Aramoana film to screen at international festival

A memorial at Aramoana in memory of those who died. Picture / Getty Images

A film about the Aramoana massacre - where 13 people were killed by gunman David Gray in 1990 - has been chosen to screen at the Toronto Film Festival.

Out of the Blue, directed by Robert Sarkies, is described as a "gripping" drama which recounts the tragedy, along with the tales of bravery and survival that went with Gray's rampage.

The festival said the film "courageously recounts one of the most significant events in New Zealand's recent history".

Sarkies said the 36-day film shoot involved a large cast and tight schedule and was at times made gruelling by unpredictable weather.

The film, starring Karl Urban and Matt Sunderland, was shot in Otago, including some scenes in Aramoana itself.

Locals last year spoke out against the making of the film, saying it would dredge up the horrors of the event.

Promoters of Out of the Blue said the scenes that were shot in Aramoana were done so with permission from the community.

The film will be screened in the "discovery" section of the festival, which begins on September 7, and will released in New Zealand on October 12.

- NZPA