A NEW ZEALAND FILM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19086, 3 August 1925, Page 7

A NEW ZEALAND FILM.

Sir, —Amid tho world-wide arid purposeless contention over the merits of American motion pictures, it i 3 gratifying to see the first of tho Maori war Dims. In recognition of tho influence of tho picture?. it is only feasible that a portion of tho local cinema productions should be of, by, and for New Zealanders, particularly as the Dominion stands uniquely qualified as one of the few countries which cannot be reproduced in California. Having spent the past two years in Hollywood, I viewod " Rewi's Last Stand" with interest and enthusiasm. This picture, and the ones to follow should, like the Auckland Museum, seem most individual and refreshing to the tourists, and appeal to the national pride of New Zealanoers. I am sure that the men from the American fleet would find tho films entertaining, especially if a prologue were to bo presented, with Maoris on the stage. The pictures deserve the best of patronage. We are all "seeing America first" on the screen; let ns see a bit of New Zealiud now and then! Nicel Vxat:oxrv2.% Sir,—At a time when so much is betog said in dispraise of moving pictures, it is a pleasure to note the production of a really r valuable- . historical picture in "Rewi's Last Stand." Films like this teach history better than any book can do, because they give tho spirit of the time and those who lived in ah age that is in danger of being forgotten. They inculcate tiro best type of patriotism by helping to form a living link with the past. Hie fact that the film is locally produced with local talent, and that even, in technique, movement and story interest, leaves little to be desired, shows what can be done in New Zealand, and what might be done to make our picture shows of real value to Che community, instead ob being, as is too often the. case at present, crude sensationalism and cheap banality. W. G. MON'QKXON.