The Art Gallery of New South Wales celebrates New Zealand film and the country's cinematic landscape with FREE talks by acclaimed film producers Jan Chapman (Wednesday, 19 November) and John Maynard (Wednesday, 26 of November).

These talks are part of the Gallery's Wednesday night events programme, Art After Hours and complement the exhibition of New Zealand artist Colin McCahon: A Question of Faith on view from 15 November 2003.

WEDNESDAY, 19 NOVEMBER, 6.30pm
Jan Chapman, Producer of The Piano, presents
"On Location in New Zealand"

Jan Chapman is one of Australia's leading film producers and has a staggering portfolio of internationally acclaimed films including Lantana (2001), Holy Smoke (1999), Love Serenade (1996) and The Piano (1993) made with New Zealand director Jane Campion.

Her talk will focus on The Piano, the visually sumptuous and tactile tale of adultery set in the early colonial New Zealand. Chapman will give her account of producing this film on location in the dramatic scenery of Auckland's black sand beaches and rugged native bush.

The screening of The Piano (Dir: Jane Campion 1993) will follow the talk in the Gallery's Domain Theatre at 7.15pm (projected in 35mm format).

Jan Chapman

WEDNESDAY, 26 NOVEMBER, 6.30pm
John Maynard, producer of Vigil, presents "New Zealand: A Cinematic Land"

Australian born John Maynard is regarded as a producer with an instinct for talent and original projects. With over twenty years' experience as a film producer, he has produced debut feature films by directors Jane Campion (Sweetie, 1989), Vincent Ward (Vigil, 1984 and The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey, 1988), Rowan Woods (The Boys, 1998) and Robert Connolly (The Bank, 2002). Other key works include Jane Campion's An Angel at My Table (1990) and All Men are Liars (1995).

In his talk, Maynard will focus on the cinematic virtues of the New Zealand landscape, with particular reference to his first film Vigil.

Vigil (Dir Vincent Ward 1984) will be screened after the talk at 7.15pm in the Gallery's Domain Theatre (projected in 35mm format).

The talks are free of charge and are part of the Art After Hours programme, which runs at the Gallery every Wednesday from 5pm until 9pm. As well as free talks, there are free film screenings at 7.15pm, a programme devised by Gallery film curator, Robert Herbert, live jazz in the caf� from 7.30pm and an a evening menu available from 5pm.

A courtesy bus runs to the city and surrounding carparks every 15 minutes from 7pm until 9pm.

Art After Hours
The Gallery is open every Wednesday until 9pm

Information
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road
The Domain, Sydney, Australia
9225 1744 or National toll free 1800 679 278
Website www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Media Information
Margaux Simms, Press Office
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Telephone (02) 9225 1618
Email margauxs@ag.nsw.gov.au