New Zealand Film 'This Way of Life' Set to Inspire Audiences Around the Globe
Following five sold out screenings at the New Zealand International Film Festival, the Hawkes Bay produced dramatic documentary THIS WAY OF LIFE has been invited to screen at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
Known as one of the world's best audience festivals VIFF has been described as "an unspoiled celebration of world cinema." The festival presents 350+ films from over 70 countries. THIS WAY OF LIFE has been granted a prime opening weekend Saturday slot.
The film follows the lives of the Karena family over four years as they strive to create a life of integrity and exuberance. From the rugged Ruahine Ranges down to an isolated beach the film reveals the remarkable beauty of New Zealand not often seen in film.
Producer Barbara Sumner Burstyn says the response to the film has been overwhelming. "We set out to make a universal story that touched people in a very personal way," she said. "To receive international recognition and an opportunity to show to audiences around the world is frankly, humbling."
Sumner Burstyn reports the film has made its first international saleand is under consideration for other festivals.
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Synopsis and trailer available at: http://thiswayoflifemovie.com/
Vancouver link: http://www.viff.org/tixSYS/2009/filmguide/films/4918
Pictured:
- Film makers Tom Burstyn and Barbara Sumner Burstyn
- Wellie Karena with his father Peter Karena ride in the Ruahine Ranges, Hawkes Bay
About Cloud South Films
Cloud South Films is the midlife lovechild of cinematographer Tom Burstyn and journalist Barbara Sumner Burstyn. They describe themselves are escapees from the fantasy world of feature filmmaking and corporate media.
They work from a converted cottage on the beach at Bay View in the Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
"We believe in factual storytelling. Our documentaries are personal, well researched, visually compelling and socially relevant. For us, this is the only medium worth investing in."
Cloud South Films is committed to sustainability, both personal and professional. We are working toward being the change we want to see in the world.
Release issued by Paul Blomfield on behalf of Cloud South Films.
This Way of Life
Nonfiction Features of 2009
(New Zealand, 2009, 84 mins)
HDCAM
Canadian Premiere
Directed By: Tom Burstyn
<http://www.viff.org/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/dirbio.php?DirectorID=1539¬epg=1&EventNumber=4918>
Official Film Website
<http://www.viff.org/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/eventnote.php?notepg=1&EventNumber=4918>
Against the stunning beauty of New Zealand's rugged Ruahine Mountains, Peter Karena and his wife Colleen raise their six children on the thin edge between freedom and disaster. As Peter hunts, trains wild horses and struggles to instill in his kids the values of independence, courage and happiness (not to mention good hair), his escalating struggle with his own father has profound consequences on the entire Karena clan.
Filmed over the course of four years, Canadian cinematographer Tom Burstyn's rigorously beautiful debut documentary captures the Karena's precipitous existence with equal parts glorious abandon and painful suspense. Trying to carve out a different type of life for himself, Peter often seems like a man out of step with this century, he can tame a wild horse, or field dress a deer, but he can't find a home for his family. As Peter and Colleen set up a series of makeshift squats (a camp beside a river or a shed) their brood of half-wild kids ride bareback in the surf, with little fear, and often little clothes. Tragedy does not spare the Karenas--a near-disaster on a mountain trek, or scenes of small children getting bucked off galloping horses drive home the point that a certain level of risk, once taken for granted, now seems like it belongs to another century entirely. But ultimately, this complete immersion in another way of life reveals that the price of freedom is something that is well worth paying.
http://www.viff.org/tixSYS/2009/filmguide/films/4918
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Barbara Sumner Burstyn
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL opening weekend screening:
Saturday, October 3, 8:45pm, Empire Granville Cinema 5
October 5, 12:40pm, Empire Granville Cinema 5
October 10,11:20am, Empire Granville Cinema 2
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