Sam Neill to make rare public engagement

Media Release - November 20

Sam Neill to make rare public engagement in Ashburton

Movie actor Sam Neill will make a rare public speaking engagement at the Ashburton Art Gallery on December 4.

Neill, who has an honorary doctorate at Canterbury University, will speak about his life and times in a rare public speaking engagement.

The evening at the seven year old gallery is titled "Art, rugby and me".

Ashburton District Tourism manager Caroline Blanchfield said having the famous New Zealand actor speak at the gallery was a big boost for the town's profile.

``It is marvellous for the town and I know people will turn out to take full advantage,'' she said.

``We feel quite honoured someone of his calibre is coming here. There is something special about Sam Neill.''

Neill has been in the movies for 25 years, starting with New Zealand's Sleeping Dogs in 1977 through to the more recent The Dish and Dirty Deeds.

He has made nearly 50 feature films all over the world including The Piano, Jurassic Park I and III, Evil Angels, My Brilliant Career and Dead Calm.

Next year will see the release of his new New Zealand film Perfect Strangers (shot mainly in Westland) and a major series for British television Dr Zhivago.

Neill's other interests including politics, the environment, GE and his own Two Paddocks vineyard in Central Otago.

For further information: Kip Brook, Word of Mouth Media NZ Ph: 03 374 5426

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