Veteran NZ stars say film on track for success

Media Release for Immediate Release

Veteran NZ stars say their film on track for success

Veteran Kiwi actor Ian Mune and Whale Rider star Rawiri Paratene have spoken out in support of a NZ film The Insatiable Moon. Both actors say they are proud to be part of this low budget production, which completes shooting this week in Ponsonby. Moon struggled over the past seven years, and when external funding was not forthcoming the producers decided to fund it through personal support.

Mune, celebrated for Sleeping Dogs, Came a Hot Friday, and The End of the Golden Weather, commented on the difficulty of getting films into production in New Zealand, given both financial and regulatory constraints.

A legend of NZ cinema as writer, director, and actor, Mune has long been a supporter of truly indigenous projects. He argues that local films are essential and worthy of assistance.

``A nation thinking its own thoughts and being true to its own characters will produce not only its own language but its own forms. With The Insatiable Moon I’m watching yet another NZ film being made by producers on their own without significant support. The Insatiable Moon is really very interesting and exciting, and it’s a pleasure to be on the set. I have a similar feeling on this script to that which I had when looking at Once Were Warriors before it came out.’’

Rawiri Paratene, renowned for his role in Whale Rider, said that his part in The Insatiable Moon is the role of lifetime. He plays Arthur, a charismatic man with a history of psychiatric illness who believes himself to be the second son of God.

``Arthur is the central character of a bloody good Kiwi yarn. His wry insights and genuine innocence will win the hearts of audiences around the world. it’s a story that deserved the support of the NZ Film Commission. When that support didn’t come, it forced us into a more ‘frugal’ style of film-making, which has ended up a blessing. I think that the pluck shown by the producers could be just the kind of thing that helps endear this film to international film festival audiences. Audiences love good stories, well-told, and films made against all odds. The Insatiable Moon is all that and more.’’

The film is in its last week of filming in and around Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand, and is due for release in late 2010. The producers are hoping that the NZ Film Commission will offer support through post production funding.

ENDS

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