“Islands Of The Empire”, by Vanguard Films, was the definitive documentary on all aspects of the NZ/US political and military relationship. It was filmed at that critical historical point in the mid-1980s just before when, as a result of the massive peace movement and a change of Government, NZ went nuclear free and got kicked out of ANZUS. Both of those are still current today.
Those featured in the original film include the late Owen Wilkes, Tim Shadbolt, Maire Leadbeater, Murray Horton, and footage of the political leaders of the time, such as Prime Ministers Rob Muldoon and David Lange.
Because that film existed on video only, it has not been able to be widely viewed for a long time. Over the past couple of years, Vanguard Films has digitalised it, put it onto DVDs, and added an extensive number of right up to date Bonus Features.
Those interviewed (in 2019) for the DVD are: Nicky Hager, Keith Locke, Maire Leadbeater and Murray Horton. Spoiler alert: the interviews demonstrate that precious little has changed in the NZ/US relationship in the nearly 40 years since “Islands” was originally made.
Film is available on DVD from Vanguard Films/Community Media Trust, PO Box 27 520, Wellington 6141.
To purchase a copy email: cmtaotearoa@gmail.com (subject: Islands order)
