ButoBase Press Release: Relocated Mountains

2nd July 2007

Principal shooting is now complete and editing is underway on the ambitious international documentary project Relocated Mountains.

The film tells the story of Kurdish refugee Sirwan Namo as he travels back through the Middle East to his former home in Northern Iraq - the country he and his family were forced to flee from due to Kurdish persecution at the hands of Saddam Hussein.

Produced by Auckland based production house ButoBase, Relocated Mountains has been funded by ITVS in America, NHK in Japan and NZ on Air in New Zealand.

Producer Julia Parnell, Director Matthew Metcalfe and DOP Andrew Morton have returned from the Middle East after an intensive shoot that was an emotionally draining, but ultimately rewarding experience. Parnell, who had initial reservations about traveling to the Middle East due to the current political climate and local hostility towards the Western media, said she was overwhelmed by the experience. “There are so many personal stories in the area that aren’t being told and it was a hugely humbling experience to be able to celebrate the humanity of the people of the Middle East; to expose a Western audience to stories and people they won’t see on the news.”

With an extended period of post-production still to come as three edited versions of varying durations are prepared for various international markets, there is still plenty of work ahead of the team. But completing the shooting process has been a hugely satisfying experience.

“What we captured on camera was compelling, at times heartbreaking and terrifying, but at other times joyous. What really shone through was the strength and personalities of the people who live in the Middle East - people who survive in a war zone. This is a story that will touch the hearts of audiences around the world,” says director Matthew Metcalfe.

“To be able to secure international funding and give a project of this nature a truly kiwi voice is testament to the positive reputation New Zealand documentary has on the world stage,” says Parnell, who initially looked for an international crew for the documentary but found the best people for the job here in New Zealand.

The level of expertise available in this country and the progressive state of the industry enhanced by initiatives like DOCNZ has been invaluable for instigating the project and making contact with international funders who have a huge amount of trust in the local industry.

“Building relationships with international partners has enormous potential for flow-on benefits for the local production industry. We look forward to pitching and producing further programs for an international market whilst using Kiwi crew and facilities.”

Parnell plans to return to Iraq in the future and feels compelled to share the human face of the suffering that is an everyday battle for the people of the area.

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