Linda Niccol’s film Poppy won the Cannes Ecrans Seniors competition. Photo / Grace Odlum
Linda Niccol’s film Poppy won the Cannes Ecrans Seniors competition. Photo / Grace Odlum
When Kāpiti scriptwriter Linda Niccol first met her neighbour Poppy more than 10 years ago, she was inspired.
Niccol, from Raumati South, wanted to create a film about Down syndrome, but wanted to immerse herself in the community – and that’s when she got to know Poppy.
Poppy lived justdown the road from Niccol, and it was both her personality and her independence that inspired her.
“She was a really vibrant young woman.”
The film, which was titled Poppy, took many years to come to fruition, being completed in 2022 with the help of producers Robin Laing and Alex Cole-Baker.
Niccol said she was surprised when the film won, as it had not really been popular among European audiences.
“I didn’t think it would be something that would translate into French. America’s been really interested in the film, but we haven’t had English or French interest. I was really surprised and thrilled that it resonated with a European audience.”
The award Linda Niccol received for her film Poppy. Photo / Grace Odlum
She said she was happy the film still had a life, despite being made two years ago.
When making Poppy, Niccol knew she wanted to film it locally.
“Making it in Kāpiti was quite important to me.”
And she said the community were really supportive.
“The whole of Kāpiti just bent over backwards – it’s such a good place to film.”
She said, as a bonus, the film was able to showcase what Kāpiti had to offer – including the lifestyle and safety of the district.
Niccol said casting for the film took a while and, unfortunately, the real Poppy had grown out of the role.
Libby Hunsdale is the lead actress in Poppy. Photo / Vanessa Patea
Whanganui’s Libby Hunsdale, who was the first actress in New Zealand with Down syndrome, was cast to play Poppy.
