Z-Nail Gang (2014)
Director: Anton Steel
Writer: Anton Steel
Producer: Kylie Dellabarca
Stars: Paul Ballard, Paul Barrett, Geoffrey Dolan, Vanessa Rare, Erroll Shand
The first film from director Anton Steel is self-funded, made because of community support in the small town of Te Puke. Based on actual events from the Coromandel in the ‘80s, it follows a small community as they battle for their land.
Consumed by debt, surfer Dave has the rug pulled out from under him when a multi-national corporation shows up in town, intent on mining gold in the hills. Dave’s wife Mareeka isn’t as laid back as Dave, and won’t let the big baddies push them around. She gathers the community around her and pushes back, creating waves that threaten to tear the town, and her marriage, apart.
This is a good-hearted film that doesn’t ever quite hit its marks. The characters are stereotypes from the oddball townsfolk to the overeating cop to the farting Aussie prospectors.
Clearly a passion project, and made on the scent of an oily rag, this is true-blue, number 8 wire, kiwi filmmaking.
What a great review of Aussie films you have taken us all through. Great job, Kate. I have really enjoyed all of these.
ReplyDeleteProbably an appropriate way to end the month, by acknowledging that not all of them are classics...But that's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteKind of sounds like a miss to me. Congrats on finishing the Challenge :)
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that so many films had been made in New Zealand. Congrats on surviving the Challenge!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kate, for introducing us to such a wealth of NZ films. I have enjoyed reading your posts. Congratulations on finishing the challenge!
ReplyDeleteWhat an education this has been. Who knew this many films had been made there? Thank you so much for bringing these to light.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't quite hit its marks. Great line, and I fear it might be said of my WIP. Uh oh!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking me on this fun journey during April, Kate. I had a great time, thanks to your presentations.