photo: Bryanna Bradley
If you’ve ever had the good fortune of meeting Canadian surfer Hanna Scott, you’ll know she’s quite literally the sweetest human you’ll ever meet.
Softly spoken, always smiling, there’s a gentle vibe to her character. Her optimistic outlook no doubt due to a lifetime spent surfing in freezing waters and rugged conditions.
Well may not a lifetime. After all, Hanna spent several years living in New Zealand, which explains why her list has it’s roots firmly embedded in Māori cinema, (which the exception of Almodovar & Charlie Brown).
“It was so funny making this film club because I was forced to learn about myself. I realized that all my favourite films are New Zealand films, so I had to try and put some other ones in because I was embarrassed hahaha. I also learned that I’m very moved by childhood or something. Maybe because I don’t want to grow up. I don’t know, Im trying to figure it out. And I’m sorry, but I have a cartoon listed in here! I don’t know if all of these films are the most popular films ever and I know that the whole point of film club to discover some hidden gems, but I don’t know anything about what is popular and what is not, so these are my favourite films.”
1) Boy, Taika Waititi, 2010
I love the art and storytelling of Taika Waititi. He has an amazing way to use comedy while showing real issues. All of his films and shorts are incredible and he has a talent in directing young actors. “Boy” is special of his work because its set in his home town and a lot of his family are acting in the film including himself.
2) The Dark Horse, James Napier Robertson, 2014
A true story. beautiful.
3) Whale Rider, Nikola Jean Caro, 2002
When I lived in NZ for a couple years, I would always watch this film on every flight coming or going from the country and would be bawling my eyes out the whole time hahaha. It’s a story about a young girl who rises up to help her community at a time when girls are not yet considered leaders.
4) Charlie Brown Christmas, Bill Melendez,1965
This was originally a TV show but I don’t think I was alive to have seen it as a TV so I’ve always loved it as a short film. I love how snoopy skates, I love how the adults speak, I love how the kids dance, and mostIy love the sound track by Vince Guaraldi. I try to not listen to it at Christmas, just any other time haha. There is a lot of beautiful wisdom in this half hour of animation.
5) Hable Con Ella,Pedro Almodóvar, 2002
This film is strange. I love it. Spanish cinema regularly leaves you to interpret what happened, and I love that. I think I mainly love this film because Caetano Veloso plays Cucurrucucú Paloma live at one point and its very beautiful.
