COLETTE
14 February
After marrying a successful Parisian writer known commonly as “Willy” (Dominic West), Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (Keira Knightley) is transplanted from her childhood home in rural France to the intellectual and artistic splendour of Paris. Soon after, Willy convinces Colette to ghost-write for him. She pens a semi-autobiographical novel about a witty and brazen country girl named Claudine, sparking a bestseller and a cultural sensation. After its success, Colette and Willy become the talk of Paris and their adventures inspire additional Claudine novels. Colette’s fight over creative ownership defies gender roles and drives her to overcome societal constraints, revolutionising literature, fashion and sexual expression.
Stan & Ollie
21 February
The true story of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy, is brought to the big screen for the first time. Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the inimitable movie icons, Stan and Ollie is the heart-warming story of what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour. With their golden era long behind them, the pair embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. A formidable double act in their own right – the pair’s love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
7 March
Following his Best Picture Academy Award winner Moonlight, writer/director Barry Jenkins adapts James Baldwin’s acclaimed novel If Beale Street Could Talk. Set in early-1970s Harlem, New York, If Beale Street Could Talk is the timeless and moving love story of a couple’s unbreakable bond and a family’s empowering embrace, as told through the eyes of 19-year-old Tish (newcomer Kiki Layne). Friends since childhood, Tish and her fiancé Fonny (Stephan James) dream of a future together and are expecting their first child. But their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. Relying on familial and inner strength, Tish must navigate an unforgiving and racially biased world in If Beale Street Could Talk, an intimate, powerful film in which Jenkins crosses time frames to show how love and humanity ultimately endure.
Daffodils (NZ Film)
21 March
Inspired by a true story, this heartfelt musical love story features the songs we grew up with, including some of the most iconic New Zealand songs ever written; tracks by Crowded House, LIPS, Bic Runga, Chris Knox, The Mint Chicks, Dave Dobbyn, The Clean, The Exponents, Darcy Clay, Mutton Birds, Th’Dudes, The Senators/Ray Columbus and the Invaders, The Swingers and Blam Blam Blam.
Daffodils stars international kiwi actors Rose McIver (iZombie, The Lovely Bones) and George Mason (Home & Away, Go Girls) alongside Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Kimbra, in her big screen debut in a musical and acting role. All three lead roles returned home to New Zealand to star in this heart aching drama of a quintessential New Zealand marriage, told with iconic New Zealand music.
