Registering with NZ On Screen means you can:
We won't share your data with anyone (see our Privacy Policy) and we won't spam you. It's that simple.
This 1966 documentary tells the story of 734 Polish children who were adopted by New Zealand in 1944 as WWII refugees. Moving interviews, filmed 20 years later, document their harrowing exodus from Poland: via Siberian labour camps, malnutrition and death, to being greeted by Prime Minister Peter Fraser on arrival in NZ. From traumatic beginnings the film chronicles new lives (as builders, doctors, educators, and mothers) and ends with a family beach picnic. This was the last film from pioneering woman filmmaker Kathleen O'Brien.
Please keep your comments relevant to this title. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.
Thank you Paul, I will look into that. Amiee
@Karol, @Amie: Paul from NZ On Screen here. We only have the rights to stream the film on the website. It is part of the National Film Unit collection that is in the stewardship of Archives New Zealand. I'm sure it would be possible to order a DVD from Archives NZ, but you may have to pay for the costs. Click on the 'buy' tab above (below right of the player) for their contact details. The film is indeed a moving account of epic journey that your ancestors underwent.
Hi again, the movie can be downloaded but not sure with the new copyright laws. NZ On Screen would need to say if they can release this on DVD for people interested. I have had several from overseas asking about this - so a good idea I think.
Amiee, yes this story is very moving... my aunt talked about the snow, and how they had little to wear, and if you missed the dinner time, you went hungry even more than usual....
That was my Great Aunty in this film talking how her mother was found frozen in the snow. This is the first time I have heard about what really happened. So sad! They don't like to talk about it. I would like a copy for family history.
You need to be logged in to add to your favourites.
Short Film, 1986 (Full Length)
Martin Townsend produced this animated short film
Television, 2000 (Excerpts)
An episode of Our People, Our Century looking at NZ families' experience of war
Film, 2008 (Excerpts)
A doco about an Italian artist attempting to adopt African twins
Television, 1971 (Full Length)
Documentary about Polish refugee children growing up in NZ
Finalist - Most
Outstanding Website
The ONYAs 2010 & 2011
Best Entertainment Website
Finalist – Website design
Qantas Media Awards 2009
NZ ON SCREEN 2012
This website has been made with funding from NZ ON AIR ›
The synopsis and credits are included
Jenny
Posted at 12.59PM - 01.01.2012
What an amazing story of courage and hope. I wonder if sir Peter Jackson or Steven Spielberg would make this into a movie - as it would be of major benefit to their descendants and to the new generations here today and yet to come. Thank you for providing this tragic yet beautiful and powerful story.