Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

Costa Botes has delivered arguably the finest film of his 30-year directorial career with Angie, an intimate epic of vast emotional and psychological insight. Led into the dark subject matter then back to the hopeful light by his frank and fearless muse, abuse survivor Angie Meiklejohn, the veteran filmmaker has crafted a deeply empathetic narrative that spans a generation of one family’s dysfunction, mental health suffering and sexual and emotional torment.

Immediately earning a place alongside such similarly-themed works as Andrew Jarecki’s Capturing the Friedmans (2003) and Rosie Jones’ The Family (2016), Botes’ incisive study of a family unit imploding focuses on the journey of Meiklejohn from her disrupted childhood and wayward teen years through a truly shocking rite of passage into adulthood. With siblings Bonnie, Renee and Carl weighing in with their own stark memories of family discord and early-life hardship, Botes captures how a group of related lost souls could fall for the false hope promised by cultist Bert Potter and his Centrepoint alternative lifestyle movement.

NB: This Product is not available outside NZ at this time.

View Trailer:  https://vimeo.com/265127940

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

In one of the most crowded countries on earth, a man searches for another man, with only a single name and a decade old memory to guide him. 

"Act of Kindness is a detective story that cracks along at a healthy pace at the same time as cracking open the intricacies and nuances of compassion given and received.

Rwanda has had its fair share of western attention over the last two decades. It’s been twenty-three years since the genocide in this central African nation and yet the country is still characterised in the media by this tragedy. Act of Kindness is a documentary set in Rwanda in 2007 that sheds light on a people that have been rocked to the core of society and have prevailed despite it all. The directors, Sven Pannell and Costa Botes, have revealed a Rwanda that bears the scars of tragedy and yet has grown to become so much more."    

Nathan March, Follow Magazine    http://www.followmagazine.online/blog/2017/5/19/detecting-kindness

NB: Price shown is for personal, home use only. For institutional or library pricing, please contact us.

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

When blues loving teenager Bill Lake moved from Australia to New Zealand in 1968 to escape the Vietnam War draft, he took with him a box full of priceless old blues records and a harmonica. He formed a band and named it the Windy City Strugglers. Over several decades they would become New Zealand's greatest unknown band.

"One of the most intriguing and original bands I've heard in ages. For me, it's deep blues from way down under, as if the Mississippi river had gouged its way through the centre of the earth and come home in ... New Zealand, of all places"    ELLIOT MURPHY

"A Wellington cultural institution for longer than the Film Festival, The Windy City Strugglers finally get their close-up in Costa Botes’ funny, affectionate music documentary. First appearing in 1968, when The Stones were the world’s most famous blues band, The Strugglers were founded by Australian draft-dodger Bill Lake, and emulated the gentler blues of Memphis jug bands. Lake’s flatmate and friend Rick Bryant would soon join the band. As other groups rose and fell around him, Bryant would always come back to The Strugglers. Covering songs they loved, they eventually evolved into first-rate songwriters themselves. Botes talks to Strugglers past and present, draws colourful anecdotage from such reliable witnesses as Simon Morris, Graham Brazier and Midge Marsden – and whips in a few music industry types to reveal the limitations of the commercial world. The saga Botes traces here is such a distinctively Kiwi one, with a shy guy at the heart of it. Stoically self-effacing offstage, Lake gently asserts the value of changing only enough to stay true to the stuff you love."

BILL GOSDEN, NZ International Film Festival

Duration 85 Minutes

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Type: DVD
Price: 30.00

The Himalayan Blues Festival sounds like it might be a hoax or a joke, but it's very real, as Kiwi film maker Costa Botes found out when he was invited to accompany blues veteran Mike Garner and his band to the event in 2009. Working without a crew or a budget, he took a camera in a backpack, and came back with a movie.

Kathmandu Blues showcases performances from a range of international artists (including Knut Reiersru, Austin Walkin' Cane, and Jimmy Hocking) and some surprising connections are found between the blues and the ancient sounds of Nepal. The film offers up a sensory impression of the country and its people - from the smoggy traffic choked streets of Kathmandu, to sacred sites and a jungle elephant ride.

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

Nigel Gavin ran away with a circus when he was fifteen. Many years later, he is still performing incredible feats.

This concert recording features a mix of original compositions and stunning freeform improvisations, mostly played on Gavin's bespoke Laurie Williams guitar; but also on a unique 11 string Glyssentar guitar that needs to be heard to be believed.

"Nigel has contributed scene stealing solos to an astonishing variety of musical groups and settings (Nairobi Trio, The Jews Brothers, Gitbox Rebellion) bringing with him the dedication to the guitar that earned him his place in Robert Fripp's legendary League of Crafty Guitarists."        Robert Dingwell, Otago Daily Times

"This live showng by Gavin before a small and attentive audience is about as intimate as it can get without you actually being there. And oddly enough sometimes you forget that Gavin is also there, his music seems to have come from the air and gone directly to the fingers on the neck of the guitar.

Beautifully shot and scrupulously recorded, what you get is astonishing acoustic music from a man who draws from many musical genres and sources to create something his own."       Graham Reid, Elsewhere.co.nz

Duration 90 Minutes

Extras  Nigel's guitar, Player's Workshop, Trailers

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 30.00

A bent documentary about a straight lawyer.

Rob Moodie is a straight bloke who likes to wear womens dresses. To some he seems a freak, to others he's a hero. Moodie is an enigma to many. This film unravels the puzzle of a man who is above all an optimist, and a single minded battler for justice.

Lost in Wonderland describes a fascinating journey through the life and times of a man whose family was broken apart forever when he was only seven years old; who was told he was stupid and worthless because he was poor; and who grew up unsure about who and what he was, until he made a remarkable discovery – that he was not stupid at all. In fact, he had more than enough intellectual resources to take on anyone, and win. And so he has - fighting for truth, justice, and the right to wear nylon stockings.

“…a confident and evocative film with a haunting "cinematic" quality, exploring family dysfunction and how individual will-power can lift people out of the most disadvantaged situations"   (Cliff Taylor, NZ Sunday Herald)

Documentary

Duration: 52 Minutes

PAL, REGION FREE

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 30.00

"There are precious few acoustic blues artists in NZ. While this country has produced many excellent bands whose well-spring has been Clapton, Mayall, SRV, Hendrix etc, there are few who have worked all their lives in pre-war blues styles. Dave Murphy is one who has, and who achieved strong skills at playing and singing in the style, as well as writing original songs in the genre. 

In the 80s, Murphy was a full time musician, touring regularly as a solo acoustic blues player or sometimes with other musicians, such as Wellington's blues Diva, Marg Layton. Then clinical depression overtook him and his career faltered. Often wanting to give up but occasionally performing at the behest of other muso mates, he went back to the profession he first trained in. In 2007 he still works as a gardener for Wellington City. Somehow over this extended time he came out of those dark years and all of this is told in the documentary "Yes That's Me". 

The film features Murphy recording eleven songs. The songs are complete, mercifully without voice over or flashbacks as many such documentaries do. The songs are interspersed with in-studio chatter between Murphy and the engineer, and interviews in the park while Murphy is at work gardening. This makes a heart warming contrast between the humility of the gardener and the power of the studio performer. While pruning the odd rose head, Murphy makes some apposite comments about blues, life in general and his depression years in particular. In the studio he covers some classic prewar blues on acoustic and resonator guitars, showing finesse at anything from ragtime through delta slide to gospel."  

Mike Garner http://www.blues.co.nz/features/article.php?id=286

Duration: 52 Minutes

PAL, REGION FREE

More Reviews:

"The blues is a music made by people who have struggled, have hard and true stories to tell and do so in a voice that is compelling. Dave Murphy, 35 years a journeyman on New Zealand's blues highway, is one of those characters and this film captures him at his essence: unadorned, honest and live as he records his long overdue debut album."

 Graham Reid  www.elsewhere.co.nz

“The vastly experienced Wellington based documentary maker Costa Botes takes a wry and affectionate look at blues musician Dave Murphy. Murphy is a New Zealand blues institution, and Botes’ film does the man, and especially his music, great justice. Botes is happy to include full and uninterrupted takes of Murphy doing what he does best - singing it as only he can, and picking at a selection of guitars with a casual virtuosity that would send a lot of the international acts back to their bedrooms to practice for a few more years. 'Yes That's Me' is a smart and affectionate biopic that knows to let the music do the talking. If you're a follower of New Zealand music, or a fan of traditional blues, then this film will be an hour well spent. Nice one.”

Graeme Tuckett, Dominon Post

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

Stalin's Sickle is a 30 minute dramatic film made in 1986. It was adapted from an original short story by Michael Morrissey by Anne Kennedy and directed by Costa Botes. The film won the jury prize at the 1988 Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival, and was screened in many countries around the world.

The film tells the story of 9 year old Daniel, a boy growing up in cold war New Zealand c. 1962. He becomes convinced that an old man who passes the collection plate at his church every Sunday is actually the notorious Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin, and decides to do something about it.

This DVD also contains a collection of other short films either directed or written by Costa  Botes. These include Original Skin, a dark tale of artistic frustration, Valley of the Stereos, about an unusual war between neighbours; and Day Trip, about a scary gang member who decides to take a day off.

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 30.00

Originally made for NZ television in 1988, this one hour documentary is now something of a time capsule or historical piece. It's also a record of a peerless performance by one of this country's greatest poets.

New Zealand's Cook Strait has been an influence on the lifestyle and work of poet, entertainer, and raconteur Sam Hunt since he first settled in the area. In Catching the Tide Hunt takes us on a journey through one of the world's mystical stretches of water. We see historic and spectacular footage of the epic whaling adventures on the Tory Channel, and meet a series of extraordinary people who inhabit, and who are shaped by, the Cook Strait.

N.B This film was shot on 16mm film in 1988. It is presented in its original aspect, full frame 4x3, optimised for viewing on a modern wide screen TV. The DVD has been prepared from the best available master video but picture quality is not optimal.

Documentary

Duration: 48 minutes

PAL, REGION FREE

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

In 1976, David Klein came up with the idea of making tiny jellybeans in a variety of shockingly realistic flavors. Thus, Jelly Belly was born, and with the help of an enthusiastic fan in the form of President Ronald Reagen, the product was an instant hit. In fact, it revolutionized the US candy business. The beans became a phenomenon. David Klein, a world class eccentric from Los Angeles, struck gold. But Klein would lose control of the company he started. The decision to sell out was made under pressure, and he subsequently regretted it hugely. He says now, "it ruined my life".

Despite his setbacks, however, Klein remains a force of nature, a hugely intelligent man with a generous spirit. His story - a uniquely American mix of Horatio Alger and Willie Loman - is full of surprises and much humor.

"A real life Willy Wonka tale involving the American Dream, corporate greed, and the enduring free spirit of dreamers everywhere" (Alan Donaldson/Pressplus)

Duration 77 Minutes

Bonus Features deleted scenes and extra content

PAL only, Region Free

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

NB: For Libraries, Schools and Other Institutional Pricing, please contact [email protected]

"This mockumentary about a non-existent New Zealand film pioneer and inventor features fake interviews and recreated archive footage that are so effective, many viewers were stunned to learn it wasn't real." "100%" Rotten Tomatoes.com

"Meet Colin McKenzie. This hitherto unknown New Zealand filmmaker is … (or was)a pioneer of the cinema whose epic vision and inventiveness compel total revision of the history books. Colin McKenzie is a genius of cinema worthy to stand alongside the Lumiere brothers, D. W. Griffith and Chaplin.
Worthy, that is, had Colin McKenzie ever existed.
Colin McKenzie and his remarkable films are, in fact, the subjects of a delightful spoof from New Zealand made by Peter Jackson and Costa Botes.
''Forgotten Silver'' is a splendid tall tale. Like a combination of Woody Allen's ''Zelig'' and Rob Reiner's ''This Is Spinal Tap,'' this rich comedy manages simultaneously to position its hero in the path of great events while sending up its subject, film history, with informed skill, great affection and mischievous glee."
Lawrence Van Gelder, NY Times

Genre: Mockumentary

Duration: 54 Minutes

Extras: 'Making Of' Short Doco, plus Deleted Scenes

PAL, Region Free

NB: For Libraries and Institutional Pricing, please contact [email protected]

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

A film about wild life, and one wild life.

For the past 40 years, in a remote and harshly beautiful corner of Northern Canada, Brian Ladoon has devoted himself to preserving and breeding an endangered species: Qimmiq - Canada's indigenous Inuit Sled Dog.

A wilderness lover's delight, this intimate, gorgeously rendered documentary intelligently surveys Ladoon's quixotic mission, the numerous obstacles he faces, and the uneasy co-existenence of man, animals, and nature.   ALISSA SIMON, VARIETY

Duration 97 minutes Plus Bonus Featurettes & Deleted Scenes

NTSC - America/Asia 

Region Free

Trailer   https://videos.files.wordpress.com/GUPGReBI/trailer-v3-copy-h-264-for-apple-tv_dvd.mp4

 NB: Price shown is for personal, home use only. For institutional or library pricing, please contact us.

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

A film about wild life, and one wild life.

"For the past 40 years, in a remote and harshly beautiful corner of Northern Canada, Brian Ladoon has devoted himself to preserving and breeding an endangered species: Qimmiq - Canada's indigenous Inuit Sled Dog.

A wilderness lover's delight, this intimate, gorgeously rendered documentary intelligently surveys Ladoon's quixotic mission, the numerous obstacles he faces, and the uneasy co-existenence of man, animals, and nature."     ALISSA SIMON, VARIETY

Duration: 97 minutes Plus Bonus Content

PAL (UK, Europe, Australia & New Zealand)

Region Free

Trailer  https://videos.files.wordpress.com/GUPGReBI/trailer-v3-copy-h-264-for-apple-tv_dvd.mp4

NB: Price shown is for personal, home use only. For institutional or library pricing, please contact us.

Vendor: Lone Pine Films Web Store
Type: DVD
Price: 35.00

Daytime Tiger is the result of an invitation from prolific NZ writer and poet Michael Morrissey, for film-maker Costa Botes to come into his home and document his struggle with manic depression. 

Morrissey was determined to demonstrate how, through willpower, he was able to use the tempests of his bipolar illness to creative advantage. 

In the resultant film, which Botes produced, directed, shot and edited, Morrissey raves – at Botes and his hand held camera, at his long-suffering wife Anne – extolling his own brilliance (“we are the ultimate geniuses, Jimi Hendrix and I”) while resorting to physical violence with a machete when words are not enough. 
Later, astonished at what he saw of himself in Botes’ rivetting film, Morrissey finally agreed he needed the calming influence of medication. 

While not an easy watch, Daytime Tiger holds up a fascinating and very sobering mirror to the destructiveness of untreated bipolar disorder, while at the same time offering a glimpse into how hard-won positive change can greatly increase a person’s potential for happiness. 

Helen Martin (Journal of World Cinema - Australia & NZ Vol.2)

1 Hr 32 Minutes

PAL Region Free

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