Matariki Movie Matinee: War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us (1995)
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Matariki Movie Matinee: War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us (1995)
Join us for a special Matariki screening of the acclaimed Aotearoa documentary War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us by Dame Gaylene Preston.
Seven New Zealand women share their personal stories of love, loss, marriage, and service during the Second World War. Told in their own voices and woven with archival footage, the film offers an intimate and powerful portrait of a generation whose experiences were often left unspoken.
Rather than narration, the film allows the women to speak directly, creating a simple and deeply moving record of memory, resilience, and everyday life during wartime Aotearoa.
As part of Matariki, this screening reflects the star Pōhutukawa, associated with remembrance and those who have passed. The event creates a space for reflection, storytelling, and intergenerational connection through shared experience.
Event schedule
11.30am | Optional shared kai (seasonal soup and bread) at Café Strada, Masterton
12.15pm | Film screening at Regent 3 Cinemas, Queen Street, Masterton
Following the film | Post-screening kōrero and audience Q&A with Dame Gaylene Preston
Tickets
$15 | Film only
$25 | Film + shared Matariki lunch
Cash sales available on the day, subject to availability.
Ticket proceeds
In accordance with the wishes of Dame Gaylene Preston, all $15 cinema ticket sales will be donated to Te Waiwhaakata Wairarapa Film Festival, supporting its kaupapa of celebrating, preserving, sharing, and creating films that connect people with place.
Acknowledgements
This screening is proudly supported by the Masterton District Council Matariki Fund, which contributed $500 toward cinema hire and film screening rights.
Film Duration: 95 minutes
Presented by The Story Studio as part of the 'Follow the Stars' Matariki Grant administered by Masterton District Council.
Join us for a special Matariki screening of the acclaimed Aotearoa documentary War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us by Dame Gaylene Preston.
Seven New Zealand women share their personal stories of love, loss, marriage, and service during the Second World War. Told in their own voices and woven with archival footage, the film offers an intimate and powerful portrait of a generation whose experiences were often left unspoken.
Rather than narration, the film allows the women to speak directly, creating a simple and deeply moving record of memory, resilience, and everyday life during wartime Aotearoa.
As part of Matariki, this screening reflects the star Pōhutukawa, associated with remembrance and those who have passed. The event creates a space for reflection, storytelling, and intergenerational connection through shared experience.
Event schedule
11.30am | Optional shared kai (seasonal soup and bread) at Café Strada, Masterton
12.15pm | Film screening at Regent 3 Cinemas, Queen Street, Masterton
Following the film | Post-screening kōrero and audience Q&A with Dame Gaylene Preston
Tickets
$15 | Film only
$25 | Film + shared Matariki lunch
Cash sales available on the day, subject to availability.
Ticket proceeds
In accordance with the wishes of Dame Gaylene Preston, all $15 cinema ticket sales will be donated to Te Waiwhaakata Wairarapa Film Festival, supporting its kaupapa of celebrating, preserving, sharing, and creating films that connect people with place.
Acknowledgements
This screening is proudly supported by the Masterton District Council Matariki Fund, which contributed $500 toward cinema hire and film screening rights.
Film Duration: 95 minutes
Presented by The Story Studio as part of the 'Follow the Stars' Matariki Grant administered by Masterton District Council.
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Where is it happening?
230 Queen Street Masterton, 230 Queen St, Masterton 5810, New Zealand, Masterton
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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