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Bread and Roses

3h 20m Biography, Drama, History 1993

Made to mark 100 years of women’s suffrage in New Zealand, Bread & Roses tells the epic story of pioneering trade unionist, politician and feminist Sonja Davies (1923 - 2005), who rose to prominence in the 1940s and 50s. Directed by Gaylene Preston and co-written by Graeme Tetley, the acclaimed three-hour production played on television screens, and also got a limited cinema release. Australian actor Geneviève Picot (as Sonja Davies) and Mick Rose (as her husband) won awards for their roles at the 1994 NZ Film and TV Awards. MWFF’s screening is accompanied by a conversation with the film’s director, the iconic Dame Gaylene Preston.

**Bread and Roses was produced as two part mini series. Please see part 2 below as bonus content. **

Director

Gaylene Preston

Language

English

Country

New Zealand

Studio

Preston-Laing Productions

Bonus Content

Bread and Roses (Part 2)

1h 30m

Part 2 of the epic story of pioneering trade unionist, politician, and feminist Sonja Davies who rose to prominence in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

Filmmaker Discussion with Dame Gaylene Preston

A career spanning decades across film and television, Aotearoa New Zealand icon Dame Gaylene Preston looks back at her work, the legacy of Bread and Roses, and her connection with its subject, politician and feminist activist, Sonja Davies.

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