Director Gaylene Preston presents true wartime love story at the NFSA

Film director Gaylene Preston will be at the National Film and Sound Archive this week (14-15 June) to present her iconic New Zealand film Home by Christmas, with actors Tony Barry (Australia) and Chelsie Preston Crayford (Underbelly: Razor).

Home by Christmas is a memoir based on the wartime marriage of Preston’s parents, Ed and Tui. Actress Chelsie Preston Crayford plays her real-life grandmother Tui in the film, giving the story an even more striking intimacy.

The film sensitively brings to life a story which many Australians will identify closely with: the two sides of a traumatic separation brought about by World War II.

Thursday 14 June, 7pm: Canberra premiere – plus introduction and Q&A by director Gaylene Preston and actors Tony Barry and Chelsie Preston Crayford
Home by Christmas (unclassified 18+) screens for a limited season at Arc Cinema, 14–24 June. Tickets $11 adults / $9 concession. For bookings call 02 6248 2000.

Friday 15 June, 1pm: free lecture
Gaylene Preston will discuss the inspiration and opportunity in the use of archival footage for feature and documentary films, and how filmmakers can make new stories from treasures of the past. Bookings recommended by calling 02 6248 2000.

For interviews with director Gaylene Preston, and actors Tony Barry and Chelsie Preston Crayford contact Samantha McDonough at [email protected]" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow">[email protected] or call 02 6248 2173.