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Synopsis

An epic documentary chronicling the extraordinary, unbelievable life of pioneer Kiwi filmmaker Colin McKenzie. Or is it? The first clue that none of this story is true is that the film begins with one of the directors leading the viewer down a garden path. Much that is absurd and unlikely follows, leading to a curiously emotional climax. The screening of Forgotten Silver memorably stirred up NZ audiences, and it screened at international film festivals such as Cannes and Venice, where it won a special critics' prize.

Background

A perspective by Costa Botes 22.08.2008

I originally conceived this idea around 1990 and sketched out most of the main sequences and narrative threads. About a year later, I mentioned it to Peter Jackson, and he was keen to get ...

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Credits (30)

 Costa Botes
 Peter Jackson
 Colin McKenzie

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Comments (1)

 T Conner

T Conner

I remember seeing this and at first definitely getting sucked in. However by the end I was pretty sure it was a great fake. At work the next day debate raged. I remember wishing it was true. Actually the first time I'd heard of Peter Jackson...who surely is thoroughly forgiven by now!

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Quotes

The art of storytelling is the art of spinning a convincing lie. I'm not going to apologise for doing my job well. If Forgotten Silver causes people never to take anything from the media at face value, so much the better. 

Awards

1997 Fantasporto International Festival of Cinema (Portugal)
Audience Jury Award

1996 Venice Film Festival
Critics Prize

1996 TV Guide Television Awards
Best Director - Drama/Comedy (Peter Jackson and Costa Botes)
Best Camera (Alun Bollinger and Gerry Vasbenter)
Best Soundtrack (Sam Negri, Craig Tomlinson and Mike Hedges)
Best Contribution to Design (Richard Taylor, Matt Aitken and Karl Weggerhoff)
Nominated for Best Score (Plan Nine)