00:00
/
00:00
The first of five parts of this full length film.
The second of five parts of this full length film.
The third of five parts of this full length film.
The fourth of five parts of this full length film.
The fifth of five parts of this full length film.
The credits from this film.
Velvet Dreams
Television (Full Length) – 1997
A homage to Dusky Maiden images as well as a playful take on the low art of velvet painting, Sima Urale’s 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. Made for TVNZ's Work of Art series, Velvet Dreams played in multiple international film festivals.
Key Cast & Crew
See all 7 credits
Produced by
Top Shelf Productions
If you liked this, you might also like...
Work of Art
This was a series of stand-alone documentaries that...
Apron Strings
Also directed by Sima Urale
Profiles - Tony Fomison
Another artist inspired by the South Seas
U Can't Resist Us
A music video for Sima's bro, Bill Urale (aka King Kapisi)
Screems from da Old Plantation
Director Sima Urale is King Kapisi’s sister
Who's Killing the Kiwi?
Also narrated by Jeffrey Thomas
An Immigrant Nation - Searching for Paradise
Documentary about Samoan musician Pati Umaga
Gottfried Lindauer in New Zealand
More controversial colonialist portraits
Light as a Feather - Cadbury Flake
More dreamy maidens
The Double Sunrise
More on the Pacific Islands
Loading Docs 2018 - Soldiers Road
Young Māori involved in photography
How to Look at a Painting (...of a Face)
Kiwi art show explores portrait painting
Still Life
Award-winning short film by Sima Urale