Ngati

A standout at every film festival where it has played, NGATI is certain to be one of the most admired films in this Festival. In the manner of Bill Forsyth's LOCAL HERO, this mesmerizing film is an emotional journey of self discovery amid the proud people of a gentle community. Greg, a young Audtralian doctor, arrives in a small New Zealand seaside town, home of the local Ngati or tribe. Though Greg is arrogant and racist, he is warmly received by people who seem to know more about him than he knows about himself. The personal interest that he eventually takes in the closknit community, and in the economic crises that threaten its survival, changes the rest of his life. Brilliant performances and spellbinding imagery merit the many prizes this film has garnered.