West of Eden

Set in rural New Zealand during the 1960s, West of Eden tells the story of two men in love, at odds with the conservatism of their surroundings. Written and produced by Vanessa Riddell, and directed and edited by her husband  Alastair Riddell, the film is the couple’s second feature after 2014 romance Broken Hallelujah. Director Riddell had previous artistic success before moving into directing; he had a number one hit as lead singer of band Space Waltz. West of Eden stars Luke Thompson and screen newcomer Kieran Foster. West of Edn premiered on 22 February 2017, as part of the Auckland Pride Festival.

I really felt it was important that this story was told, for New Zealand, because I don’t think we’ve really got a lot of films here in New Zealand that have been made about a homosexual relationship. Certainly not in the 1960s.

– Writer/producer/actor Vanessa Riddell on West of Eden, on website Gay NZ, 29 September 2015

Key Cast & Crew

Luke Thompson

As: Tom Henshaw

Vanessa Riddell

Costume Designer, Writer, Producer, As: Eva Henshaw

Dean Carruthers

Cinematographer, Art Director

Kieran Foster

As: Billy Williams

Alastair Riddell

Editor, Composer, Director

Alistair Browning

As: Lionel McKinley