‘Ans Westra: Private Journeys/Public Signposts’ film screening

Jan and Luit Bieringa documentary collection film screenings

In July and August, we are screening five films from the Jan and Luit Bieringa documentary collection. This is the first film screening in that series. These landmark documentaries expand our understanding and appreciation of important contributors to our culture and the ongoing discussions about them.

This screening will be introduced by Peter Ireland, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa Exhibition Specialist.

Watch a documentary about photographer Ans Westra

Ans Westra, whose photographs of New Zealanders constitute a uniquely expressive record of who we are and have been, now sits for the camera herself. Contemplating her career with amusement and gratitude, she speaks as one for whom photography is as natural and indispensable as seeing or remembering.

Luit Bieringa, first-time filmmaker and curator of the superb touring retrospective, intercuts her testimony with cordial interjections from friends, family and other well-informed admirers — and shows us the photos. Drawn to big public occasions, she’s rarely interested in big public figures. Her images are captured at the peripheries of official activity and are all the more piquant for that.

Framed by a conversation with Hone Tuwhare, one of New Zealand’s best-known and much-loved writer/performer, the film roundly acknowledges the progressive role her work played in 1960s counterculture and in the cultural renaissance of Māori.

More screenings of films from the Jan and Luit Bieringa documentary collection

Save the dates in your diary for the five documentaries we are screening from the Luit and Jan Bieringa documentary collection.

Dates of Jan and Luit Bieringa documentary collection film screenings

Check before you come

Due to COVID-19 some of our events can be cancelled or postponed at very short notice. Please check the website for updated information about individual events before you come. For more general information about National Library services and exhibitions have look at our COVID-19 page.