New Zealand film-maker Vincent Ward has broken his silence and come out in support of the movie River Queen a week after being axed as director. On Saturday Ward confirmed he remained totally supportive of River Queen. Ward, who conceived and co-wrote the script and until last week was River Queen's director,said although production had been beset by a heartbreaking string of problems, the nature of filming a high-quality historical drama in authentic, pre-colonial New Zealand settings was an accepted challenge. He also praised the commitment of cast and crew for their dedication to realising a project in such a culturally important but difficult genre exploring the interaction between Maori and early European settlers in New Zealand. "It is true that after six weeks of shooting that we have had more than our share of difficulties, but these are the demands of making a New Zealand period drama of some ambition in New Zealand's heartland, in winter, on a demanding schedule - and it is just so important that we keep making these films. "On this film, these were pressures that everyone bought into and, in some respects, we have defied the odds to pull together such a talented group of people and produce footage to date that we are all, without exception, proud of," Ward said. Although disappointed at being unable to continue working on the film as director, Ward remained enthusiastic about its completion and has not ruled out a return to the film, encouraged by crew and cast and producers. "These things happen in film making sometimes, but because this film has such a strong story and great cast it can, I believe, survive this." Ward said he considered lead actress Samantha Morton's performance "extraordinary, let alone the formidable work evident from other cast members ? Kiefer Sutherland, Cliff Curtis and Tem Morrison to name just a few." Ward is one of New Zealand's most accomplished directors. His last movie, What Dreams May Come, won the 1999 Academy Award for visual effects and grossed more than $350 million. "I certainly will be doing everything I can to continue to lend my abilities and support to this project. "I have always totally believed in this film."
