The Strength of Water
2008, New Zealand, 86 min, 35mm, English and Maori, Canada Premiere
Director: Armagan Ballantyne
Writer: Briar Grace-Smith
Presented as part of:
The Strength of Water
Oct 16 2009, 9:00PM
Al Green Theatre
Situated in an isolated Maori village along New Zealand’s stunning and rugged coast, this poetic tale begins when a mysterious stranger’s arrival launches a sequences of tragic events that will change a community forever. Struggling with a a profound loss, ten-year-old Kimi finds himself alone, adrift in grief. While the adult sin Kimi’s life encourage him to come to terms with reality, Kimi chooses to embrace the fantastical while learning how to let go of what he cherished most in this world.
Briar Grace-Smith is an award-winning writer of plays, television scripts and short stories. Her television drama “Fishskin Suit” won best drama at the 2002 NZ Television Awards and Charlie The Dreaded was one of six Maori-language love stories in the television series Aroha. Briar’s play Nga Pou Wahine won the 1995 Bruce Mason Playwriting Award, and Purapurawhetu won Best New Zealand Play at the 1997 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards. In 2000 Briar received the Arts Foundation Laureate award. Briar is of Nga Puhi and Ngati Wai iwi descent. The Strength of Water was developed through the Sundance Institute Filmmakers/Directors Lab. Briar’s 2008 short film, Lilly and Ra, was also directed by Armagan Ballantyne.
