Hamilton films go on national tour
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Hamilton film maker Joe Citizen is a man with a mission - to introduce New Zealand to the great unsung film melting pot Hamil-wood - by means of a national tour.
Mr Citizen is so passionate about Hamilton film (and Hamilton art generally) that he fronted up to six of the town's business leaders acting as judges on a small TV show called 'Show Me The Money' to pitch his idea of showcasing Hamilton film, and ask them for money.Hamilton film maker Joe Citizen is a man with a mission - to introduce New Zealand to the great unsung film melting pot Hamil-wood - by means of a national tour.
Mr Citizen is so passionate about Hamilton film (and Hamilton art generally) that he fronted up to six of the town's business leaders acting as judges on a small TV show called 'Show Me The Money' to pitch his idea of showcasing Hamilton film, and ask them for money.Hang on a minute - Hamilton film?
"When people think of Hamilton they think of rugby, V8's, and maybe milking machines. What they're missing is a huge cultural renaissance happening right under your nose," says Mr Citizen.
The judges were impressed. They gave him the prize money of $12,000. Thus was born the compilation of short Hamilton films collectively entitled 'It Came From the Swamp', and a new national tour of the collection which will take in places as well known as the National Film Archive in Wellington, and as obscure as Granity on the West Coast of the South Island.
"The tour will be slightly mad," says Mr Citizen.
"We're packing a PA system, a screen and projector into the back of a campervan and playing pretty much anywhere that will take us. I'm going to be giving out my mobile phone number and if we're passing through a town and someone - anyone - calls me up to ask for a showing and if we've got time we'll rock into town and roll tape."
It's not all chaos though. There are a number of pre-scheduled dates as well.
The seven films have all been shot locally in the Hamilton area, and last an average of ten minutes each. Look out New Zealand, you're about to get take on a place once voted our second most boring town, after Levin.
'Retribution' directed by Paul Tilling. A story of love and revenge set in imperial France - coming to a cinema near you.
'Clean as a whistle' directed by Sarah Rosser. A quirky musical with a psychological edge.
'Swing' directed by Dawn Tuffery. An environmentally conscious animation about a little guy and his swing. (This film played at the New Zealand International Film Festival.)
'Betty Banned Sweets' directed by Michelle Savill. Set in Hamilton, a young man finds it difficult to leave home. (This film played at the Brisbane and Melbourne International Film Festivals.)
'Spit Takes' directed by Chris Tan. The comedic art of the spit gag, explained for beginners.
'Meat' directed by Joe Citizen. Vampires and blood a-plenty, this spectacular film was shot at Matangi.
'Dark Priest' directed by Sasha Nixon. The story of a vigilante priest who struggles between his conscience and the evils of the world.
Hamilton, Victoria Cinema, 8pm 11th November
Raglan, Yot Club, 7.30pm 12th November
Waiheke Island, Waiheke Community Cinema, 7.30pm 15th November
Auckland, The Wine Cellar, St. Kevin's Arcade, Karangahape Rd, 7.30pm, 19th November
Wellington, The Film Archive, 5pm, 22nd November
Picton, 24th November
Christchurch, The Philip Carter auditorium, Christchurch Art Gallery, 7.30pm, 27th November
Te Anau, Te Anau Community Centre, 3rd December
Arrowtown, Dorothy Browns Cinema, 8.30pm, 6th December
Granity, Drifters Cafe, 13th December
Coromandel Township, 21st December
The compilation has been rated R13 by the office of the censor, as it contains some scenes of horror and violence.
11/11/08
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