Gaylene Preston has been making feature films and documentaries with a distinctive Aotearoa flavour and a strong social message for more than 30 years. In 2001 she was the first filmmaker to be made a Laureate by the Arts Foundation recognising her contribution to New Zealand film and television.
I believe that the basic responsibility of New Zealand film makers is to make films principally for the New Zealand audience. If we don't, no-one else will.
– Gaylene Preston