Feature Documentary Film, 80min, HD, 2017
GAYLENE BARNES: Co-Producer, Co-Director, Editor, Camera
“I went to see the Seven Rivers Walking film on the weekend and was very moved by it and as a result am inspired to get more involved in advocating for, protecting and improving our waterways.” C. F.
A feature documentary about walking the rivers in Canterbury – walking gently, peacefully, with good intentions. Filmmakers Gaylene Barnes and Kathleen Gallagher travel the alpine to spring rivers of Canterbury over seven weeks to Easter 2017, with seventy kaitiaki – river guardians – fishermen, local iwi, farmers, artists, rafters, scientists, trampers – as they explore above and below the surfaces, uncovering ways through our current freshwater crisis. This film premiered to a full house at the Lady Isaac Theatre (800+) and was the top-selling single screening film of the NZIFF 2017.
New Zealand International Film Festival, 2017
Wairoa Maori Film Festival, 2018
Reel Earth Environmental Film Festival 2018
Event Documentary Film Festival 2018
“This film places the hope of change in a shared love of Canterbury’s rivers and riparian environment and a profound appreciation of their ecology.” Bill Gosden NZ International Film Festival
“The film cut through a cultural limitation I carry, that is, a lack of ‘felt’ awareness with the natural world. It happened as grief began to moisten my eyes. I felt a kinship with these rivers, like that of a relative, a Sibling, an Aunt, a Great Aunt. As I left the theatre I carried away with me an image of the rivers and the soil being the womb of this country, the fertile bearers of life. Surely our role is to support their restoration rather than to render then infertile.” Marie Grunke Tui Motu
“So much gorgeous photography – all that amazing wildlife stuff, stunning underwater shots and the beautiful braids from the air – absolutely loved it – incredible job. And you packed So Much In!” Tanya
REVIEW: Seven Rivers Walking: the Kiwi environmental doco leaving audiences in tears
Gaylene Anne Barnes 