On the 6th July 1996, the World Premiere of the movie ‘Flight of the Albatross’ was held in a large marquee erected in the playing field at Kaitoke School on Great Barrier Island. On the island for the occasion were all the New Zealand cast, the co-directors Vincent Burke and Werner Meyer, who traveled from Australia especially for the event, representatives from the NZ Film Commission, and, of course, Barrier residents and visitors.
The event began at 4.00pm with celebration drinks, including a complimentary Montana wine with a special premiere label ‘Flight of the Albatross’. Locals gathered in unique attire, glamorous gowns, evening suits, bow ties, and gumboots. The Director Werner Meyer flew his gumboots from Sydney for the occasion. Kaitoke School grounds sported a very large 20×40 metre marquee surrounded by smaller marquees offering food and drink. As evening approached, the flood-lighting came on, and the crowd moved to find seats inside the marquee. The dignitaries were welcomed with a Maori Karanga and a taiaha challenge before they were introduced. Vincent Burke, the Producer, compared the premiere with those he had attended elsewhere and declared it unique.
Some technical problems with the projector affected the quality of the film, but despite this, it was a wonderful evening, a night to remember for all those in attendance. With about a thousand people present, it was one of the biggest gatherings on the island.
About the Movie
A joint production between Top Shelf Productions of Wellington and Fritzwagner Film Company of Berlin, ‘Flight of the Albatross’ was filmed on Great Barrier Island, mainly at Sugar Loaf and Okupu, during January and February 1995. The screenplay was adapted by Riwia Brown from the novel by American Deborah Savage. Riwia is best known for her ‘Once Were Warriors’ script. The novel is based on Deborah’s memories of Great Barrier Island, where she lived for about 4 months during 1981. She returned for a two-week visit in 1995 to watch the film develop and spend time with the crew.
Diana Ngaromutu Heka plays Mari in the film, the mother of Mako (played by Taungaroa Emile). Diana was selected by a casting agent in Wellington, and it wasn’t until she was auditioned for the part that the film company realized she came from Great Barrier Island. Her two daughters also had roles as extras in the movie.
That was one of two coincidences, the other being the company did not realize the original story was based on the island until after they had chosen it as their location. In the novel, the island is called ‘Great Kauri Island’. Diana was a driving force behind the premiere event. When she learned that the film was not going to be premiered, only released through theatres from 12th July 1996, she felt it was the logical thing to organize a Barrier Premiere. She contacted the Great Barrier Island Business Association, who agreed to organize the island arrangements while she worked on a sponsorship proposal to present to corporate businesses to raise the necessary funds. It seemed like an insurmountable project to put together in just six weeks. But, in Diana’s words when it was all over, “Yes, we did it.”
Before filming could commence, a considerable amount of set building was undertaken. A pub and store were built at Okupu, and an old bach at Sugar Loaf, right on the beach, with authentically weathered boards. A bridge was also built across the creek to an existing home which had been hired for the film.
Another local to gain a speaking part was Gloria (Chubby) Park, who was chosen for a dual role as bar person and babysitter. With no acting experience, Chubby was very nervous at first. Producer Vincent Burke called Chubby “a natural”.
Many locals were involved in the production, from providing accommodation, catering, transport, and set building. A team of people gave their support in unacknowledged ways, such as those who were there to help set up the marquee, transport equipment, and those who appeared on the morning after the premiere to clean up the grounds.
The Story
Mako, a young Maori boy on the verge of a criminal future, unwillingly returns to his idyllic island home off the coast of New Zealand to live with his mother and her new husband, Mike (played by Australian actor Jack Thompson).
Sarah (Julia Brendler – Moondance), a promising young musician from Germany, has come to the island to spend the holidays with her estranged ornithologist mother who is doing research on the island. The two young people are drawn together by the discovery of an injured albatross, who, with the help of an old lady who ‘sees everything’, becomes the catalyst affecting both their lives.
Director: Werner Meyer, Writer: Riwia Brown, Producer: Vincent Burke, Executive Producers: Rita & Susanne Wagner
Cast:
- Julia Brendler as Sarah
- Taungaroa Emile as Mako
- Suzanne von Borsody as Claudia
- Peter Schmode as Walter
- Diana Ngaromotu-Heka as Mari
- Jack Thompson as Mike
- Peter Tait as Digby
- Beryl Te Wiata as Margaret
- Louise Petherbridge as Isie
- Pete Smith as Huka
- Eva Rickard as Hatai
- Ebony Kite-Bell as Atawhai
- Gloria Park as Bartender
- Ngati Wai Liaison Whetu McGregor
- Shona Rapira Davies
- Kaumatua The Company had its own Kaumatua, Rei Rakatau, who has been involved with the NZ Film Commission for a number of years. “The film is an exciting development in NZ film history, by its focus on cultural communication.”
- Painter Dave Alison
- Animal Wrangler Horace Newton
- Caroline Girdlestone
Information and Photographs sourced from the Barrier Bulletin and Aotea Times. Copyright.
