The late Barry Barclay [Ng?ti Apa] was one of New Zealand’s most respected filmmakers. He directed such landmark titles as Tangata Whenua, Ngati, and Feathers of Peace. Barclay was also a longtime campaigner for the right of indigenous people to tell their own stories, to their own people. Before his death in February 2008, Barclay was interviewed for ScreenTalk about his early days working as a cameraman and director with John O’Shea’s legendary production company Pacific Films.

Barclay begins the interview by talking about Pacific’s contribution to M?ori filmmaking, in particular with the Tangata Whenua series.

He also talks about:

* Pacific’s creative and independent spirit and how inspiring it was to work with director Tony Williams
* Directing the Pacific Films production Ashes – which starred a young Sam Neill as a conflicted priest
* Working on his first feature film Ngati
* Working with Pacific Films boss John O’Shea, and how O’Shea “didn’t really see skin colour”
* And what it was like being “M?ori with a camera” in the early days of the M?ori cultural renaissance

Note: there are some defects in the footage that come from the original master.

Graeme Tuckett’s documentary about Barry Barclay, The Camera on the Shore, premieres in July 2009 as part of the NZ International Film Festival.

Credits: Interview and Camera – Clare O’Leary and Monika Ahuriri. Editing – Alex Backhouse.

Source: NZ on Screen

A Totara in the great forest of Tane has fallen

It is with great sadness that the New Zealand Film Commission receives news of the passing of film maker Barry Barclay.

Commission Chief Executive, Dr Ruth Harley, says Barry Barclay holds an honoured place in the development of New Zealand’s film culture.

“Barry Barclay’s film Ngati was the first New Zealand feature film to be written and directed by a Maori and it went on to win many awards, screening at Cannes and other major festivals,” Dr Harley said.

“That in its turn opened up a new pathway for New Zealand cinema with a focus on indigenous voices and stories that had previously been unheard,” she says.

Following the success of Ngati (1987) Barry Barclay went on to direct Te Rua (1991) and the docu-drama Feathers of Peace (2001) which centered on the Moriori of the Chatham Islands.

Dr Harley also pointed to Barry Barclay’s major role as a passionate advocate of indigenous voices telling their own stories.

“Barry was very clear about his goals for Maori cinema and his challenges to the system were important in provoking movements which benefited indigenous voices as well as adding to the taonga of New Zealand cinema in general,” Dr Harley says.

Dr Harley drew particular attention to Te Paepae Ataata, a new initiative for Maori filmmakers, which he was instrumental in getting off the ground.

“While Barry’s voice was strong in its challenges to the shortcomings he saw in the establishment, it was also strong in advocating positive ways forward and his critique has brought forth fruits which I expect to be even more numerous in the future,” Dr Harley says.

“His legacy will be not only in his films and creative work but also in his outstanding contribution to the development of New Zealand film though encouragement of new thought and his support for developing filmmakers.”

Barry Barclay passed away just after midnight 19th Feb, 2008 at Rawene Hospital as the result of a stroke. He died peacefully.

Barry Barclay was the first Maori to direct a feature length film with the 1987 film Ngati.

He lay for one night at his partner’s house in Omapere, Hokianga tonight.

After discussion with family members who gathered there and the home people it has been decided to take his body to lie in state on the Whangaehu Marae on State Highway 3 between Wanganui and Turakina, thus returning him and his family to their Ngati Apa homelands. We hope to arrive at Whangaehu between 7 & 8 pm on Wednesday 20th February.

No date has been set for his burial yet.

All enquiries to Pahia Turia at Whangaehu tel: 027 223 9393 or 06 342 6688

Or to Rawiri Paratene 027 676 3606, (though communication with might be difficult)

We will not be stopping in Auckland or anywhere else en route as we are hoping to get to Whangaehu before sunset.

Please feel free to circulate this information as widely as possible.

Nga mihi aroha kia tatou katoa i tenei wa pouri.

Arohanui

Rawiri Paratene (for the family of Barry Barclay)