NEWS

The Davidson Film Club is pleased to invite you to a screening and discussion of the multiple award-winning New Zealand comedy, "Hunt for the Wilderpeople," on Saturday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. at the Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

“The truly rare family film that's safe for kids, funny and acerbic enough for adults, and surprising enough to keep everyone absorbed.” Toussaint Egan, Polygon

Directed by Tika Waititi
New Zealand (2016, 1h41)
In English

Discussion of the film will be led by Matt Cramer, film critic at the on-line blog Y’All Weekly.

Walk-ins are welcome, $9 (NC sales tax included) at the door, cash or check (no credit cards). Walk-ins must apply for a seat in advance at alsingerman@davidson.edu. Walk-in seats are limited by availability.

Refreshments (red and white wine, bottled water, and snacks) will be made available by the Film Club.

Film Summary
Reclusive country folk, Bella and Hector, become foster parents to Ricky, a problem child from the city. After some adjustment, things go reasonably well. However, Bella's death means that Hector must now look after Ricky himself, and they haven't been getting along. Her death causes Child Services to decide to send Ricky back to the orphanage. Ricky refuses to go back and runs away, ultimately sparking a national manhunt for him and Hector in the wild New Zealand bush. A coming-of-age comedy.

Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress at the New Zealand Film and TV Awards; Winner Best Family Film at the Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards; Best Comedy Film at the Phoenix Critics Circle; Best Narrative Feature at the San Francisco International Film Festival, the Wisconsin Film Festival, the Montclair Film Festival, and many more, plus multiple Audience Awards. 24 Wins and 26 nominations, in all.

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer 97%, Audience Score 91%.

The film was the first local feature to gross more than NZ$1 million in its opening weekend at the New Zealand box office.

“Warmly funny and deeply delightful.” Tim Grierson, Screen International

"“Hunt for the Wilderpeople" is very likely the summer's most magical film.” Rick Kisonak, Seven Days (VT)

“I can't remember the last time I laughed this much at a movie. This wacky adventure set in New Zealand's wilderness is outrageously funny. It is filled with quirky, compelling characters and witty dialog.” Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope

“Broken into ten cheeky episodic chapters and boasting beautiful natural beauty, you will find a fun experience that may feel familiar yet is wholly unique.” Don Shanahan, Every Movie Has a Lesson

“Achieves a pitch-perfect balance of silly humor and compassionate characters, proving both oddly funny and profoundly moving despite some very clichéd archetypes propelling the story.” Brian Eggert, Deep Focus Review

“Funny, exciting, and deeply moving, 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' is unlike anything you've ever seen, even though you've seen plenty of things like it.” Dan Scully, Cinema 76

“There is a beating heart amidst the crackling one-liners, which once again elevates Waititi's storytelling from the merely entertaining to the instant classic.” Kate Rodger, Newshub (NZ)

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We are a non-profit, tax-exempt organization run by volunteers that only exists to bring you fine international fiction films and engage in stimulating discussion about them.

Hope that many of you will be at the May 16 screening of this delightful, heart-warming film!

Alan

Alan Singerman
President, Davidson Film Club
alsingerman@davidson.edu
(704) 231-6736