Indigenous Film Series February: New Zealand and Australia

In support of the exhibition Native Roots | Modern Form: Plants, Peoples & the Art of Allan Houser (opening May 1, 2011), the Gardens is partnering with the International Institute for Indigenous Resource Management (IIIRM) to present a year-long film series highlighting indigenous voices and issues from around the world. Films are free with a suggested donation of $5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Films showing at the Gardens in Gates Hall Wednesday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. :

Te Whare (The House) (New Zealand) and The Artists of Ali Curung (Australia)

Te Whare (The House)

2008. 32 min. Aotearoa/New Zealand – Directed by Richard Green

A modern parable looking at the relationship between Maori, the indigenous peoples of New Zealand, and the British colonizers. Set in a modern house, Hone invites his friend to stay when things go bad. He then finds his home taken over and his rights suddenly removed. How will he deal with this?

Te Whare flimmaker Richard Green - photo by Jason Oxenham

The Artists of Ali Curung

2009. 24 min. Australia – Dir: Robyn Nardoo & Shane Mulcahy

About a women’s art co-op in Australia, this uplifting documentary demonstrates the amazing spiritual power that real, living art can bring to artists whose work is inextricably entwined in every aspect of their life. Andra Archer, a curator who works with female artists in Australia, will be available for Q&A.

A still photo from The Artists of Ali Curung

Films are shown in Gates Hall in the Boettcher Memorial Center at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver, CO 80206.

For future film listings and more info visit www.botanicgardens.org. Next film date is March 24, 2011.