N.Z. films to screen at Cannes

Press, 23 April 1983, Page 14

N.Z. films to screen at Cannes

Four New Zealand feature films will be introduced to world buyers at the 1983 Cannes Festival from May 7 to 18. “Utu,” directed by Geoff Murphy, will be the first New Zealand feature film to be screened in the main programme as one of the officially chosen films.

This selection lifted the New Zealand film industry to a new level of international significance and indicated the very high regard in which “Utu” was held in Europe, said the chairman of the Film Commission, Mr. W. Sheat. “Utu” will be screened in the “out of competition” category, which in 1982 included the box-office record film, “E.T.” Thereafter, “Utu” will have several other screenings at Cannes. The director, Geoff Murphy, and its star, Anzac Wallace, will be at Cannes with “Utu,” as well as the producers, Don Blakeney and Kerry Robins, to handle sales.

John Laing’s “The Lost Tribe” will have its world premier screening at Cannes, as will Geoff Steven’s “Strata.” The fourth New Zealand feature film there will be “Wild Horses,” first screened in competition at Manila in January. Other New Zealand screenings for sale will include Sam Pillsbury’s “The Scarecrow” and John Reid’s comedy, “Carry Me Back.” Other films will be available for preview on cassette.