The Art of Recovery | See the Film

WATCH TRAILER

The Art of Recovery is now screening in selected Film Festivals worldwide.

Find out where to see the film

★★★★
“A mighty documentary that gives great volume to a deserving voice.”
Liam Macguren, Flicks Reviews
★★★★
“An exhilarating affirmation of people power”
Peter Calder, New Zealand Herald
★★★★
"A unique, exciting, and hopeful watch. "
Ellena Zellhuber McMillan, One Room with a View
★★★★½
"A very different perspective"
Richard Swainson, Rip it Up
★★★★
"A fine celebration… kinetic, interesting and inspiring"
James Croot, The Press
★★★★★
"Beautiful… Powerful… Compelling… A genuine story of hope"
Chris Lynch, Newstalk ZB

Peter Young’s lively, beautifully illustrated documentary… leaves us hoping against hope that the new city can be infused with some measure of the resurgent spirit, creativity and pride of community ownership so lovingly documented in his film.

Bill Gosden, Director NZIFF

What they are saying about the film

‘Completely wowed by your fabulous film. Beautiful, inspiring, clever, and soulful’.

Rebecca Macfie, Journalist

‘A wonderful, positive, reflective, artistic piece about the tenacity of a city and the grassroots efforts to bring art, color and joy back into it’.

Christine Powell, Filmmaker

‘So much of Christchurch that is just pure joy to watch… 5 stars! It is so full of insight’.

Vicki Buck, Deputy Mayor Christchurch

‘I’m so proud to be part of this film… The power of many small things, eh? People, please see this film’.

Coralie Winn, Gap Filler

Meet the People

Pete Majendie | INSTALLATION ARTIST

Peter’s installation 185 Empty Chairs, commemorating the victims of the Christchurch earthquake, draws many visitors with its welcoming feel. The layout is ever changing as Pete and volunteers are often out mowing the lawn or touching up chairs with a lick of paint.

Coralie Winn & Ryan Reynolds | GAP FILLER

Coralie and Ryan are the founders of Gap Filler, the community-based organisation at the heart of the transitional movement. They are responsible for a raft of wonderful, witty, heart-warming projects that have brought light relief to the people of Christchurch.

Sam Crofskey | ENTREPRENEUR, C1 CAFE

After losing two cafes in the quake and facing all sorts of insurance battles, Sam’s relentless spirit and innovation has seen his re-built business become the social hub of central Christchurch.

Wongi & Emma Wilson | STREET ARTISTS

One of Christchurch’s leading street artists, after the quakes Wongi “Freak” Wilson was among the first people to add colour and lightness to the desolation of the ruins.

Liv Worsnop | GUERRILLA GARDENER

Usually under the cloak of darkeness, often without permission, sometimes with a loosely organised band of volunteer gardeners called Plant Gang, Liv creates environmental artworks amongst the rubble.

Johnny Moore | PUBLICAN, SMASH PALACE

When Johnny’s bar Goodbye Blue Monday was badly damaged by the February 2011 earthquake he responded by building a quirky new bar, Smash Palace, which consisted of an old bus surrounded by scaffolding, and was the subject of a protracted building consent application.

Bailey Peryman | AGROPOLIS URBAN FARM

Bailey is a founder of Agropolis Urban Farm and is committed to growing a more resilient local food system. After going through the earthquakes Bailey is well aware of the struggle to maintain a safe food supply in a fragile environment.

Peter Young | Filmmaker

Christchurch filmmaker Peter Young couldn’t help but document the extraordinary efforts of the Christchurch community in reclaiming their city, and in so doing uniquely portray the tension between community-led initiatives and government-led initiatives to rebuild their proud home.