KEY POINTS:
Kiwi film-maker Brad McGann's "single-minded" passion for his art was celebrated yesterday in a packed funeral service in Auckland.
McGann, who died last Wednesday after battling cancer for nine years, gained worldwide accolades for his first and only feature film In My Father's Den. The film, based on a Maurice Gee novel, won nine awards at the New Zealand Screen Awards in 2005, including best picture and best director. Helping to launch the career of kiwi actress Emily Barclay, it also won an International Critics Award at the Toronto Film Festival.
At St Michael's church in Remuera yesterday, more than 150 friends and family gathered to remember the man who died aged 43. Lifetime friend Kirsty Cameron described McGann as "fearlessly generous", as well as an obsessed storyteller, a gentle man and a passionate surfer.
Friend and producer of In My Father's Den Trevor Haysom said he met McGann 12 years ago when he produced McGann's short film Possum.
McGann's impact on film-making was extensive, Haysom said, and it showed in his being made a Member of the Order of New Zealand last year. He broke down during his eulogy, saying "it's hard to imagine life without you, Brad". McGann's niece Louisa Spratt tearfully thanked the medical staff who had supported her uncle and those who had helped to raise money for an $80,000 treatment which family say extended McGann's life for a year.
