Former Rotorua man Michael Bennett's highly acclaimed film Matariki opens in Rotorua on Thursday.
Film-maker and director Mr Bennett will also make a special appearance at opening night to say a few words before the film and take questions afterwards.
Of Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Whakaue descent, Mr Bennett was last in
Rotorua in October last year filming part of a series for Maori Television on Maori architecture at Whakarewarewa Village. His new film Matariki has received rave reviews from critics and recently screened at the Toronto Film Festival.
Mr Bennett said Matariki was about making choices, moving forward and finding hope.
"Eight people are linked by one random act of violence as they each face a life-changing crisis. They are all subconsciously searching for the stars they need to guide them from darkness into light."
He said even though the film contained some hard-edged elements, "I think it's full of hope. Ultimately it says that all of us can do better. "You can choose to look down at the concrete under your feet and say, 'This is me and this is where I am' or you can choose to look up at the stars and 'say this is where I'm heading'."
He said Matariki represented the Maori New Year and carried with it ideas of farewelling the dead, letting go of the past, planning for the future and embracing new life.
"A film with emotion, humour and vitality, and set in a very real world where the problems are about survival, Matariki celebrates the human spirit and the universal desire to make life better," he said.
Reading Cinemas Rotorua complex manager Adam Morrison said the film would show for at least two weeks, more if it was popular.
Mr Bennett will be at Reading Cinema in Rotorua on Thursday February 3 from 8pm for an 8.30pm screening.
Check out Matariki, the movie, at Reading Cinemas Rotorua from Thursday February 3. View the film's trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZOexT346OM or go to www.matarikimovie.com
