Architectural history makes the big screen
New Zealand’s most famous architects’ story goes nationwide.
Following record-breaking extended theatre runs in Christchurch and hundreds of high-rated reviews, MAURICE AND I made its debut screening in 30 cinemas across New Zealand at the beginning
of September.
It made official selection for the prestigious Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam in October, a leading international film festival for architects, city lovers, film buffs, and students.
The film unveils the architectural brilliance of Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney through rare archival footage and exclusive interviews, including their final conversation together. The film reflects on the pair’s legacy, through their bold architectural vision and the significance of this in the architecture community today.
Co-directed by Jane Mahoney, the daughter of the late architect, it is a love letter from a daughter to her father. It is a celebration of the community, and a tribute to the trauma Christchurch has endured. “MAURICE AND I explores the universal themes of respect, love and loss,” says Mahoney. “It’s a story of the creative power of true partnership, of craft, passion and innovation, and the transformative power of architecture.”
The film entails the pair’s most significant, revolutionised architecture, the Christchurch Town Hall, and the lengths they went through to save the building post-earthquake. MAURICE AND I has seen great success since its premiere in Christchurch in May this year. The film had been limited to Christchurch theatres but made its national debut this month after becoming the highest-grossing film ever at the Deluxe Cinemas.
Main image: Crowds queued to attend the Christchurch Town Hall’s first open day, September 1972, courtesy of the Christchurch Star.
