This Way of Life - Film

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Synopsis

Filmed over four years, This Way of Life documents the story of Hawkes Bay hunter and horse wrangler Peter Ottley-Karena, wife Colleen (Ngāti Maniapoto), and their six children. Intercut with Peter's articulate bush philosophy, it captures the family's romantic, dignified relationship to each other and to the natural world. Ever-present amongst the challenges their commitment to a 'simple life' faces is Peter's broken relationship with his step-father. Life received a special mention at the Berlin Film Festival; Variety called it "resonant and stunningly shot".

Credits (16)

Thomas Burstyn
Director, Camera

Barbara Sumner-Burstyn
Producer, Writer

Aurora Ottley-Karena
Subject

See all credits ›

Comments (21)

Clarion Wells | website

Posted at 07.43AM - 20.02.2012

Hi Carol,

On the left of this page, you'll see a "Buy It" tab with links to where you can purchase the DVD. The DVD is available from Cloud South Films and Vendetta Films.

Best
Clarion

Carol

Posted at 11.38PM - 19.02.2012

Is there anywhere else that I can purchase this film? I'm having trouble with the site mentioned below.

Natalie Simpson

Posted at 01.26AM - 26.01.2012

I watched this film on ABC TV and felt as though the Karenas were my own family. I'm inspired by seeing a family living their values every day, come what may. The film left me wanting to know more - about how Peter and Colleen formed the values they are imparting to their children, how they chose to live the life they did, what kind of teaching they do at home for their children - and most of all, how have things worked out for them since This Way of Life?
I try every day to raise my small son to be a decent, loving person above all else. I share Peter and Colleen's concern that life "won't be what they're used to". I hope my son and the Karenas will meet some day, share a herb tea and some ideas, and inspire each other.
Thank you for sharing this part of your lives with us.

Julia Schubert

Posted at 05.08AM - 25.01.2012

This wonderful film is now available as a legal download on www.onlinefilm.org. The filmmakers Sumner and Thomas Burstyn uploaded it themselves on our platform and released the download and the stream for 6€ to 8€. We would be pleased if you would visit our site: http://onlinefilm.org/en_EN/film/45094
Thank you for your notice!
Kind regards from the Onlinefilm Team

mary andersson

Posted at 10.26PM - 29.12.2011

this film touched my heart. Peter, Colleen and the children are a beautiful family and i pray they continue to live as free spirits just as God intended.

I wonder if Peter did go ahead with his horse riding business.
kind regards, mary

Bear McNeill

Posted at 11.13PM - 28.12.2011

This has just been shown in South Auz - and in amongst many emotions, it made me homesick - think it was the shot of Bare Island that did it!!. What an amazing couple. Not all of society would agree this is the way to raise children but perhaps if more did it this way there would be less troubled youth. I know we probably only saw the good bits of the kids but it made me want to throw out my own childrens PSP ipad ninetendo etc and get them back to grass roots. What incredible horsemen they were and how great to see children not wrapped up in cotten wool. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Janelle

Posted at 11.02PM - 25.12.2011

This movie should be on main stream tv and sky movies. It makes you think about your own values about life and what's important. These two parents are now my 'yard sticks' to which I want to aspire too. They are so humble yet the strength the show through adversities is incredible. As a man and father he has such wisdom, compassion and insight into his relationship with each child and his beautiful wife. So sad to see how a lesser man (his adoptive father) caused so much sadness in their lives and was such a bully. The story telling is subtle but powerful and completely genius. Would be amazing to meet this family but I am just thankful that their story is documented and will go on to inspire others. Thank you to the Karena Whanau. God bless you all, you are a beautiful incredible family.....

Fleur

Posted at 08.30PM - 12.12.2011

Wow ! This film reminds me of my own childhood, I laughed and cryed then rang the whanau and told them to watch it. Beautiful guys! I wish Peter and his whanau all the very best, thank you for reminding me of great times, riding horses, living off the land, looking after each other! and the fact that All you need is love, good values laugher and kai not flash things! Stay true guys!

Xtina

Posted at 07.39PM - 12.12.2011

I loved this movie so much, from beginning to end, what an inspirational movie!

Dave Rhind

Posted at 10.26PM - 11.12.2011

i just watched this movie & it was uniquely kiwi & showed spectacular footage of our aotearoa.

Mel

Posted at 12.56PM - 11.10.2011

OMG what a beautiful whanau. So sad they have to endure such hate that stems from Peters step dad. But because of his love for his wife and children and their love for him, nothing will bring them down. Why isnt this film shown on TV2 or TV3, I think all of NZ actually the world should see this movie. Peter and his family prove over and over, all you need is love. What lucky kids to be bought up in such an amazing lifestyle. Never mind racing up the hill on bikes, why not race along the sand on horses. How cool. I cant stop watching this film. Just love ever bit of it.

Gail

Posted at 04.37PM - 08.10.2011

Deeply moving. Sad that this way of life may soon be lost forever. Peter the father shows his love for his wife and children in tangibly moving ways. It's a hard life trying to live by your values alone.

Richard

Posted at 09.46PM - 07.10.2011

Saw it on Maori TV tonight. A truly beautiful and moving film. Thankyou!

M Martin-Hughes

Posted at 10.08PM - 05.06.2011

What an awesome family you have captured on this film. Im sure this world would be a much better place if our values for life and each other were modelled on the values of the Ottley-Karena family.

Phil

Posted at 12.46PM - 03.06.2011

wow. this is a winner

Huhana

Posted at 10.38PM - 23.05.2011

Absolutely beautiful, fantastic, best ever...should be NZ Tourism advert. But what a loser of a step father: if he was my whanau I'd give him what for.

Sue Burroughs

Posted at 07.45PM - 23.05.2011

What an extraordinary family - it was an honour to meet them and view the quality of their love for each other through your outstanding film. Thank you to the family, and thanks to you as film makers for finding and honouring their amazing lives and journey in one of the most moving films I have ever seen. Sue B.

Kate

Posted at 05.39PM - 28.10.2010

This was a WONDERFUL film and I'm sure to buy it to give to my family as soon as I can find out when/where from. I watched it at the Amnesty International mini film festival at UofA and LOVED IT - such a BEAUTIFUL film. Thank you so much to Mr and Mrs Burstyn for coming along to answer our questions - what an opportunity for us to meet the makers of such an amazing piece of art. Thank you to the Karana family for letting us see in to your life and marvel at your strength, love and passion for living. It has inspired me - I'll be taking my horses off in to the sunset...just after my exams! :)

Rosie Hoy

Posted at 02.16PM - 03.08.2010

An example of tolerance and forgiveness & enriched by the bond of love and trust and harmony that should be emulated by everyone.
The most profound words were" In life you can never take your words back"
Truly an inspiring and magnificently filmed story.
Loved everything about it.
May the force s of good always remain with your family.
God has truly blessed you. Addressesd to (The Karana family)

rhys duncan

Posted at 10.56PM - 01.06.2010

rhys duncan - tom what a masterpiece beautiful

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Produced by

Cloud South Films

Source

Cloud South Films

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