A Century of Images – National Film Archives

Eighty or so members of the Wellington branch of Historic Places Trust gathered at National Film Archives for a special 1 hour screening.  “A Century of Images” was a compilation of New Zealand films, news items and advertising features, showcasing historic moments in time of our country.  This was an opportunity to see films which are not normally available for viewing.

National Film Archives building

The theatre was very comfortable, with tiered seating, and most important, plenty of legroom.  The manager welcomed our group and gave us a short talk telling us a little of what to expect during the show. In addition to the main theatre, there are two small viewing rooms which run continuous features.

  The main theatre

The showing started with the very grainy (and silent) footage of the 2nd Contingent leaving for the Boer War.  We watched highlights of sporting successes such as the unbeaten Invicibles Rugby team touring Britain in 1924-25, so named after the team won all 32 matches.  And Jack Lovelock winning gold in the 1500 metre race in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.  As the years rolled on we saw film of ordinary people taking to the streets in protest.  First to protest against New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam War, followed decades later 1981 by those protesting against politics interfering with sports teams.  The country was divided on this sporting question, and families, workmates and neighbours were pitted against each other in their views.  All this caused very strong conflict between protestors and the police force, and were very dark days indeed in our sporting history.  Who amongst us can remember Prime Minister Norman Kirk sending two New Zealand frigates to protest against the French testing nuclear weapons in the Pacific at Mururoa Atoll?  This was done to showcase our country’s position on nuclear testing and  the nuclear arms race.  To this day New Zealand is still “Nuclear Free”, and we will not allow nuclear powered shipping into our country .  We were treated once again to seeing David Lange at his articulate best during the Oxford Union Debate in 1985 – and receiving a standing ovation for his efforts.  (Do check out the You Tube link).  There was a little bit of comedy thrown in the mix too, such as John Clarke playing Fred Dagg, and the iconic Barry Crump in yet another Toyota Hilux Ute ad.  There were so many interesting historical moments, some we had long forgotten, some we remembered easily,  and a few obscure ones that we were not even aware of.

  

At only $8.00 a ticket, with a cuppa and biscuits thrown in to enjoy in the cafe, it was extremely good value.  And really great to relive some of those important times in the history of our country.