Madman's Creek

Madman’s Creek is a short form documentary about a true living West Coast legend, Johnny Currie. Through quick-witted storytelling he shares his New Zealand story, recalling his last 70 odd years at Madman’s Creek living off the land as well as his vision for the environment and future generations. With this funding, his story can be bought to life.

THE STORY

All streams lead to the sea, but in the wild depths of the Awakari Valley, only one road runs inland. Madman's Creek.

The paper road weaves its way inland where local legend Johnny Currie lives. He first came to this valley in 1948, as a 7-year-old, hunting goats. He's done it all. Farming, logging, deer stalking, mining, caving and tour guiding. He's the bushman's bushman.

Fast forward 72 years and Johnny is still there, surrounded by wild deer he has provided sanctuary for. As Johnny boils his billy, we hear his account on life. From the days when logging ruled to recent times when activists perched in trees to save the native bush flanking his land during the infamous 'Charleston Chainsaw' massacre. After years of being caught in the crossfire, he now looks for closure. Along the way imparts his knowledge of bush lore and the joy of living off the land and honoring our environment for future generations. A true metamorphosis from clear-felling logger to forest protector. 

For over 4 years I have nurtured a relationship as a filmmaker with Johnny Currie. Over this time, I have built up his trust. Now in his early 80's, he is looking for closure on events that have long impacted his life. Fit as a buck rat with the mind of a steel trap, Johnny is a quick-witted storyteller with an encyclopedic knowledge of bush lore. An inspirational character, living off the grid, close to nature. He is also a keen environmentalist who has a clear vision for our future.

WHAT AM I FUNDING?

Currently, this project has been self-funded and a one-woman crew due to the secluded access to the land, and Johnny’s trust in the filmmaker. But now the project is nearing completion I am looking for funding to help pay for archival news footage from TVNZ and Archives NZ. Also to help with the travel costs from Wellington to the West Coast, a drone operator to film Johnny’s land, and a sound engineer to complete the sound mix of the final film. The completion of the film is scheduled for July this year. The platform for the finished film will be the internet and independent film screenings around NZ. Anything you can donate to this project would be greatly appreciated. This project is truly a labour of love, one that I am confident will bring joy to others.

WHO IS THE FILMMAKER?

Raylene Beals is a Wellington-based filmmaker, VJ, artist and digital archivist with over 17 years’ experience in TV, feature film and web video. Originally from the Buller region of the West Coast, she cut her teeth on fast turnaround lifestyle programming and documentary. Wen she is not working as Store Technician for The Massey University Creative Media Production school, she enjoys working with individuals, artists and community groups to produce dynamic short-form films. Recently she has worked with the Gibson Group, Rangiwahia Environmental Arts Centre, String Bean Puppets and Wellington Free Ambulance. With an affinity for storytelling, Raylene is passionate about showcasing great New Zealand stories. Always striving to think outside the square, in order to find innovative ways of engaging a wider audience.