RETURNING TO

the milieu of his beloved earlier works Kaikohe Demolition (2004) and Land of the Long White Cloud (2009), essential German/Kiwi film-maker Florian Habicht mines further cinematic gold out of Northland with this winning documentary about a firecracker 99-year-old wahine and her devoted son.

James and Isey, descendants of Nga¯ti Manu, live together on a small farm in Kawakawa, where James has spent a large swathe of his adult life looking after Isey. We get to know the pair in the days leading up to her 100th birthday.

The cinematic potential of both characters is quickly evident: tohunga James (a former singer/ actor who is credited with the film’s concept alongside Habicht) is a compelling orator who at times commands the screen with stirring conviction. Instant New Zealand movie legend Isey is effortlessly at ease on camera and charming beyond measure. Her no-nonsense resilience is palpable. They each offer pertinent insights about life, love, family and Ma¯oridom.

Reliably, Habicht presents a composed, artful aesthetic. It’s delightful. He makes everything feel cinematic, even a dead cow. Northland never seems more magical. If there’s a mild dearth of spontaneity, it’s justified by the stylistic prowess. And there are surprises — the film-maker’s proclivity for gently humorous juxtaposition is in full swing, providing some of the film’s best moments.

It’s another casually authentic work from a director who’s made significant contributions to what could be considered an evolved, contemporary notion of Kiwiana. Only the truly stone-hearted could resist this film’s humane joys.

— Dominic Corry