The Failed Farms

This is our second update as we head in to the final month of our fund raising to enable us to do the pre-production phase of our feature length film about the valleys adjoining the Whanganui River settled by soldiers returning from the First World War.

We recently fully funded our ‘River Rats’ film about ‘Baldy’ Baldwin and as mentioned in our first newsletter however this next one is far too big for us to do alone. We have now shown ‘River Rats’ to audiences in three provincial theatres and received very positive reports from all screenings. However, so far our fund raising has not matched the enthusiastic responses of the screenings and is not progressing as well as we had hoped.

It would seem based on the stats for the give-a-little web page that nowhere near as many people that receive our newsletters have visited the page. Checking it out does not necessarily mean you have to contribute, but you will see what we are endeavouring to do and if you are able to provide a little support, you will be part of the making of a film that will benefit the region and help to educate coming generations about this interesting aspect of our nations history.

We would like to introduce Alex Funke and Holly Osten, a couple of the newer members of our production team. Alex is a native Californian who came to New Zealand in 1999 after being approached by Peter Jackson. Alex had become a bit of a whizz at cinematic special effects having won an oscar for his work in ‘Total Recall’ and Peter wanted him to assist with the production of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Alex indicated that if he liked Wellington and New Zealand, he would assist otherwise he would stay in the US. Alex has been living in Wellington for the past fifteen years and now has New Zealand citizenship so I guess that indicates his love for this country. Working on the ‘Lord of the Rings’ bought him two more oscars and now his desire is to become more involved with the country and our people and is keen to be a major part of the film we are making.

Holly is 20 years old (intellectually going on 40) and is in her final year of studying theatre and film at Victoria University in Wellington. She is full of energy and a real go geta who loves to play and create her own music as well as being addicted to documentaries. Her future goals include to continue to develop her innate, communication and creative skills, to producing a theatre show and a film and to get to know New Zealand and its stories.

Holly went with us to Whakahoro recently and the following is her description of the last part of the journey.

Turning westwards off state highway one at Raurimu, it was all gravel roads, bush and multi-layered sky high cliffs – all making you feel very small. This feeling was soon to pass at the meeting of the full of life Dan Steele. He radiates energy, passionately explaining the valley around us and the wild life that threatens it. Experience is written all over Mr Steele’s face as he reads the river like a book while driving his Jet boat at what seems a breakneck pace down river through the numerous rapids.

The night brought us a trip over the swing bridge to the secluded lodge where we stayed. Having learnt about the river and the inhabitants living along its banks including the families who still farm along it and the animals that call the river home.

The next day brought another fascinating encounter with a great character, Maggie. She spoke about the Blue Duck Station and the services it offers, the people she meets and the restoration of history now placed into their hands. It was all very exciting, but nothing could prepare us for the ride ahead.

Four wheels, a camera, three people and a track almost as old as the valley – no words can be written to describe the experience of going to the top of the hill to check the sheep and cattle. A trip up that felt almost like your last. Totally worth it.

Go to the Blue Duck Station - you will be missing out not to. It’s beautiful, educational and special. I learnt so much and it made me ponder my life. The experience of the trip solidified the reason of why we need to make a movie about this extra-ordinary place comprising the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka valleys.

We would like to reward those who are willing to assist us and anyone who donates at least $20 will receive a DVD of the movie once its premiere has been screened. We will have a need for quite a number of extras and although we will not be able to pay for their time, we will cover all expenses and anyone contributing over $100 will be invited to assist in this part of the film-making process.

Thank you for reading this far and we hope to hear from you sometime soon.

Kind regards

The Capital Video team.