Shooting of the Vincent Ward directed film River Queen will resume on October 4 in the Wanganui region. Producers, Silverscreen Films, yesterday confirmed the film's leading actress, twice Oscar nominated Samantha Morton, is returning to complete the historical movie, which is set during the New Zealand Wars. Pre-production staff are now backat the film's Wanganui base ? the former Sacred Heart College ? and the film is scheduled to be shot in Wanganui, Ohakune and Patea from October to late November. Less than a third had been shot when filming came to halt a on August 2 for an indefinite time due to the illness of Ms Morton, who was admitted to Wanganui Hospital in July with severe influenza and secondary bacterial complications. "Morton has now been medically cleared to return to complete the filming; she is committed to finishing the film," publicist Sue May told the Chronicle. US star Kiefer Sutherland will return for the few days needed to complete his scenes with Morton. Other cast members, including Cliff Curtis, Stephen Rea and Temuera Morrison, have re-scheduled other work to complete River Queen. "Many of the original River Queen crew will be returning, and replacements are being found for those who have made other commitments." Ms May said everything had to be re-organised and the extras required for film would be contacted progressively as needed. "We will be getting in touch with the extras who have been cast, but we can cope with changes if not all are available." As to concerns the Wanganui iwi and the Awa Films Working Party had over communication and payment for its involvement with River Queen (featured in last Saturday's Chronicle), Ms May said she understood these were being addressed. River Queen producers expect the film to be released late next year.
