Principal shooting is now complete and editing is underway on the international documentary project Relocated Mountains.

Produced by Auckland-based production house ButoBase, the film tells the story of Kurdish refugee Sirwan Namo as he travels back through the Middle East to his former home in Northern Iraq.Principal shooting is now complete and editing is underway on the international documentary project Relocated Mountains.

Produced by Auckland-based production house ButoBase, the film tells the story of Kurdish refugee Sirwan Namo as he travels back through the Middle East to his former home in Northern Iraq.Namo and his family were forced to flee from their home due to Kurdish persecution at the hands of Saddam Hussein.

Producer Julia Parnell, director Matthew Metcalfe and DOP Andrew Morton have returned from the Middle East after an intensive shoot that was an emotionally draining, but ultimately rewarding experience.

Parnell, who had initial reservations about traveling to the Middle East due to the current political climate and local hostility towards the Western media, said she was overwhelmed by the experience.

"There are so many personal stories in the area that aren't being told and it was a hugely humbling experience to be able to celebrate the humanity of the people of the Middle East; to expose a Western audience to stories and people they won't see on the news."

With an extended period of post-production still to come as three edited versions of varying durations are prepared for various international markets, there is still plenty of work ahead of the team. But completing the shooting process has been a hugely satisfying experience.

"What we captured on camera was compelling, at times heartbreaking and terrifying, but at other times joyous. What really shone through was the strength and personalities of the people who live in the Middle East - people who survive in a war zone. This is a story that will touch the hearts of audiences around the world," says Metcalfe.

"To be able to secure international funding and give a project of this nature a truly Kiwi voice is testament to the positive reputation New Zealand documentary has on the world stage," says Parnell, who initially looked for an international crew for the documentary but found the best people for the job here in New Zealand.

The level of expertise available in this country and the progressive state of the industry enhanced by initiatives like DOCNZ has been invaluable for instigating the project and making contact with international funders who have a huge amount of trust in the local industry.

Relocated Mountains has been funded by ITVS in America, NHK in Japan and NZ On Air in New Zealand.

Image: Sirwan Namo in Halabja, visiting the mass graves of Kurd's killed in the 1988 'Anfal' campaign by the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein.

3/7/07