Listing details: Gardening with Soul (2013) film screening
When: 7pm, February 5, 7, 8, 15, 19, 20, 21 / 4.30pm, February 8 and 15
Where: The New Zealand Film Archive, 84 Taranaki St, Wellington
Ticket price: $10 general admission / $8 concession
Gardening with Soul Showing at the Film Archive
A charming and deeply stirring independent film about Sister Loyola, one of the liveliest nonagenarians you could ever
meet. Loyola is the main gardener at the Home of Compassion in Island Bay, Wellington. She shares her life experiences,
philosophies and rituals with film maker Jess Feast. Gardening with Soul was a hit at the NZ International Film Festival
2013.
“[H]er daily tasks include heavy lifting alongside vigorous spade and wheelbarrow work, which she sometimes performs on
crutches. Loyola and the other Sisters of Compassion follow the vision of Mother Aubert to ‘meet the needs of the
oppressed and powerless in their communities.’ [...] The lively, beautifully shot documentary (edited by Annie Collins)
is filmed almost entirely in this small community on the southern coast of Wellington. With music by local musician
David Long, and full of the sea- and garden-scapes that have informed Loyola's life, Gardening with Soul uncovers a local legend and her community for the wider world. It is a conceptual triumph for Feast. Any belief we might
harbour that becoming a nun is avoiding the real world is turned firmly on its head as we witness this extraordinary
soul steer a sharp course through all weathers, trying to shine love on everything she sees.” - Jo Randerson, NZ
International Film Festival.
“Director Jess Feast has taken in more than just the magnificent gardens which Loloya tends to and landscapes she dwells
in - and has woven together a story of social history in New Zealand as well as philosophical elements. Loloya worked as
a nurse with sick children and also raised children with disabilities. What follows is an insight into a life gone by
and a woman whose very soul has always been in the heart of her community.” - Darren Bevan, TVNZ
“What a fabulous film… I’ve never seen anything so warm-hearted or inspiring in my life; I absolutely loved it!” -
Graeme Tuckett, Radio New Zealand Gardening with Soul will have a three week run at the Film Archive, 84 Taranaki St, Wellington. Screenings at 7pm, February 5, 7, 8, 15, 19,
20, 21 / 4.30pm, February 8 and 15.
Gardening with Soul (2013)
ENDS