Taking the Waewae Express

A great little film: brave, funny, terrifically honest and unaffected, big-hearted and smart enough to transcend its non-existent budget

Taking the Waewae Express, New Zealand, 2008

Directors: Shane Loader, Andrea Bosshard
Screenplay: Andrea Bosshard
Cinematography: Deane Cronin
Editor: Shane Loader
Music: Janet Roddick, David Donaldson, Steve Roche

With: Matariki Whatarau, Evan Hussey, Isaac Heron, Jess Aalton, Tamati Pere, Suzanne Svanberg, Chong Sin Lim, Jacob Renwick-Faauga, Rangimoana Taylor

93 minutes, M-drug use & offensive language

When Wiremu's younger brother dies in a car accident, blame and bitterness take their toll as love and loyalty are tested within his circle of friends and family. Nevertheless life goes on. It is still possible to fall in love, to laugh again, to play soccer and to sing. But it takes courage to move on and unless you take the first step, you can't take the next.

"A great little film: brave, funny, terrifically honest and unaffected, big-hearted and smart enough to transcend its non-existent budget." - Graeme Tuckett, Dominion Post

Screenings: Taking the Waewae Express screened on 12 September 2009 in a programme with The Intruder (1999) as part of the Vanguard Films 30 Years Retrospective held at the Film Archive from 2-12 Septemer 2009.