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Hero image for I Am the River

I Am the River

Television (Full Length) – 2010

After the passing of a family member, the Bell family discovered a selection of late 19th century photographs tucked away in a closet. Taken by a man named William Partington, the photos documented local Māori around the Whanganui River area, and were subsequently of incredible cultural and financial value. The owners of the photographs opted to sell them at auction. Local iwi on the other hand, felt it important that their whakapapa returned home. Winner of an Aotearoa TV Award, this documentary tells the story of finding compromise when dealing with precious taonga.

I realised how important it was to people. We heard of people who were thinking of mortgaging their house in order to bring their ancestors home, so we were very committed to trying to secure the collection and have it under iwi management and control.
– Sharon Dell, former Director of the Whanganui Regional Museum

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for Mark McNeill

Mark McNeill

Co-Director, Producer

Generic Profile image for Renaud Maire

Renaud Maire

Cinematographer

Generic Profile image for Luigi Cutore

Luigi Cutore

Co-Director

Generic Profile image for Irena Dol

Irena Dol

Editor

Generic Profile image for Dave Alley

Dave Alley

Composer

Generic Profile image for Peter Barrett

Peter Barrett

Colourist

See all 12 credits

Produced by

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Razor Films

Source

Logo for Razor Films

Razor Films

Music

Music composed by Dave Alley
Additional music by Dave Kahn, Pacific Curls and Warren Mendonsa

Categories