Moon On The Rise

Moon On The Rise

One of the more unexpected successes at the NZ International Film Festival this year is the NZ film The Insatiable Moon. The international premiere at Sky City Theatre on July 17 is the first show in the festival to sell out, and Rialto Distribution has already picked it up for release later this year.

Based on the novel of the same name, the film stars Rawiri Paratene in the role of Arthur, a psychiatric patient with intriguing insights into the human condition. Alongside him are Sara Wiseman, Ian Mune and Greg Johnson.

When the NZ Film Commission declined production funding, the filmmakers invoked Cinematographer Tom Burstyn’s Frugal Filmmaking philosophy, and shot the film entirely on private investment for a little over $300,000. Earlier plans that included actors such as Timothy Spall and James Nesbitt were shelved.

“We needed to focus entirely on performance and story,” says Director Rosemary Riddell. “Without the use of extra technology, the crew and cast dug deep to give us an onscreen quality provided entirely by their talents.”

The international premiere in Auckland is set to be a red carpet occasion, with the British producers flying out for it. The Mental Health Foundation of NZ has sponsored the event, believing the film will help reduce discrimination.

“Director Rosemary Riddell and the actors involved have done a wonderful job producing an entertaining film that is thought-provoking and can’t help but stimulate discussion. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after you’ve seen it,” says Chief Executive Judi Clements.

The Insatiable Moon screens twice in the Auckland festival, before traveling to Dunedin and Christchurch.

ENDS

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