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A homage to Dusky Maiden images as well as a playful take on the low art of velvet painting, Sima Urale’s second film Velvet Dreams provides a tongue-in-cheek exploration of Pacific Island stereotypes. Part detective story, part documentary, an unseen narrator goes in search of a painting of a Polynesian princess that he has fallen in love with. Along the way he meets artists, fans and critics of the kitsch art genre, as well as the mysterious Gauguin-like figure of Charlie McPhee. The film won Best Documentary at the 1997 Yorkton Film Festival, Canada.
If the black and white footage of Urale’s O Tamaiti (1996) provides a sobering and fresh approach to the portrayal of Pacific Island culture, Urale’s second film Velvet ...
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Thanks very much Brenda just ordered it (thumbs up)
@Louise just under and to the right of the video player you'll see a tab that says BUY IT - there's info there about where you can buy a DVD of this film.
Does anyone know how i can get a copy of Velvet Dreams?
I have a cameo in this film and didn't know when they were shooting it that Charlie Mcfee was Edgar Leeteg's spiritual heir. I was so moved iwhen I finally saw the final cut that I cried at the end when Charlie played the harmonica because it closed the door an era that's gone forever now. The lost "paradise" and good times that produced the style of painting featured in Sima Urale's excellent documentary movie. It's nice to see it available for viewing on the internet now.
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Television, 1981 (Full Length Episode)
Another artist inspired by the South Seas
Television, 1996 (Full Length)
Documentary about Samoan musician Pati Umaga
1999 Yorkton Short Film And Video Festival
Golden Sheaf Award For Best Documentary
Festivals include:
1998 New Zealand International Film Festival
NZ ON SCREEN 2013
This website has been made with funding from NZ ON AIR ›
The synopsis and credits are included
Anthony N Ryan
Posted at 12.24AM - 25.02.2012
The Tahitian lady in question is Rarotongan born and is of Tahitian descent. She is my mother and was a dancer who formed one of the first youth dance group on the island. Charlie Mcfee somehow copied one of her many photographic images onto velvet.There is no doubt in my mind that the fair dusky maiden of the South seas exists and is well into her seventy first year.