Southland’s opportunity to see green feathered stars on the big screen
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
When you combine action, romance and a unique New Zealand landscape with an inspiring story of survival, it is no wonder The Unnatural History of the Kākāpō is an award winning film and next week Southlanders will have the opportunity to see it on the big screen.Date: 08 October 2010
When you combine action, romance and a unique New Zealand landscape with an inspiring story of survival, it is no wonder The Unnatural History of the Kākāpō is an award winning film and next week Southlanders will have the opportunity to see it on the big screen.
The documentary, produced by Elwin Productions, was officially launched during Conservation Week (September 12 – 19) and the film will make its Invercargill debut at the Southern Institute of Technology Centrestage Theatre on October 17 followed by a second screening on October 21.
SIT Centrestage Theatre manager Clair Dillon said the theatre and CUE TV are pleased to help raise awareness of the recovery programme.
“By offering the use of the theatre to screen The Unnatural History of the Kākāpō, we can help raise awareness of this iconic species and cater for the diverse interests of our students,” Ms Dillon said.
SIT Centrestage Theatre and CUE TV are supporting the film and the Kākāpō Recovery Programme by donating the use of its theatre and providing free entry for SIT students. Public admission is $5 at the door and all money raised from ticket sales will be shared between the Kākāpō Recovery Programme and Elwin Productions
Elwin Productions director Scott Mouat said the film tells the story of the kākāpō and the dedicated team of people who are working to ensure the species survives.
“Few stories have as many ups and downs, twists and turns, triumphs and disasters as the story of the kākāpō’s return from the brink of extinction. New Zealanders should be as proud of the Kākāpō Recovery team as they are of their All Blacks,” Mr Mouat said.
Further information
The Unnatural History of the Kākāpō screens at SIT Centrestage Theatre:
Sunday, October 17 at 2.30pm and Thursday, October 21 at 7.30pm.
During the national launch of The Unnatural History of the Kākāpō, cinemas throughout the country have supported the film and the Kākāpō Recovery Programme by donating part of the ticket sales to programme.
The film has had multiple screenings in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Takaka, Motueka, Christchurch, Timaru and Dunedin as part of the national launch with a number of cinemas requesting to screen it again.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Kākāpō Programme Manager Deidre Vercoe said the response to the film has been very encouraging.
“Releasing this film enables people to show their support and love of New Zealand and its special inhabitants and the support the public and cinemas have shown has been great,” Ms Vercoe said.
“The film highlights the achievements that have been made possible thanks to the Kākāpō Recovery partnership. This partnership between DOC, Rio Tinto Alcan and Forest and Bird celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.”
Conservation in partnership
DOC’s kākāpō recovery work is actively supported by a partnership involving Rio Tinto Alcan New Zealand Limited, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited and Forest & Bird.
First signed over twenty years ago, the agreement is DOC’s longest running conservation partnerships and has already injected more than $3.5 million towards breeding programmes, predator proof sanctuaries and innovative research for the flightless parrot.
Its long-term kākāpō recovery goal is to have 150 females at three separate sites, one of which is self-sustaining.
Since the first signing of the partnership in 1990, New Zealand’s kākāpō population has risen from 49 to 122; a huge milestone that not only celebrates the survival of this species but also the dedicated efforts of people.