Movies reeling back to Longwood

Heritage New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Archive will rescreen historic film footage of Reel Life Home and Gardens at Featherston's Longwood homestead, pictured, on July 5.

Reel Life Home and Gardens is to return to Longwood, Featherston, by popular demand according to Heritage New Zealand.

Heritage New Zealand, in partnership with the New Zealand Film Archive, is rescreening historic film footage of Reel Life Home and Gardens at Longwood homestead in Featherston on July 5.

Longwood is among New Zealand's largest and most architecturally accomplished country houses and is regarded as a fitting venue to showcase films celebrating New Zealand's gardening heritage.

The film programme runs for 70 minutes and features a hand-stencilled colour film by Pathe instructing gardeners in the art of dahlia growing; the Oamaru floral and garden fete of 1912; the picturesque Gardens in the Square in Palmerston North in 1913; a 1951 tour of Wairarapa's stately homes and gardens, filmed by Nancy Cameron, including Longwood, Plas Gwyn and Rathkeale; and a drama, The Gardener's Dream of a man fantasising over his show garden.

Heritage New Zealand Central Region Area co-ordinator, David Watt, said the films add a new layer of storytelling and provide a vivid reminder of the distinctive charm and character of historic places and their communities.

The cost of attending the Longwood rescreening is $20 for adults ($18 for Heritage New Zealand members) or $50 for a family (two adults, and two children). Price includes afternoon tea and a tour of the property.