Documenting New Zealand life

2 March 2009 Media Release for immediate distribution

Documenting New Zealand life

New high quality TV documentaries are being supported with a recent allocation of over $3 million by NZ On Air.

A new strand of TV One documentaries will deliver 20 hours of unique programmes, telling a diverse range of local stories. In previous strands audiences have discovered the tough realities of life as an undercover police officer in Undercover and followed the journey of at risk Maori youth as they are offered a new chance in The Outsiders.

“Research tells us people have an appetite for in-depth documentaries. This decision is part of NZ On Air’s on-going support for intelligent stories made by Kiwis for Kiwis,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

Internationally renowned documentary maker Annie Goldson also has the green light for a one hour documentary, Brother Number One, to be screened on TV3. This ambitious film follows rowing champion Rob Hamill through Cambodia to seek the truth about his brother Kerry, murdered by the Khmer Rouge 30 years ago.

“Ms Goldson recently scooped the Grand Prix at the 6th Pacific Documentary Film Festival for her acclaimed documentary, An Island Calling. We expect this new documentary to be just as compelling,” said Ms Wrightson.

Award-winning series Artsville will be returning to TV One for a fourth series. A showcase for home grown art and artists, Artsville offers a unique range of documentaries from the country's best producers, directors and writers.

ENDS\

Funding Details

TV One documentaries $1,900,000
20 x 1 hour Producer: Various

Brother Number One (TV3) $170,000
1 x 1 hour
Producer: James Bellamy, Annie Goldson, Rob Hamill
Pan Pacific Films Ltd

Artsville (TV One) $1,125,000
9 x 1 hour Producer: Various

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