Paper short abstract:

High on a hill in rural New Zealand sits a concrete replica of Stonehenge, functioning like the original not only in its astronomical alignment but also in its role as a sacred site for pagan ritual. Through the opinions of the astronomers who built it, the neighbouring farmers, the local Maori and the Wiccans who use it for ritual, this observational documentary explores what it means to build such a place in a country where claims over historical connection to the land are at the forefront of national politics. Is it an attempt to simulate an historical presence in the land for Pakeha New Zealanders, or does it offer a space to work through the complex identities of postcolonial society? 31’ film

Paper long abstract:

High on a hill in rural New Zealand sits a concrete replica of Stonehenge, functioning like the original not only in its astronomical alignment but also in its role as a sacred site for pagan ritual. Through the opinions of the astronomers who built it, the neighbouring farmers, the local Maori and the Wiccans who use it for ritual, this observational documentary explores what it means to build such a place in a country where claims over historical connection to the land are at the forefront of national politics. Is it an attempt to simulate an historical presence in the land for Pakeha New Zealanders, or does it offer a space to work through the complex identities of postcolonial society?

This documentary was produced as part of my MA in Visual Anthropology (Ethnographic Documentary) at the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology, University of Manchester. It was filmed over 2 months in New Zealand in 2007.

31’ film