Rongo Productions is a media production company founded in 2008 by Stephanie Bennett in connection with her move to New Zealand. Her goal is to produce and direct films that reflect the history, culture and people of Aotearoa .
Stephanie has been producing, writing and directing documentaries and concerts since 1981 at her US based company, Delilah Films. For more information and history, please visit: Delilahfilms.net
Since establishing Rongo Productions Stephanie has produced a documentary
on the life of sculptor Chris Bailey entitled "Ringa Whao" shown
on Maori TV and available on home video.
Recently completed a documentary on the history and of "Headland: Sculpture on the Gulf" which
is one of New Zealand's biggest international biennial art events.
Currently in production is a film on the history and evolution
of Auckland City's Britomart precinct. Britomart contains large number of
heritage buildings which have been renovated into an exciting retail and
entertainment area by Cooper and Company along with such internationally
famous architects as Richard Johnson and Pip and Nat Cheshire.
In development
Rongo is working on a feature film based on the autobiography "A Bonfire
in My Mouth" by
Susi Newborn, founding director of Greenpeace UK and original
crew member of the Rainbow Warrior. In addition several other
documentaries are being developed as international co productions
with the USA and Ireland.
Headland:
Where Nature Meets Sculpture
For the first time a film on New Zealand's most prestigious biennial outdoor
sculpture show Headland: Sculpture on the Gulf is available on DVD. The film
Headland: Where Nature Meets Sculpture was produced and directed by Stephanie
Bennett who also produced and directed the highly acclaimed Ringa Whao: Chris
Bailey, aired on Maori TV.
Sculpture on the Gulf was first established in 2003 by the Waiheke Community
Art Gallery when they mounted the first 3D exhibition on Waiheke Island’s
coastal walkway. Headland: Where Nature Meets Sculpture tells the story of how
it all began through interviews with Jackie O’Brien, Artistic Director
for the first three shows and founding benefactors Sue Fisher and Graham Guthrie.
The film shows the challenges faced by the artists and chief installer Geoff
Goss, his crew and the island volunteers installing 39 sculptures in highly inclement
weather and on difficult sites.
On Release: HEADLAND
16:9 PAL DVD 58 minutes
Discovering Britomart
Architecture and Art merge in a unique Auckland precinct.
Britomart is a unique precinct that has emerged amongst Auckland´’s
most historic buildings located by the sea in downtown Auckland. The gourmet
restaurants, fashion boutiques and unique clubs such as the Generator and Britomart
Country Club are part of the centre attracting the urbane retailer and customer.
The film shows why Britomart is becoming the centre piece of cosmopolitan Auckland
representing the spirit of Aoterea.
Gallery // Contact Us
New Zealand Sculptor Chris Bailey
Ringa Whao
A Carver's Story
Chris Bailey the established and lauded
New Zealand sculptor has recently achieved international recognition and representation
of his country at the Venice Biennale.
This film explores both the inner and outer artist in a man breaking
out of his shell and finding his roots through his work and
his culture. Katherine Fogerty of FHE Galleries in Auckland says
in a mere two years Chris has established the sheer brilliance and
concentrated dedication that artists normally require 20 years to
achieve.