Kiwi pop star Kimbra to make feature film debut

Kimbra is about to become a movie star. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi pop star Kimbra is about to make her feature film debut in upcoming musical movie, Daffodils.

The film is based on the much-loved, critically acclaimed stage play of the same name and shooting begins this week.

It's a love story told with re-imaginings of some of New Zealand's most iconic songs including hits by Crowded House, Bic Runga, The Mint Chicks, Dave DobbynThe Exponents. Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kimbra will return home to feature in the film, shooting in Waikato, Wairarapa and Wellington.

Kimbra will star alongside fellow New Zealanders Rose McIver (iZombie, The Lovely Bones) and George Mason (Home and Away, Go Girls), who are also returning home for their parts.

The film script is being written by playwright Rochelle Bright, directed by David Stubbs and produced by Richard Fletcher. Silver Scroll winner Stephanie Brown and Fen Ikner, of Lips, are overseeing music.

Emmy Award-winning director Stubbs says he was drawn to Daffodils from the moment he first saw the play.

"I thought it was a piece of work so beautiful, so powerful and so inherently cinematic, that I knew this was an endeavour I could pour my heart and soul into. Daffodils proves how rich and powerful our song-writing heritage is and that, when we can't find the words, through music we can express ourselves in the most breathtaking of ways." Producer Richard Fletcher adds: "Daffodils is an emotionally engaging journey through a
slice of New Zealand history but at the same time it's a love story that is universal.

"It's cinema that will entertain, engage, and leave an imprint on our hearts and our conscience that will last long after the lights come up."

Daffodils is due for release in 2019.