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The Silent One
Film (Trailer and Excerpts) – 1984
Based on Joy Cowley's book, this award-winning children's drama follows the friendship between Jonasi, a deaf mute boy, and a rare white turtle. Jonasi lives in a Pacific Island village. When a drought occurs, the boy and the turtle are blamed and ostracised. Shot largely in Raratonga, this was the first New Zealand movie directed solely by a woman (Yvonne Mackay). Among those playing villagers are Utu star Zac Wallace, George Henare and Pākehā actor Pat Evison. Jenny McLeod's eclectic soundtrack won an NZ Music Award. In this excerpt, Jonasi is excluded from a boar hunt, and first meets the turtle.
The Silent One is about going to the limit and winning…about being special and about people wanting to take that away.– Director Yvonne Mackay
Key Cast & Crew
See all 43 credits
Acknowledgements
Made in association with the NZ Film Commission and South Pacific Merchant Finance
Presented with thanks to the New Zealand Film Heritage Trust – Te Puna Ataata
Music
Jenny McLeod’s soundtrack released by Jayrem Records
Soundtrack features the Wellington Regional Orchestra and the Bach Choir
More Information
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