Children of Gallipoli Tell Their Family Stories

10 October 2001

Media Release

Children of Gallipoli Tell Their Family Stories

The Gallipoli conflict is the subject of a one-hour documentary supported by NZ On Air. This documentary will be told through the eyes of the great grandchildren of those who fought in the conflict; two from New Zealand and two from Turkey.

“Children of Gallipoli will be a moving and insightful documentary about one of the most important and tragic battles in which New Zealanders ever fought; an event which has become synonymous with the ANZAC spirit and even the nationhood of New Zealand and Australia,” said NZ On Air chief executive, Jo Tyndall.

“The children will tell their great grandfathers’ stories through letters, diaries, photos, paintings and tales handed down through the families. This will be the first time we will hear a Turkish voice talking about the conflict at Gallipoli. It will provide a fascinating and illuminating counterpoint to the New Zealand experience, and will be invaluable in providing a fuller understanding of the conflict,” said Ms Tyndall.

NZ On Air has allocated $179,942 to Anna Cottrell to produce the one-hour documentary, Children of Gallipoli, intended for broadcast in primetime on ANZAC Day, 2002.

Anna Cottrell is one of New Zealand’s most experienced director/producers. Anna’s previous credits include directing Ninox Films' production The Last of the Anzacs, which told the stories of New Zealand’s last remaining Gallipoli survivors.

ends

This media release is available on the Internet, at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz

Funding details:

Children of Gallipoli $179,942
1 x 1 hour documentary
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Anna Cottrell, Anna Cottrell Productions

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