The Road to Jerusalem

Readings from James K Baxter's poems and books help trace his life in this award-winning extended documentary. Baxter's friends, family and his ex-wife JC Sturm discuss the poet and his work, and the readings and beautifully-shot landscapes fill in the gaps. Director Bruce Morrison (The Roaring Forties Tour) wrote the script with Baxter expert Paul Millar. Morrison was named Best Documentary Director at the 1998 NZ TV Awards. The story chronicles the years leading up to Baxter establishing the Jerusalem/Hiruhārama commune up the Whanganui River — and the events that fuelled this life-changing decision. 

...I said to him "I thought when you left you said 'no more books, no more poems.' And he just looked at me and said "Colin, I can't help it ... They just crawl up my back."

– Colin Durning recalls a conversation with his friend James K Baxter, early in this documentary

Key Cast & Crew

Annie Whittle

Reader of Baxter's writings

Paul Millar

Writer

John Callen

Reader of Baxter's writings

Barry Saunders

Reader of Baxter's writings

Michael Hurst

Reader of Baxter's writings

Bruce Morrison

Director, Writer, Research, Research