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Poi E: The Story of Our Song
Film (Trailer and Excerpts) – 2016
This documentary tells the story behind one of New Zealand’s most iconic pop songs. Led by Dalvanius Prime, the Pātea Māori Club single was released soon after the town’s freezing works closed. Conquering disinterest from record labels and radio, 'Poi E' became 1984's highest selling single. The "warm, funny, touching" film (The NZ Herald) from Tearepa Kahi (Mt Zion) features interviews with Pātea locals and famous fans (Taika Waititi, Stan Walker). Poi E won applause at the opening of the 2016 Auckland Film Festival. The first excerpt covers fundraising and a rushed recording session. in the second, The Topp Twins pay tribute.
'They want you to perform at the Royal Command Performance in Scotland.' I said 'We haven't got any money to do that!' And so I went and mortgaged my house.– Dalvanius Prime
Key Cast & Crew
See all 60 credits
Produced by
Patea Film Collective
Acknowledgements
Made with funding from the NZ Film Commission and the Lottery Grants Board, in association with NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho
Made with the support of the Pātea Māori Club, Dalvanius Prime Estate & Ngoi Pēwhairangi Whānau Trust
Music
'Poi E' composed by Ngoi Pēwhairangi and Dalvanius Prime, and performed by Pātea Māori Club
Closing credits song 'Come Back Home' composed by Vince Harder and Abby Katherine Lee, and perfomred by Maaka Pōhatu
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