seen 3 amazing nz films so far at this years nziff
each presented with the director in the house - bonus
this one has special appeal - richard nunns is the man in focus
seen him live once and sell his large number of cds in our little shop
musician with a difference - specialist in traditional maori instruments
the film promising a journey with him around some of nz's best scenery
opening scene - the man and his musical foil horomona horo in a cave
then the singing starts - and so do the goosebumps - very moving
the detail in the imagery simply stunning and a soundtrack to match
this is going to one very special film - settle in and go on the journey
we are heading with nunns and horo along a riverbed - horo bends down
picks up an object, clears out the sand and grit - blows into it - and sound
nunns then joking that the first instrument to be found has to be given away
this setting the scene for the film - mateship, nature, and simple instruments
the man has an advanced case of parkinsons disease so moves quite slowly
usually with the assistance of horo when walking or pushed in a wheelchair
but no loss of his cognitive skills - speaks both passionately and articulately
he is pakeha of scandinavian descent but has a unique connection with maori
was a jazz musician in his early life which no doubt lead to his musicianship
partnered musically with maori language professor hirini melbourne until 2003
upon his death nunns continued to travel and gather expertise on maori music
including obtaining old instruments held in museums or private collections
learning the necessary skills to play them and with the required respect
in the film stating the instruments are like a cell phone to the divine
so giving some modern interpretation of their cultural significance
but it's not just the instrument - it's the use of to connect with nature
more footage then of the 2 of them making sounds in a natural setting
pulling on flax leaves, tapping rocks, blowing into a hole in a rock
and explaining the sound of the wind itself is a powerful instrument
nature needing sounds to live and their instruments closest to it
man mostly relating to music from the voice or from technology
maori music existing on a plane more temporal and spiritual
all very convincing really - and especially so with the visuals
each place of visit sub-titled and many of them recognised
birdlings flat, moeraki boulders, the catlins and many more
at each place a vocal chant, some music or respect paid
the finale saved for a visit to snow-covered fiordland
richard nunns high up with a stunning backdrop
saying how landscape has always inspired him
and the closing scene looking down onto a swirling ocean
the white surf moving diagonally across the width of the screen
me sitting there with goosebumps again hoping the entire screen fills
and it does - like a curtain being drawn - just the perfect closing
a stunned audience as the credits roll - and spontaneous applause
director paul wolframm is in the house and taking up the plaudits
a q&a session that provides more insight of his inspiring subject
wow - another amazing couple of hours in a darkened room
i hope many nz-ers and more besides get to see this film
so satisfying on so many levels - 5 stars from me...
