12 November 2003
Media Release
Unique New Zealand Stories
New Zealand television viewers can look forward to rare insights into the lives and work of three leading art and
literary figures, an update on an iconic documentary 25 years on, and the intriguing and sad story of a woman
out-of-place, thanks to funding from NZ On Air.
"These are particularly strong documentary projects," said NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jo Tyndall. "We've invested a lot
of effort in the documentary genre this year with our symposium in May, and the development of an updated documentary
strategy out of that, so it's very pleasing to see projects of this calibre as a result."
Acclaimed author, Janet Frame will be profiled in a documentary entitled Inside the Alphabet, and Witi will tell the
story of top New Zealand writer, Witi Ihimaera. The life and photographic genius of Marti Friedlander are the focus for
the documentary, Marti.
"New Zealand is justifiably proud of these hugely talented people, and now we have the rare opportunity to see what led
them to the positions they now have. Along the way, we'll have the chance to reflect on the work they've given us," said
Ms Tyndall.
Sheilas – 25 Years On updates a documentary called Women, produced in 1976.
"That documentary showed us the lives, attitudes and politics of a group of New Zealand women during the growth of the
women's movement of the 70s," said Ms Tyndall. "It featured high-profile women such as Marcia Russell, Donna Awatere and
Merita Mita, and Sheilas – 25 Years On will go back to discover what has been the impact of the years. It is sure to be
an eye-opener."
Funding has also been allocated to Lost Dreaming: Naomi's Story, a documentary that tells the story of a Native American
girl adopted as a baby into a white Canadian family who subsequently immigrated to New Zealand.
"It's a fascinating and poignant story," Ms Tyndall said. "Naomi's life is far from ordinary, and we see through this
programme, the effects of her dislocation from her culture and her need for a sense of belonging. It also gives us an
insight into the cultural and indigenous issues faced by Canadian society, and the parallels for ourselves, with Naomi's
marriage into a Mâori family here."
Ends
Funding details:
Marti $100,912
1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Shirley Horrocks
Point of View Productions
Witi $147,187
1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Claudette Hauiti
Front of the Box Productions
Lost Dreaming: Naomi's Story $26,364
1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Vincent Burke, Rosina Hauiti
Pacific Rose Productions
Inside the Alphabet $200,016
1 x 66 minutes
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Bronwen Stewart
Ninox Films
Sheilas: 25 Years On up to $120,000
1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Dawn Hutchesson
Occasional Productions