Waimate Conspiracy, The - 2006
Dark Horse/Hazard Press - 100 min.UPC #9421016370740
Cast: David McPhail, Mark Hadlow, Jim Moriarty, Helen Pearse Otene, Janice Gray.
Director of Photography: Gerard Smyth; Line Producer: Beverley Harris; Editor: Natalie Glubb;
Sound Engineer: David Stone; Production Manager: Dinie Bevers; Executive Producer: Quentin Wilson;
Post Supervisor: Richard Spivey; Written, Produced & Directed by Stefen Lewis.
The 2005 discovery of a cannonball buried for 138 years in a paddock throws Waimate into turmoil. It is all the Maori locals need to confirm their long-held belief that they were forcibly removed from their tribal lands in a bloody battle in 1866. The hotly contested claim eventually ends up in the District Court and on the lens of cameraman Dave who captures all the arguments, frauds and forgeries of the townspeople in a cinema verité style. This "mockumentary" is director Stefen Lewis' first feature. A very commendable effort done on digital and for about $20,000.
Censor Rating: M - Review rating: C+
