This ANZAC Day the New Zealand Film Archive pays tribute to our fallen fathers with two local documentaries. Both documentaries explore aspects of New Zealand’s involvement in the two World Wars, Kiwis in Italy: Battlefield Monte Cassino (NZ, 2007) and Children of Gallipoli (NZ, 2002) along with a classic from 1943, Frank Capra's Why We Fight: The Battle of Britain.
The Film Archive’s own projectionist Phil Greig made Kiwis in Italy last year and will be at the screening to introduce the film with features the experiences of his Grandfather at the Battle for Cassino.
The Film Archive is also delighted that Jane Pierard, who features in the documentary, Children of Gallipoli will be present to introduce the screening on Saturday 26 April.
The documentary, directed and produced by Anna Cottrell, follows two young kiwis who travel to Turkey to meet two young Turks, all of whose ancestors fought in the disastrous 1915 campaign, the Battle of Cassino.
Jane Pierard, is a direct descendant of Colonel William Malone who led the Wellington Infantry Battalion to highest point on the peninsula Chunuk Bair and has recently returned from Turkey. She was invited by the wife of the Turkish Prime Minister to represent New Zealand as a peace ambassador at the March 18 Cannakale commemorations, (The Turkish equivalent of ANZAC Day.)
Pierard says while on that trip, “I was yet again, overcome by the wasted young lives, as evidenced by the ages on the headstones, but also by the heartfelt sympathy and friendship expressed by the Turks.”
The AC Productions documentary will also screen to thousands who spend the night at Anzac Cove as part of the dawn ceremony.
Entry for all screenings by koha/donation
Thursday 24 April at 7.00pm
Kiwis in Italy: Battlefield Monte Cassino (NZ, 2007)
A film by Phil Greig. PG - contains war footage, 30 mins
Film Archive projectionist Phil Greig introduces his film, Kiwis in Italy, which recounts the experience of his grandfather during the Battle for Cassino. Followed by a 35-minute selection of Weekly Review items that follow the New Zealand Division through the Italian campaign. Programme runs for 65 minutes.
Saturday 26 April at 5.30pm
The Battle of Britain (USA, 1943 Exempt, 52 mins)
Dirs: Frank Capra, Anthony Veiller. Narration: Walter Huston, Anthony Veiller
The Battle of Britain, from the Frank Capra-produced Why We Fight series, provides an account of Britain's famous stand against the Luftwaffe: the desperate, but successful, battle to maintain their vital air superiority and to prevent invasion.
Saturday 26 April at 7.00pm
Children of Gallipoli (NZ, 2002 Exempt, 55 mins)
Dir/Prod: Anna Cottrell. Original music: Jonathan Besser
The journey of two New Zealanders, Jane Pierard and John Waipara, to Turkey where they meet locals Pinar Kurtdere and Serkan Kacmaz and share with each other the stories of their grandfathers’ experience during and after the Gallipoli campaign. Children of Gallipoli screens with the kind permission of AC Productions
