News.

Search still on for Sleeping Dogs cast members

28 September 2007

Three decades of New Zealand feature film making is about to be celebrated on 6 October 2007 at the New Zealand Film Archive.

A special gala screening has been planned for the seminal film which catapulted New Zealand’s feature film scene onto the international stage, however the public is being asked to provide clues for missing cast members who have not yet been able to be invited to the event.

Film Archive Project Developer Diane Pivac says, “We’re finding it relatively tricky to track down various cast and crew members from the film with the passing of time. We have managed to invite various people and we’re delighted Ian Mune will be introducing the special screening, but we’d love to hear from anyone who was involved with the movie so they can come and share their memories and celebrate this landmark movie.”

First premiered at the Wintergarden in Auckland on 6 October 1977, the political thriller starring Sam Neil, Ian Mune and directed by Roger Donaldson (in his feature film making debut) has been credited with launching various careers, along with the establishment of the New Zealand Film Commission in 1978.

The film was well-received in Russia of all places and was recognised as New Zealand’s first real action movie. Helicopters, explosions, bombs, full riot scenes in Auckland city streets all feature and it was the first Kiwi feature to be released in the United States.

The film was based on the novel Smith’s Dream by CK Stead, following the lead character Smith (Sam Neil) who ends up running from the law during a time of militaristic tyranny. He faces the dilemma of fighting for the insurgents against a corrupt dictatorship. As the Carrie Rickey wrote for the Village Voice in 1982, “Like Hitchcock’s Saboteur, Sleeping Dogs is suffused with paranoia, mistaken identity and breathless chase. Unconventionally and convincingly, Donaldson makes the case that there’s no such thing as existentialism, no personal giants to flying solo. Despite its obscure political context, better not let this Sleeping Dog lie, because it’s sure to rouse you.”

Diane Pivac has curated a programme of screenings around this Anniversary event, screening the films from the 1980s Film making revival. This includes Goodbye Pork Pie, Smash Palace, Utu and more. However she would like to hear from anyone who may have either been involved with the making of the film, or may know of family members or friends who were. There is a list of missing cast and crew at the Archive. People can either phone or call 04 3847647, email website@nzfa.org.nz for a copy of the list.