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Boy (Boy)

World Panorama

Synopsis

A New Zealand coming-of-age story about a supremely likeable 11-year-old kid, "Boy" is packed with pop-culture touchstones, nutso fantasy sequences, and a final dance number that's pure outrageousness. Set on the rural East Coast village of Waihau Bay during the 80's, at the height of Michael Jackson and E.T. fever, the film revolves around James Rolleston as the precocious pre-teen who finally reunites with his inept wannabe-gangster father, played by the film's writer-director, Taika Waititi. Using the videos of Michael Jackson as frequent inspiration along with flashes of unexpected animation, this endearing tale of innocence that keeps its silliness in balance with its serious side has already become New Zealand's biggest-ever home-grown hit. You'll laugh and then cry at the heart-wringing antics of Boy and his wacky pack of family and friends, including Te Aho Aho Eketone-Whitu as his younger brother, Rocky.

About the Directors

New Zealander Taika Waititi has been involved in the arts for several years as A visual artist, actor, writer and director. Taika’s first short film, “Two Cars, One Night,” was nominated for an Academy Award in 2005. His next short, “Tama Tu” about a group of Maori soldiers in Italy during World War II, won a string of international awards. His first feature, “Eagle vs. Shark,” was released internationally by Miramax IN 2007. As a performer and comedian, Waititi has a strong background in comedy writing, performance, and stand-upcomedy. With fellow comedian Jemaine Clement (“Flight of the Conchords”), he won New Zealand’s top comedy award, the “Billy T,” and also the “Spirit of the Fringe Award” in Edinburgh. “Boy” is Waititi’s second feature which, since its release, has become New Zealand’s highest grossing local film of all time.

Credits

Director

Taika Waititi

Screenwriter

Taika Waititi

Producer

Ainsley Gardiner, Cliff Curtis, Emanuel Michael

Editor

Chris Plummer

Associate Producer

Richard Fletcher

Director of Photography

Adam Clark

Production Designer

Shayne Radford

Co-Producer

Merata Mita

Music

The Phoenix Foundation

Cast

James Rolleston, Te aho eketone-whitu, Taika Waititi

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