International director signed for Precious McKenzie movie

Precious McKenzie

The producers of Precious, the planned feature movie on the life of New Zealand sporting icon and weightlifter Precious McKenzie, have signed award-winning director Michael Raeburn to direct the film.

One of the producers - South African Debi Nethersole, of Unital Films International - announced today Raeburn has been contracted to direct Precious.

Tauranga-based screenwriter Lance Morcan, who co-wrote Precious with his son James, said the project could not have a more appropriate director.

"Like Precious, Michael was born and bred in Africa and has an innate understanding of the apartheid and cultural issues Precious grew up with," he says.

"It will take someone of his background to do justice to this movie."

Raeburn has won numerous festival awards as a director. His feature films and documentaries have earned him international acclaim. Feature credits include Killing Heat (starring Karen Black), Soweto, Home Sweet Home and Jit.

Morcan said Precious was just one of four feature films he and James had in development, all with offshore production companies.

"Of all our projects, Precious is the one that's closest to our hearts," Morcan said.

"We've known Precious the man for over 20 years and believe his inspirational story on the big screen will be every bit as powerful as Ghandi."

McKenzie has recently returned from setting new records at the World Powerlifting Championships in the US, and will travel to South Africa in April to help the South African producers promote the film project to potential funders.

- NZPA