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Review: We Are Still Here

Screening Schedule - February to March

Fri 24 4:00 The Amazing Maurice (PG)

8:00 We Are Still Here (M)

Sat 25 8:00 Antman of Inisherin (M) ENCORE

Wed 15 5:30 The Whale (M)

Thu 16 8:00 Fisherman’s Friends 2: One and All (PG)

Fri 17 4:00 Moana: Disney Singalong (PG) ONCE ONLY 8:00 Shazam: Fury of the Gods (M)

We Are Still Here is unique: eight short films about the experiences of the indigenous people of New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific, throughout history. But this is not a mere anthology. The themes and experiences are so powerful, and sadly unchanging, that the stories are woven together in an unexpected way. Cutting back and forth between a pre-European legend, Gallipoli in WWI, and a future Auckland in serious climate crisis, might take viewers by surprise at first, but a definite rhythm and pattern exists.

The opening story, Lured, first seems to be a creation myth, filmed in a striking, partially animated style lit by blazing starlight. A Polynesian fisherwoman and her daughter appear to hook something very large on their line. Tragically, it is not a fabled landmass that comes to the surface, but an enormous British sailing ship, which looms threateningly over their tiny craft. And so the story of occupation and its consequences that unites these narratives, begins.

This is a powerful start, but is only the opening act, as we continually rejoin the two women and their developing fates throughout the course of the film. We move forward to the Australian outback in 1862, where a lost white settler demands help from an Aboriginal tribe. Assistance is silently and unhesitatingly given, but it will lead the arrogant invader to places and revelations he isn’t prepared for.

Meanwhile, across the Tasman, Waikato tribes are debating whether to take part in the Battle of Ōrākau. In a surprising development, the strong-willed daughter of the chief manages to overturn his plea for patience and forbearance to ensure the survival of their following generations. The ensuing haka is extremely stirring, and the outcome of this hot-blooded decision will be equally emotional, but in an entirely different way.

As we reach more contemporary times, this film becomes a far less comfortable viewing experience, exactly as intended. Perhaps even prepare to feel shame as our government’s forces brutalise Māori protestors of the 1981 Springbok tour. Equal injustice is served during the Invasion Day protests in Melbourne, while in the Northern Territory, a redneck cop decides to make life hell for an innocent Aboriginal liquor store customer.

Potentially the most lighthearted story packs one of the biggest punches. A Samoan soldier conscripted to fight at Gallipoli, finds himself the sole survivor in a British trench. Gradually bonding with a Turkish survivor, they are overcome by their physical resemblance when they finally meet. The First World War was surely a pointless enough conflict without involving Pacific nations people, to whom Europe and its politics might have been on a completely different, and far less sane, planet. As reinforcements arrive from both sides, our main character discovers he has an important decision to make.

We Are Still Here is a harrowing and instantly absorbing journey, but when we finally return to our two women from the opening story, we are unexpectedly left with hope. The beautiful visuals in this closing segment powerfully embody this film’s byline: “In order to move forward, we must first look back.”

Saturday night is the final opportunity to see the first Marvel film of the year, the subatomic adventures of Antman and the Wasp. Sunday’s Met Opera is La Traviata and the weekend screenings end with Tár, showcasing Cate Blanchett’s multiple award-winning performance as conductor Lydia Tár.

Looking ahead to next Saturday 4 March, the Village Theatre is proud to host The Big Bike Film Night 2023, coming to Golden Bay as part of a national tour (see information on page 9).

SAT 4 th

The Big Bike Film Night

Be inspired by amazing short films celebrating cycling from around the world.

7.30pm - tickets from: www.BigBikeFilmNight.nz. Be quick for this special night.

Sat 18 8:00 Magic Mike’s Last Dance (M) Special Event $20

Sun 19 4:00 MetOpera: The Hours (PG) $35/$30 8:00 Redemption of a Rogue (R16)

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THIS PROGRAMME:

2pm: Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Touring Pete Blasdale’s film about Des Molloy’s motorcycle ride across the US in 2006. Followed by a Q & A session & opportunity to purchase Des’s book. Tickets only $20!

Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2022/23

SUN 5 th SAT 11 th

A collection of short films celebrating women doing exciting adventure sports from around the world & from different cultures. 8pm

Movie Descriptions

MET OPERA: THE HOURS (Kevin Puts Composer) (M) 3hrs15m

The world-premiere staging of Kevin Puts’s The Hours , adapted from Michael Cunningham’s acclaimed novel, which also served as the inspiration for the Oscarwinning film.

ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE TOURING (G) 1hr

Pete Blasdale’s film about Golden Bay local Des Molloy’s motorcycle ride across the US in 2006. This is a pre-release one-off screening followed by a Q & A session & opportunity to purchase Des’s book.

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (PG) Comedy 1hr50m

This sequel to the hit UK film re-joins the Fisherman’s Friends band almost a year later, struggling with the pressures, pitfalls and temptations of their newfound fame.

SHAZAM: FURY OF THE GODS (M) 2hr10m Comedy/Fantasy

Star Zachary Levi returns for this sequel to the 2019 DC comics comedy about a boy granted a power that turns him into a superpowered adult on command.

MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE (M) Comedy/Drama 1hr50m “Magic” Mike Lane takes to the stage again after a lengthy hiatus, following a business deal that went bust, leaving him broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida.

SAT 18 th

Magic Mike’s Last Dance For only $20 a ticket, which includes complimentary drink/supper, enjoy a “Girl’s Night Out”. Come along for a fun night & be in to win some spot prizes! 8pm

THE BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT (G) 2hr 15m Short Films/Documentary

The Big Bike Film Night mission is to share the best cycling short films from around the world, as curated by Brett Cotter. Now in its 9th year.

Adventure/Sport

WOMEN’S ADVENTURE FILM TOUR 2022/23 (G) 3hr10m Sport

A collection of inspiring short films celebrating women who are doing exciting things in adventure sports all around the world and from different cultures. One-off screening Saturday 11th March.

KNOCK AT THE CABIN (M) Mystery/Thriller 1hr40m

Indian-American filmmaker and actor M Night Shyamalan reunites with Old’s Nikki Amuka-Bird and Servant’s Rupert Grint for this mysterythriller led by Dave Bautista.

THE WHALE (M) Drama 1hr57m

This A24 drama tells the story of a reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.

REDEMPTION OF A ROGUE (R16) Drama 1hr30m

A bible black comedy about a prodigal son returning to his hometown to seek salvation for his sins. Jimmy, a nihilist, carries a black leather doctor’s bag around containing the rope he plans to hang himself with.