Ever the Land
Documentary that tracks the birth of New Zealand’s first ‘living building’, Te Wharehou o Tūhoe, and details how the building connects the Māori iwi, Ngāi Tūhoe, to the land.
"Bereft of talking heads, narration or identifying titles, this keenly observational sketch of New Zealand’s most fiercely independent tribe invites us into the gentle ebb and flow of Tūhoe life. The fruits are as quietly unassuming as they are serenely artful and incisive.
"Made under strict sustainability certification as part of the internationally recognised Living Building Challenge, Te Wharehou o Tūhoe is both a mammoth undertaking to watch unfold and a potent symbol of the Ngāi Tūhoe philosophy." (New Zealand International Film Festival)
- Director:
- Sarah Grohnert (feature debut)
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Liam Maguren
flicksWhat started off as a simple architectural documentary on Te Wharehou o Tūhoe – the living building – expanded into a cultural observation on the Ngāi Tūhoe tribe, and the significant role the construction plays into their history and their future. Containing many of the essential elements we praised The Ground We Won for, director Sarah Grohnert has crafted another enriching Kiwi film that adds to this cinematic collage of Aotearoa.
The extra-ordinary within the ordinary
“Ever the Land” is one of those rare and valuable films that opened and softened my heart. A subtle observation piece centered around the journey of Tuhoe as they build New Zealand’s first Living Building it is also a gentle portrayal of the extra-ordinary within the ordinary and the universality of opposites and polarities: masculine and feminine, action...
Stunning and smart
A smart and beautiful film that lets you make your own determinations about the Living Building and lets you sink into life in Tuhoe country. The film maker highlights Tuhoe's past as well as the path they intend for the future generations, but mainly it is an intimate film about relationships, the land and what makes Tuhoe who they are. Go see it!
Flicks, Liam Maguren
flicksWhat started off as a simple architectural documentary on Te Wharehou o Tūhoe – the living building – expanded into a cultural observation on the Ngāi Tūhoe tribe, and the significant role the construction plays into their history and their future. Containing many of the essential elements we praised The Ground We Won for, director Sarah Grohnert has crafted another enriching Kiwi film that adds to this cinematic collage of Aotearoa.
The extra-ordinary within the ordinary
“Ever the Land” is one of those rare and valuable films that opened and softened my heart. A subtle observation piece centered around the journey of Tuhoe as they build New Zealand’s first Living Building it is also a gentle portrayal of the extra-ordinary within the ordinary and the universality of opposites and polarities: masculine and feminine,...
Stunning and smart
A smart and beautiful film that lets you make your own determinations about the Living Building and lets you sink into life in Tuhoe country. The film maker highlights Tuhoe's past as well as the path they intend for the future generations, but mainly it is an intimate film about relationships, the land and what makes Tuhoe who they are. Go see it!
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