The Map Reader

THE MAP READER

In a small New Zealand town, 16 year-old Michael (Jordan Selwyn) leads a lonely, introverted existence with his single mother Amelia (Rebecca Gibney – Ch 7’s Packed to the Rafters) whose guilt and alcoholism threatens to drive her cherished son away. Uncomfortable with the adolescent exploits of his “friends”, he finds escape through a passionate love of maps.

Unexpected friendships with classmate Alison (Mikaila Hutchison), whose sweetness and innocence belie a dark secret, and Mary (Bonnie Soper), a blind young woman on the cusp of adulthood, rouse Michael from his isolation and send him on a journey of self-discovery. As his life begins to spiral out of control, Michael is forced into some difficult choices about the course of his life.

Director Harold Brodie has spun a haunting and tender coming-of-age story which features standout performances by newcomers

Jordan

Selwyn and Mikaila Hutchison, and acclaimed Australian actress Rebecca Gibney.

'A though provoking film that reminded me of some of the problems of my own emergence through teenage years'. The Mature Traveller.

“A lovely local film... that’ll soon draw you into its very realistic world. It’s no surprise it has caused quite a stir and picked up the odd award on the International Film Festival circuit” - New Zealand Woman’s Weekly

Additional Information

Rebecca Gibney’s first leading role in a feature film

Critically acclaimed NZ Release earlier this year

Screened at 19 international film festivals & won 4 awards

Nominated for thee Qantas Film Awards:

Best Feature Film – Budget under $1million

**Winner** Best Supporting Actress (Bonnie Soper)

Best Editing in a Feature Film

Written & Directed by: Harold Brodie

Release Date: 25 November 2009. RRP: AU$29.95 (Rating TBC)

Distributor: Arkles Entertainment. Runtime: 90 minutes / Drama