 The Inland Road 20 Menashe 45 Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web 19 Minute Bodies 71 Jasper Jones 27 Risk 77 Kidult Science-Fiction Let the Sunshine In 32 Ostalgia The Love Witch 88 Jasper Jones 27 Marjorie Prime 60 Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts 64 A Monster Calls 43 Hostages 64 Stalker 15 Maudie 27 My Life As a Courgette 60 In Times of Fading Light 34 On Body and Soul 61 Swallows and Amazons 52 The Teacher 35 Sports & Fitness The Party 42 The Free Man 17 Law & Order Politics Pop Aye 41 Mountain 13 Abacus: Small Enough to Jail 68 6 Days 17 Sami Blood 39 Take Every Wave: The Life of 66 Don’t Tell 27 All Governments Lie 68 Summer 1993 38 Laird Hamilton Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web 19 BPM (Beats per Minute) 10 Swallows and Amazons 52 Risk 77 An Insignificant Man 77 Summer Sun Top of the Lake: China Girl 10 Waru 23 Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web 19 Call Me By Your Name 9 LGBT Western 63 My Year with Helen 11 La Chana 82 100 Men 16 Napalm 73 Kiki, Love to Love 38 WTF? Beach Rats 55 Newton 35 Summer 1993 38 Don’t Swallow My Heart, Alligator Girl! 55 BPM (Beats Per Minute) 10 The Party 42 Swallows and Amazons 52 The Evil Within 86 Call Me by Your Name 9 Politics, an Instruction Manual 79 A Ghost Story 55 A Date for Mad Mary 36 The Young Karl Marx 79 Theatre Dries 84 Multiple Maniacs 87 Winnie 79 A Date for Mad Mary 36 A Fantastic Woman 29 The Ornithologist 63 Free Theatre 17 God’s Own Country 41 Prison The Untamed 63 Marjorie Prime 60 Heal the Living 31 A Prayer Before Dawn 66 The Paris Opera 81 House of Z 83 Starless Dreams 74 Multiple Maniacs 87 Una 43 Refugees The Ornithologist 63 Thrillers The Wound 67 Nowhere to Hide 73 See Thrill pp 64–67 The Other Side of Hope 13 Love Stories TEAM TIBET: Home away from Home 22 Good Time 9 BPM (Beats Per Minute) 10 The War Show 74 Hounds of Love 87 Call Me by Your Name 9 Secret Screening 88 Dina 70 Religion Super Dark Times 89 Don’t Swallow My Heart, Alligator Girl! 55 Hotel Salvation 35 The Workshop 33 96

Features from A to Z

6 Days 17 F Loving Pia 59 Spookers 23 20th Century Women 43 Faces Places 7 M The Square 7 100 Men 16 A Fantastic Woman 29 Maliglutit (Searchers) 29 Stalker 15 A The Farthest 11 Manifesto 59 Starless Dreams 74 Abacus: Small Enough to Jail 68 Félicité 39 Marjorie Prime 60 Step 73 All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, 68 Final Portrait 84 Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts 64 Summer 1993 38 and the Spirit of I.F. Stone Frantz 31 Maudie 27 The Summer Is Gone 29 Animation for Kids 4+ 53 The Free Man 17 Menashe 45 Super Dark Times 89 Animation for Kids 8+ 53 Free Theatre 17 The Merciless 66 Swagger of Thieves 22 Animation NOW! 2017 51 The Future Perfect 56 Michael Smither: Light Through the Trees 20 Swallows and Amazons 52 Araby 54 G The Midwife 32 Austerlitz 69 T Gabriel and the Mountain 57 Minute Bodies: The Intimate World 71 of F. Percy Smith B A Gentle Creature 37 Take Every Wave: The Life of 66 A Monster Calls 43 Laird Hamilton Bad Genius 65 A Ghost Story 55 Mountain 13 The Teacher 35 Bangkok Nites 54 God’s Own Country 41 BANG! The Bert Berns Story 80 Good Time 9 Multiple Maniacs 87 TEAM TIBET: Home away from Home 22 My Friend Dahmer 89 That’s Not Me 62 Bastard Child 69 H Beach Rats 55 My Life As a Courgette 60 Tony Conrad: Completely in the Present 81 Happy End 31 Beatriz at Dinner 44 My Year with Helen 11 Top of the Lake: China Girl 10 Heal the Living 31 The Beguiled 45 N To Stay Alive: A Method 74 Hema Hema: Sing Me A Song 57 Belle de Jour 15 While I Wait Napalm 73 Tragedy Girls 89 Berlin Syndrome 65 Hostages 64 Newton 35 Trophy 75 Beuys: Art As a Weapon 76 Hotel Salvation 35 New Zealand’s Best 2017 25 U BIG Time 82 Hounds of Love 87 Nga¯ Whanaunga Maori 25 Bill Direen: A Memory of Others 16 House of Z 83 Pasifika Shorts 2017 Una 43 Bill Frisell: A Portrait 80 Human Traces 19 The Nile Hilton Incident 66 Unrest 75 Blade of the Immortal 87 I No Ordinary Sheila 20 The Untamed 63 Blue 76 Not Just Another Mountain 21 I Am Not a Witch 58 V Born in China 52 Nowhere to Hide 73 I Am Not Your Negro 69 The Venerable W. 75 BPM (Beats Per Minute) 10 The Inland Road 20 O Brigsby Bear 45 W An Insignificant Man 77 On Body and Soul 61 C Intent to Destroy: Death, Denial 71 One Island of Good 21 The War Show 74 Call Me by Your Name 9 & Depiction The Ornithologist 63 Waru 23 China’s Van Goghs 83 In Times of Fading Light 34 The Other Side of Hope 13 We Don’t Need a Map 75 It Comes at Night 65 Citizen Jane: Battle for the City 77 P Western 63 Claire’s Camera 37 J What Lies That Way 21 The Paris Opera 81 Columbus 56 Where There Is Life 21 Jasper Jones 27 The Party 42 D K Patti Cake$ 61 Whiteley 85 Dark Night 86 Wind River 67 Kedi 71 Politics, an Instruction Manual 79 A Date for Mad Mary 36 Kiki, Love to Love 38 Pop Aye 41 Winnie 79 Dealt 70 The Killing of a Sacred Deer 12 A Prayer Before Dawn 66 A Woman’s Life 33 The Desert Bride 26 Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web 19 Q The Workshop 33 Dina 70 Kobi 18 The Wound 67 The Distinguished Citizen 26 Quest 72 L Wùlu 67 Don’t Swallow My Heart, Alligator Girl! 55 R La Chana 82 Y Don’t Tell 27 Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan 85 Lady Macbeth 59 Dream Empire 70 Risk 77 The Young Karl Marx 79 Leaning Into the Wind: 85 Dries 84 Yourself and Yours 37 Andy Goldsworthy Rumble: The Indians Who 81 Rocked the World E Let the Sunshine In 32 Ethel & Ernest 41 The Lost City of Z 51 S Everybody Knows… Elizabeth Murray 83 Loveless 12 Sami Blood 39 The Evil Within 86 The Love Witch 88 Secret Screening 88

Notes in this brochure are written and compiled by the programmers, Bill Gosden, Michael McDonnell, Ant Timpson, Sandra Reid and Malcolm Turner. Tim Wong, Toby Manhire, Nick Bollinger, Judah Finnigan, Jo Randerson, Andrew Langridge, Chris Tse, Rebecca McMillan, Graeme Tuckett and Nic Marshall also contributed notes. The brochure was edited, drawing on a wide array of writers we like, by Bill Gosden, who also wrote the unsigned notes, cribbing the occasional perfect adjective from said writers. It was managed by Tim Wong with the assistance of a squadron of ace proofreaders who labour beyond the call of duty. Views expressed in the brochure do not necessarily represent the views of the staff or trustees of the New Zealand Film Festival Trust. Wine and film.

Both start with a vision and then take years of skill and craft to become a reality. A director draws the best performance from actors and crew, and a winemaker extracts the potential from the land and the grape. Dedication and the pursuit for perfection define both crafts. It’s no wonder success for each is defined by raising a glass.

PARTNER NZ International Film Festival 2010 – 2017 RomeoTHE RYMAN HEALTHCARE SEASON OF Juliet

A BRAND NEW BALLET by Francesco Ventriglia

COSTUME & SET DESIGN / JAMES ACHESON MUSIC / SERGEI PROKOFIEV LIGHTING / JON BUSWELL

16 – 20 August St James Theatre

SEASON SPONSOR SUPPORTED BY NATIONAL TOURING FEATURING PARTNER

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