1 Feb 2010

NZ film producer pleased with FIFO honour

2:43 pm on 1 February 2010

The producer of a New Zealand film 'There Once Was An Island' is delighted it has won the top prize at the Pacific International Documentary Film Festival in French Polynesia.

The film follows the life of three people on Takuu atoll in Papua New Guinea's Bougainville province as they face the first effects of climate change.

The Takuu Islanders need to decide whether to stay and face the devastating effects, or move and leave their culture and land behind.

Lyn Collie, who spent three years filming on Bougainville, says winning the competition is a massive vote of confidence.

"We're absolutely delighted. This was the world premiere of our film and it is just a fantastic way to start its life as a film with such a great way of support from a Pacific audience."

Lyn Collie says the film will be shown at a U.S. festival in the coming weeks.