Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku – Movie's UK launch

Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku – The Movie

UK Launch – New Zealand House, London
Friday, 18 September 2009

A warm, uplifting and entertaining New Zealand film that Kiwis have taken to their heart is opening in London tonight thanks to the support of the New Zealand British Council and the New Zealand High Commission in London.

Shot at breathtaking locations in both the North and South Islands by award-winning cinematographers Alun Bollinger and Mike Single, the film Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku will strike a real chord with the current British zeitgeist over dealing with climate change and sustainable living.

In this unique full-feature documentary funded with support from British investors, 10 extraordinary Kiwis living a sustainable life candidly share their experiences, lifestyles and hopes for the future of Mother Earth. They don’t lecture or preach – they just show it how it is for them.

The cast includes Cantabrians Banks Peninsula tree farmer Hugh Wilson, Waitaha kuia Makere Ruka; as well as Craig Potton, photographer and environmentalist; Isla Burgess, herbalist; Gerry Findlay, bird caller; Alan Mark, botanist; Kay Baxter, seed saver; Charles Royal, Maori chef; Jim O’Gorman, organic farmer; and Rita Tupe, Tuhoe healer.

Earth Whisperers opened in May this year in Christchurch and has since wowed audiences at cinemas throughout New Zealand.

“These ‘stars’ have saved heritage seeds, regenerated forests, harvested and protected wild herbs, left the car forever to ride a bicycle, and saved huge swathes of old forest. These people are a delightful and powerful example that even a person living in the centre of a city the size of London can protect and enjoy native forest, ride a bike, grow a garden and help change the world,’’ says Director Kathleen Gallagher.

Gallagher says she has received enormous feedback from audiences who loved the cinematography, the original soundtrack, the gallery of real Kiwi characters and the positive message. She was encouraged to take the film to the UK and screenings have been organised around England and Ireland.

While politicians aren’t normally renowned for pouring lavish praise on a new movie, New Zealand’s Minister for the Environment and Climate Change Issues, Nick Smith put on a new hat as a film reviewer, stating, "this inspirational film weaves together New Zealand's stunning landscapes, eclectic characters and unique sounds in a poetic message of protection for Planet Earth.”

The London premiere of Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku on September 18, 2009 at New Zealand House will be the film’s first international launch outside of New Zealand.

This film is a collaborative project between the UK and New Zealand and is proudly supported by the (NZ) British Council and the New Zealand High Commission in London.

ENDS

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