River Queen filming resumes

Filming of River Queen, the new feature film from acclaimed New Zealand director Vincent Ward, resumed today in Ruatiti, 26km northwest of Raetihi.

The film shoot, which began on June 25, was put on hold at the end of July with only a third of the film shot after lead actress Samantha Morton - a twice Academy Award nominee - was hospitalised with influenza and severe complications.

Morton, who recuperated overseas, returned to New Zealand last month and was on location today with Cliff Curtis and Temuera Morrison. Overseas stars Kiefer Sutherland, Stephen Rea and Anton Lesser will return for specific scenes.

Producer Don Reynolds said the first day of the rescheduled shooting had gone extremely well. Cast and crew, he said, would remain in the Waimarinio area for about four weeks, before heading to locations in the Wanganui and Patea areas. He expected filming to be completed by the end of November.

He confirmed waaka crews seen on the Whanganui River in the city area, were practising for scenes to be shot on the Whanganui and Rangitikei rivers.

- NZPA