Frank and the Warriors

There are some stories that must be told, Frank and the Warriors is one of those stories.

“I wasn’t actively searching for a story to tell but felt a compulsion to do so when I came across Frank and his Warriors. The magnitude and unlikeliness of his achievement, the politics around cultural representation, and the examination of a life of a free spirit. But his choices have painted him into a corner, and he is now faced with having to say goodbye to his warriors for ever.”

– Chris Gillman Gable, Director

READ ABOUT OUR FILM

Frank and the Warriors is a biographical Feature Documentary about Frank Varsanyi, a New Zealand outsider artist who, for the last 30 years, has created the world’s largest collection of life-sized tribal warriors’ sculptures. 

What possessed the man?

The film explores the answer to that question examining the life of a genuine free spirit: a man who has refused to live by any code other than an internal compass that has been largely oblivious to society's expectations. 

Frank must negotiate a major turning point in his life, now over 60, he wants to break free for his final adventures but sadly he needs to let go to move on, his Warriors must find a new home, no small endeavour!

Will he succeed in finding the freedom he craves? Or will his unconventional choices trip him up?

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED?

Already our film has some great supporters, The Dunedin City Council Film Office and we have received early Development Funding from the New Zealand Film Commission, so we must be looking pretty good. Our film is definitely on its way.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT?

With filming likely to end in the next 6 months, we are now looking forward to the final hurdle: post-production. Our aim is to finish the film using New Zealand post-production experts, to get it looking super great and for delivery to the world!

This film is worth contributing to, we have invested many hours and are totally committed, but we would love your support to make this final stretch. 

Please support us in reaching our goal and share this project with your communities. All donors will be kept updated throughout production and get an on-screen credit. Donations made by NZ income earners qualify for a 33% tax credit from the IRD with a receipt provided by The Arts Foundation.

Is there someone you know who would be interested in supporting us –  Please share this page?

Thank you for your support.