Screened as part of NZIFF 2011

The Holy Roller 2011

Directed by Patrick Gillies

Shot on location inChristchurchin early 2009 with a cast of some of the city’s best known faces, Patrick Gilles’ comic urban fairytale is based on Australian co-scripter/lead actor Angus Benfield’s own experiences as a pastor.

89 minutes DCP

Director, Editor

Producers

Angus Benfield
,
Ken Robinson
,
Mark Freiburger
,
Patrick Gillies

Screenplay

Angus Benfield
,
Patrick Gillies

Photography

John Chrisstoffels

Music

Hanan Townshend

Production designer

Bryce Holtshousen

With

Angus Benfield (Pastor Luke)
,
Victoria Abbott (Kate)
,
Jeremy Brennan (Simon)
,
Mark Hadlow (Wally)
,
Michael Maxwell (Declan)
,
Martin Howells (Reverend Bob)
,
Ron Rodger (Rothchild)
,
Simon Barnett (Reverend Shoebuck)
,
Jason Gunn (TV chef)

Elsewhere

Struggling to attract a single worshipper to his rural service, Pastor Luke moves to the city to find work, but instead stumbles upon a failing nightclub and rescues its debt-ridden owner Simon from a fatal overdose. Inspired by this miracle – and the potentially rewarding bottom line – Simon turns his club into a chapel, enlisting Luke as his preacher and roping in his musician sister Kate. Soon their church is hopping, but attracting the unwholesome attention of local crime bosses and a dodgy music biz impresario. Can Luke’s down-home religion meet the tests these city slickers put his way? No prizes for guessing that every setback is for the best in this shaggy, good-natured romp. — BG