Raetihi film premiere this week

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 24, 11 November 1986, Page 5

Raetihi film premiere this week

The small township of Raetihi is fast becoming the film capital of New Zealand, with another locally-made film having its premiere at the Royal Theatre in Seddon Street. Mirage Film's feature "Bridge to Nowhere" makes its debut this Thursday. The film "Skin Deep" premiered in Raetihi several years ago, while "Smash Palace" premiered in Ohakune in 1980. The initial idea for the "Bridge to Nowhere" story came from the film's producer, Raetihi-born Larry Parr. He spent most of his childhood in Raetihi, the closest settlement to the wilderness area featured in the film — the ill-fated Mangapurua Valley. This area of dense bush and rugged hill country was opened for settlement to returning soldiers after the First World War and a small group atterripted to convert the inhospitable land into arable farmland. Larry Parr's grandfather was one of the settlers who were eventually beaten and left the area which rapidly reverted back to dense native bush. Today the only traces of settlement are the occasional ruins of houses and 'the bridge'. The bridge over the Mangapurua Stream was constructed in the 1 920's to provide road access from the valley to the outside world. Before the road was constructed the only way in had been by river or on foot. After the departure of the settlers the road rapidly deteriorated and was reclaimed by the bush. Now all that remains of the road is the bridge that leads nowhere except back into

the bush. The bridge is totally alien to the environment, giving the valley an eerie, unnatural feeling. Director of "Bridge to Nowhere" Ian Mune noted his impression of the bridge. "To get to it takes a very long walk, but when you arrive, you just stand there with your mouth open — it's totally out of place," he said. "Bridge to Nowhere" features a star-studded cast, including well-known New Zealand film actor Bruno Lawrence who has appeared in movies including "The Quiet Earth", "Utu", "Goodbye Pork Pie", and "Smash Palace" — the movie that was filmed locally. Alison Routlidge who costarred with Lawrence in "The Quiet Earth" appears in the film, as well as Margaret Urribers of "Heroes" television fame. Ray and Iris Parr are instrumental in arranging the premiere which is to raise funds for the local

swimming baths. The "Chills Off" project is attempting to cover the swimming pool in order to extend the swimming season. Ray and Iris are arranging evening drinks. the screen-

ing at the Royal Theatre and a late supper at their hotel for the official launching of "Bridge to Nowhere." Tickets for the event are $25 per head. which includes the apres-film function.