World premier in Toronto for New Zealand feature film Matariki

Confirming its position as the prime North American launch pad for independent features, the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival has today announced its line-up of world premieres. New Zealand film Matariki has been included in the selection, directed by first time feature filmmaker Michael Bennett, and produced by Fiona Copland.

The film will screen in the opening weekend of the Festival in the Contemporary World Cinema section, on Saturday, 11th September. The Contemporary World Cinema section gives the Festival audience a snapshot of trends in global cinema.

“I am excited and honoured our film has been selected for Toronto,” said director Michael Bennett. “Kiwi films are on a roll! It’s an important festival and the best possible kick-off before we bring it home to New Zealand audiences in November."

Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Go Girls' Alix Bushnell, Sara Wiseman and Sione's Wedding's IaHeto Ah Hi, Matariki is a complex contemporary drama that weaves together the lives of eight strangers on the eve of Maori New Year. One random act will affect them all.

Matariki was written by Michael Bennett and Gavin Strawhan. Michael, and producer Fiona Copland, will be in Toronto to introduce the film.

NZ Film, which is the sales arm of the NZ Film Commission, is handling world sales of the film.
Matariki will be released in New Zealand on 18 November 2010 by Arkles Entertainment. The film's trailer can be viewed online www.matarikimovie.com.

The thirty-fifth Toronto International Film Festival will be held from September 9 to 19 2010.