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Archived Press Releases 2004 22nd February 2004

Violent Crime part of Kiwi Psyche?

(22nd February 2004)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust believes the release of an internationally recognised New Zealand film this week is an alarming sign that violence has become part of the country's collective psyche.

The soon to be released Kiwi film, FOR GOOD, centres around the controversial parole system in New Zealand. It highlights a family and community ripped apart by a terrible crime, and the possibility of the killer being released back into society.

FOR GOOD tells the story of convicted killer Grant Wilson who's up for parole for the second time, after serving eleven years of his life sentence, for raping and murdering a 13 year old girl from the country.

New Zealand films are known for their tendency toward the dark side of the human psyche. Once Were Warriors and the newly released Perfect Strangers paint disturbed and violent scenes and characters. FOR GOOD tackles a subject currently dividing the country - sentencing for violent crime and the opportunity for parole.

Sensible Sentencing believes the darkness reflected in many new films is the result of a pervasive fear in our communities, which can only be eased by harsher sentences for criminals who are a threat to the safety of the community.

Writer and Director of FOR GOOD, Stuart McKenzie conducted extensive interviews with convicts, victims and their families when researching this film. The film will grab parents of young children as it's told from a particularly emotional perspective, while based on factual testimony.

FOR GOOD has found enthusiastic audiences at the 'New Zealand International Film Festival', 'Kerala International Film Festival', 'St Tropez Film Festival', 'Hawaii International Film Festival', and the 'Montreal Film Festival' where it had its North American premiere in 2003.

Most recently FOR GOOD has been selected to compete for the critic's choice award, in the prestigious 'Festival du Film de Paris'. This honor follows the film's success at the '2003 St Tropez Film Festival', which awarded actress Michelle Langstone 'Best Actress: Antipodes'.

While the film makers intend only to raise consciousness about the issues involved, Sensible Sentencing feel this film supports the debate for harsher penalties for violent crime.

FOR GOOD will grip Kiwi's of all ages, this film not only has some of New Zealand's top actors, it highlights in graphic detail a problem that is becoming far too frequent in society today.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust recommends this film as a must see for all New Zealander's and we congratulate all involved.

You can find out more about the film at the Arkles Entertainment website. Their Press Kit can be found here, along with plenty of stills and other material.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.