How Far is Heaven

The Whanganui River settlement of Jerusalem/Hiruhārama had a moment in the national spotlight when poet James K Baxter lived there in the early 70s — but it is home to a long established Māori community and the Catholic order of the Sisters of Compassion (since 1892). To make this documentary, Miriam Smith and Christopher Pryor spent a year in Jerusalem, following the lives and interactions of the nuns and the Ngāti Hau. North & South called their observations of a world of co-existing contrasts — Māori and Pākehā, young and old, secular and religious — “a cinematic treat.”

Relationships deepened over the course of the year. You'll notice that the camera also gets closer and closer over the course of the year until you're a foot away from people's faces.

– Director Chrisopher Pryor

Key Cast & Crew

Miriam Smith

Co-Director, Producer

Christopher Pryor

Co-Director, Editor, Cinematographer

Alana Cotton

Colourist

Dick Reade

Sound Design

Rachel Shearer

Composer

Cushla Dillon

Editor