Laurie Inkster: Films from the Wild West Coast
Laurie Inkster (1897-1955) was a well-known Greymouth businessman. In his youth Inkster developed a keen interest in
photography and later in film. He opened a photographic studio and supply store and became an active member of The New
Zealand Photographic Society. In 1923 Laurie Inkster married Hilda Douglas, a west coast lass who was soon roped in to
carrying equipment, helping in the darkroom and starring in home movies. Artistic Hilda made the beautiful intertitles
for the films and judging by how often Inkster appears in his own productions, she also spent her fair share of time
behind the camera.
During the 1920’s and 30’s Inkster spent many hours recording Hilda and their daughter Thelma, Inkster shop staff and
family pets at play. But While Inkster saw film making only as a hobby his camera was always at the ready to record
important local events such as Greymouth’s Diamond Jubilee Parade in 1929 and the devastation of the 1932 Grey floods.
These “topicals” were shown at the Greymouth Opera House before the main feature.
Curating and introducing a screening of Laurie Inkster's films from the 1920-1930s, will be Film Archive National
Programmes Manager Jane Paul. Jane is looking forward to this opportunity to share the collection “Rarely are we given
such an authentic and personal look at history – the work we do in preserving local films is so important, and
programmes like these are our chance to let the public know what they can find here”
The footage will be accompanied by respected Wellington musician, Susan Alexander. Alexander has much experience in
providing soundtracks for silent movies and never fails to add humour and feeling to a screening.
Laurie Inkster: Films from the Wild West Coast, 1920-1930s
7pm August 18
$8/$6
Film Archive mediaplex
Cnr Taranaki and Ghuznee Streets
www.filmarchive.org.nz
(04) 499 film
ENDS