NZIFF: Anchor Me – The Don McGlashan Story

A long overdue documentary tribute to one of nation’s best loved songwriters, charting Don McGlashan’s storied career from arty punk upstart to one of the strongest voices in the chorus of Aotearoa’s national identity.

Whether through his influential bands, acclaimed solo career, or compositions for film and television, the songs of Don McGlashan are well known to the Kiwi ear. Less familiar is the story of the man behind the music, but that’s about to change thanks to acclaimed cultural documentarian Shirley Horrocks (Peter Peryer: The Art of Seeing, Paul Callaghan: Dancing with Atoms).

The couch-crashing, student flat-playing days of the early 80s with post-punk band Blam Blam Blam gave rise to counterculture classics like ‘There is No Depression in New Zealand’, while as frontman of The Mutton Birds, Don helped define the sound of rock in the 90s with international hits like ‘Nature’ and ‘Anchor Me’.

This probing documentary catches the highs and lows of a singular career, revelling in tales of backstage antics and unearthing the deeply personal stories behind chart-topping anthems. Famous colleagues like Neil Finn and Toa Fraser expound McGlashan’s influence while interviews with family members provide intimate insights into a unique creative personality.

From stadiums in New York City to provincial town halls, the film paints a portrait of an artist who never fails to leave his soul on the stage, regardless of venue size. — Adrian Hatwell

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