Embassy showcases New Zealand’s scenery, film industry

Ambassador Patrick Rata (left) and well-known Korean actor and comedian, Lim Ha-ryong at the special screening of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” organised by the New Zealand Embassy, Seoul.

“A great chance to show off New Zealand and a great way to round off our 2012 New Zealand-Korea Year of Friendship”, New Zealand Ambassador Patrick Rata said of a special screening by the Embassy of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Two hundred guests enjoyed New Zealand wine, green-lip mussels, and the movie screening on 17 December.

 “The scenery in this movie is instantly recognisable to the many Koreans who have lived, travelled, studied, and done business in New Zealand”, Ambassador Rata said. “I hope this movie encourages even more Korean friends to come and experience for themselves all the great things our country has to offer.”

Kiwi Director Sir Peter Jackson’s latest movie was shot and produced in New Zealand. New Zealand is a recognised leader in screen production, with breath-taking scenery and cutting-edge post-production and visual effects technology. Stephen Spielberg and James Cameron have both worked in New Zealand, including for the world’s highest grossing film, Avatar.

The film industry is one of many cutting-edge areas of collaboration between Korea and New Zealand. The first full feature under a film co-production agreement between the two countries, The Graduation, will commence shooting in around April/May 2013 in New Zealand.

Monday’s special screening was kindly supported by CJ E&M, CJ CGV and Air New Zealand.