latest news & reviews

October 2016 - Playing on Rialto Channel

LATEST REVIEW:

http://www.glamadelaide.com.au/main/dvd-review-broken-hallelujah/

Three loves, three lies, one chance.

Director Alastair Riddell and writer Vanessa Riddell have created a movie that is as beautiful as a work of art and flows like music, albeit with one or two jarring moments.

It is based on real-life events – a friend of the writer’s went through some of these experiences and the song that got them through it was Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

We start out seeing Gary and his family and what happens when his gambling addiction comes to light. Next, is Francis, who cannot accept that his partner has moved on. And finally, we see Lex, who is determined to win the annual award for best real estate agent.

Vanessa Riddell also stars as Kirsty, Gary’s ex-partner, and she is so very real in her search for a new life away from threats and money problems that Gary’s addiction brought. She is uncertain, makes mistakes and, as in real life, bad things sometimes happen to good people. Also as in real life, we cannot predict exactly what will happen in the end.

It isn’t always an easy watch, in particular there is a scene with a car accident involving Kirsty’s daughter. The film is also long, at just over 2 hours, but definitely worth it. It is billed to appeal to those who liked Whale Rider and, yes, it is another outstanding film from New Zealand which deserves to stand in its own right as a film about families, relationships and all of the things in between.

Reviewed by Michelle Baylis

Rating out of 10: 8

Filming

Once locations were secure we began filming. With three family's stories to weave into this film we had many locations to shoot but by far the most challenging and magical were the scenes shot at our spectacular black sand west coast beaches. Thank you to everyone who has helped with the filming of Broken Hallelujah.

Kirsty, Gary and Ashley at the beach

Post Production

By the end of 2013 post production was completed. A big thanks to all our musicians for granting us the use of their music and adding an extra dimension to the film. With the edit and audio complete we began a final audio mix.

Ashley (teen)

Promotion

During 2013 our production team worked hard getting posters, stills, a trailer and press kit ready for the film's release.

Screening for Cast and Crew

We held a private screening for cast and crew in May 2014. It was a wonderful feeling to finally see the film on the big screen and it was great to catch up with you all again, fantastic work everyone!

Kirsty and Chris

Festivals

We are pleased to announce Broken Hallelujah has entry to White Sands International Film Festival (2014).

Release Date

We are pleased to announce Broken Hallelujah will be released through Rialto Cinemas. The Release date is 16th Oct 2014.

Lex Zhang

Francis and Wil Tripp

NEWS ARTICLE: SUNDAY STAR TIMES 10.8.14

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/latest-edition/latest-news/10367893/Mother-grieves-young-actors-suicide

Our new poster. Look out for it in Cinemas near you.

Media Screening

The Media screening for Broken Hallelujah will be held at Rialto Newmarket on Thursday 2nd October.

We are proud to announce Red Carpet NZ.tv will be presenting the Premiere for Broken Hallelujah at The Vic Devonport on Saturday 11th October. Tickets limited, bookings through redcarpetnz.tv

Australasian Distribution

We are pleased to announce Broken Hallelujah will be distributed through Revolution Entertainment

Reviews

“Compelling and unique story-telling with a decidedly Kiwi flavour," Liam Fennel of Verve Magazine.

“This film is a must see! Truly great performances.” Australasian distributor, Barrie Barmes of Revolution Entertainment.

“Watching Broken Hallelujah you swirl around the whirlpool that is love, finding yourself in and out of it as you cling to each character in turn. There is something for everyone because, as the film develops, you see different aspects of yourself onscreen. Here is a family drama where you feel part of the family” David Howard Burns Fellow 2013.

Premiere

We had a great night at the Vic Theatre, Devonport, Auckland. Thank you Redcarpetnz.tv, Waiwera Spirit, Galley kitchen, Tristram European VW and photographers Ilan Wittenberg and James Storey for making this a wonderful night.

'Film Talk' at Rialto Cinema Newmarket

Had a great night at 'Film Talk' at Rialto Cinema in Newmarket thank you our lovely host Tui Ruwhiu. Thanks to all of you that came it was great to hear your feedback. General consensus was that everyone enjoyed it, that the characters were complex like real people, the acting (especially the leads and children) were great and that it felt like a European film, not something you would expect from New Zealand. So if that's the sort of film you are into then come and see Broken Hallelujah. Thank you redcarpetnz.tv, Waiwera Spirit and Galley Kitchen for hosting the event.

Q and A tour for Broken Hallelujah

Alastair (Director), Dean (Cinematographer) and Vanessa (Writer/Producer) decided to visit some of the provincial cinemas playing our film and have a Q&A on 'Broken Hallelujah'. We also filmed the cinemas, the managers/owners and audience for a documentary we are currently making. What a great experience it was. We met so many interesting people and got to look around and film their wonderful cinemas. Here are some snapshots of us outside some of the places we went to.