Greytown's trailblazing film director Vincent Ward is to launch his new book The Past Awaits from his hometown.
Born in Greytown and an old boy of Greytown School and Kuranui College, Ward won international acclaim for films such as Vigil, The Navigator and What Dreams May Come. He choose Greytown as
the launching pad for the book ahead of Parliament buildings, a venue that had been offered to him.
Ward, who divides his time between homes in Auckland and Greytown, said he wanted to be in Greytown for the November launch and commemorate the occasion over three days at various venues in the town.
There will be screenings of his movies, book signings and the official launch in Greytown Town hall, a venue that has special links to his family.
His great grand-uncle Henry Humphries built the town hall in 1907, a building that forms the basis of the existing town centre.
After graduating from art school at Canterbury University, Ward began writing and making films.
The Navigator and Map of the Human Heart were the first feature films by a New Zealander to be officially selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
He went on to make What Dreams May Come, starring Robin Williams, which won an Oscar for visual effects, then River Queen and Rain of the Children.
Three years ago Ward was awarded an Order of New Zealand Merit for his contribution to film making.
The Past Awaits traces his film making journey with Ward telling of some of the heartbreak and victories along the way.
It also has comments by Sir Peter Jackson and German filmmaker Wim Wenders.
The book launch is being organised by Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce for November 14 and arts minister Chris Finlayson and actor Temuera Morrison are expected to attend.
The Master of Ceremonies will be television presenter Miriama Kamo.
