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Touching mother and son movie, and its stars, coming to Mangawhai

 

 

20 Aug, 2021

JULIA WADE


mumson-47Patrons to Mangawhai’s historic movie theatre are in for a treat come September with the screening of a highly-acclaimed quintessential kiwi doco-film, and a chance to also meet the stars, James and Isey.

Since the world premiere at Auckland's Civic Theatre on Isey’s 102nd birthday, April 3, James & Isey has been travelling the country and will land in Mangawhai on the weekend of September 4 and 5, lockdowns permitting.

The brainchild of James Cross, who co-stars with his mother, the story records the fun adventures and special moments between ‘treasured kuia’ Isey and her devoted son in the days leading up to the milestone of the soon-to-be centenarian’s 100th birthday party.

Filmed around Kawakawa by documentarian Florian Habicht with Cross co-directing and arranging scenes, the film also has guest appearances by Jacinda Ardern, Kelvin Davis and Six60’s Matiu Walters, the latter two also being related to Isey and James.

Newshub film critic Kate Rodger gave the movie five stars in her review and classed the movie a ‘Kiwi gem’, a charming, poignant reminder of another era, ‘100 years in the making, an unmitigated delight’.

For Cross, who says he still does not understand why people want to see the film, ‘but it seems to touch many people’, giving up a promising acting career in Hollywood to first take care of his ailing father and after he passed on, become carer for Isey, making a film with his own mother has been life affirming.

“Turning up in a limousine with Isey to the first premiere with crowds of people lined up to see the movie, I had a moment when I felt quite overwhelmed,” he says. “I always wanted to be in movies but I’m so glad I never got my break in Hollywood as this was the most important film I

would ever make in my life… and I was sharing this moment with my leading lady, my Mum.”

n James & Isey – ‘a subtle exploration of Aotearoa’s history through the lens of Isey's lifetime, a centenary milestone achieved through James' unconditional love and Isey's wicked sense of adventure and unstoppable spirit’ – is set to screen at Mangawhai Movies, Saturday Sept 4 and Sunday Sept 5, at 4pm with opportunities for photos and poster signings. Book online at mangawhaimovies.com. Note: Covid could affect screening dates.

 

Son and mother, James and Isey, star in a biographical documentary of the same name, James & Isey. PHOTO SUPPLIED


 
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