Isey lives with her adult son James on their small farm in Kawakawa. They are descendants of Ngāti Manu – the Bird People. Isey is turning 100 years in a week. In their unique relationship, James has devoted the last 20 years to looking after his mum and bringing the spirit world onboard to get her over 100. Northland filmmaker Florian Habicht follows the duo in their incredible week leading up to the 'big event’.
As we follow the duo in the days leading up to Isey’s 100th birthday, the film subtly explores the history of Aotearoa through the lens of Isey’s lifetime - a centenary milestone which has been achieved through James’ unconditional love and Isey's wicked sense of adventure. James & Isey promises to be a Northland celebration of life and aroha like no other.
Supported by the New Zealand Film Commission, James & Isey is Habicht’s fourth film celebrating the special essence of Northland. The film was shot in an intimate and unconventional way, in a similar vein to his previous film Kaikohe Demolition – one of New Zealand’s most entertaining and loved documentaries. This documentary caught the attention of James and Isey, who invited Habicht into their lives to document this monumental milestone, and their story.
Habicht is an innovative and prolific filmmaker whose films have been distributed in over 18 countries. He rose to fame internationally when Jarvis Cocker of British group Pulp invited him to make a music film about their last concert in Sheffield. The film, Pulp: a Film about Life, Death & Supermarkets won Best Music Film at the NME Awards in 2015.
James & Isey World Premier: Saturday 3 April, 5PM. Preceded by a pōwhiri at 4PM - all ticket holders are invited to attend
$2 per hour to a max of $12 on weekends and a $12 flat rate for weekday evenings at The Civic car park. Find out more.