Netherwood Finally Gets to Show its True Grit

Press Release
Wednesday 5th June, 2013

Netherwood Finally Gets to Show its True Grit to a National Audience

Netherwood, perhaps the best Kiwi film never seen, is set to thrill a national audience for the first time when it airs on Rialto Channel on Wednesday, 12th June at 8:30pm.

Gathering at Chapel Bar and Bistro in Ponsonby for this nationwide premier will be a happy band of collaborators who together brought the feature length film to life.

Netherwood producer Owen Black says it has been fantastic telling a kiwi story for a kiwi audience.

“At a time when New Zealand is famous for its foreign productions, it’s pretty special to be part of a new wave of independent feature films made for New Zealanders,” says Black.

Set in North Canterbury near where Black lived as a child, Netherwood is a modern day Western, with plenty of gritty action in dry high country landscapes and more than a touch of Kiwi humour. The story sees Stanley Harris, a drifter and outsider, return to the small country district of Netherwood – where he unwittingly inherits a prime piece of land coveted by local wealthy landowner Duncan Moore and attracts the attentions of love-interest Miriama Smith. Slow-burning war ensues and culminates in a primal battle between the men for power and dominance.

After premiering the film in 2011 at the New Zealand International Film Festival, Black and Hall took it to the people with their 'Rural Roadshow', screening the film in 21 centres around the country.

“People really got it; all over the country they loved the ‘Kiwiness’ of it. Many demanded a sequel and asked why there weren't more movies being made like this in New Zealand,” says Black.

A behind the scenes account of their tour will play directly after the screening on Wednesday, 12th June.

The film features a formidable line-up of actors with the likes of Miriama Smith, Mick Innes, Peter Rowley, Xavier Horan and Peter McCauley playing important roles. Alongside them were Owen Black and Will Hall, who won Best Supporting Actor at the Moas for his role as Mex.

Since the roadshow, Rialto Channel got in touch with the pair to screen Netherwood as part of their ‘Celebration of New Zealand Film’ month in June.

“Independent film is a real industry in New Zealand and is becoming much stronger. It’s great to have so many people on board supporting it now, including Rialto Channel. We’re stoked with the outcome,” says Black.

The screening at Chapel Bar and Bistro will also double as the launch of the DVD. Fittingly it is in the bar of Luke Dallow, the first person to lend support and get behind the movie.

For more information see www.netherwoodmovie.com

Will Hall, Jordan Mauger and Jon Thomson in an arm wrestling scene

ENDS

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