A World War II love story from film-maker Gaylene Preston was revealed as a family affair while shooting scenes at Wellington Railway Station this past week.
Home by Christmas starring Martin Henderson, one of New Zealand’s most successful international movie actors - is based on the true story of Preston’s parents, Ed and Tui.
Preston said, “casting my daughter as my mother took a while to work out.” The film also includes music by the director’s sister, Jan Preston.
Henderson was in Los Angeles when Preston called him about the movie and he immediately agreed to do it. “She is so laid back, It’s that New Zealand attitude. It’s a very different beast to the American way of doing things.”
He said it was also a story many New Zealanders could relate to, “My grandfather was in World War II and I couldn’t get him to talk about anything to do with the war. It was a similar experience with Gaylene and then, prior to her father’s death, he opened up and agreed to be interviewed by her.
“It was a very romantic story, but also very deeply personal. We’ve seen so many World War II movies and you’re often asked, `How is this any different?’ It’s having that family element that made it a very beautiful story.”
Henderson, who will soon be seen in Battle in Seattle with Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson, said returning for a New Zealand role also felt like being part of a family.
Home by Christmas is due for release in 2009…Report by www.stuff.co.nz