Rotorua Museum special screening of historical film footage popular

S2708 The Romance of Hinemoa, 1927. Maata Hurihanganui as Hinemoa and Mat Hona as Tutanekai. Photo/Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Joining the Friends of Rotorua Museum for a special screening of historical film footage has been so popular a second session has been added.

The first screening of these films on Sunday at 2pm has sold out.

A second showing will begin at 3.30pm and people can buy tickets for the new session at Rotorua Lakes Council until 12pm today.

Julie Parsons, Friend of Rotorua Museum committee member, says this screening offers a unique opportunity to see historical footage of Rotorua stories and events.

On show will be the one surviving film reel of the 1927 film The Romance of Hinemoa, together with a 1930's guided tour through Whakarewarewa with Guide Rangi.

Footage from 1939 takes viewers to New Zealand's famous Rotorua Spa and on a steam train journey from Wellington to Auckland through Rotorua.

The final film provides a sneak a peek of wartime New Zealand in 1943 as women on the home front took over the work of men away at war.

Julie says the Friends of Rotorua Museum were interested in screening some historic footage from the district and located the films through Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.

"It is a great opportunity to see some important moments of Rotorua history, and a chance for the community to better understand how the district has been shaped."

She says preserving items such as this film reel is important because historical documents and archives provide future generations with the opportunity to see our history and learn from it.

Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided.

The footage is courtesy of Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision depositors and Te Arawa Trust, from material preserved and made available by Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Door sales (cash only) will be available on the day if any tickets are available.

For more information contact Julie Parsons at Julie.parsons@rotorualc.nz or call (07) 351 7823.

The Details
- What: Archival film screening - In and around Rotorua (1927 -1954)
- When: Sunday June 24, 3.30pm
- Where: Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust Rooms, 1358 Eruera St
- Cost: $10 for Friends members or $15 for non-members. Tickets available at Rotorua Lakes Council reception. Seats limited.