Hawke's Bay Film Accepted into Berlin

New Zealand feature documentary THIS WAY OF LIFE has been selected to screen in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival.

THIS WAY OF LIFE is the second feature documentary for Hawke’s Bay producer / director duo Barbara Sumner Burstyn and Tom Burstyn.

Shot over four years against the isolated Ruahine mountains and Waimarama beach, the film follows Peter and Colleen Karena as they raise their six children on the thin edge between freedom and disaster.

As Peter hunts, trains wild horses and instills the values of independence, courage and happiness in his kids, his escalating struggle with his own father has profound consequences on the family.

Producer Barbara Sumner Burstyn says the film was a true labour of love and the authenticity and intimacy of the film is creating a powerful international response.

The film is also in official selection at the Palm Springs International Festival and recently screened to sell out houses at both the New Zealand and Vancouver International Film Festivals.

Director Tom Burstyn says he is very honoured to have the film in competition at one of the world’s most prestigious festivals. While the film was made for very little money the nomination proves that heart can triumph over big budgets.


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