Apron+Strings+-+Folder+Resource+Materials

= **__Apron Strings - Resource Folder Material __** = **__Pre-Viewing __**

1 What are the connotations of the phrase ‘apron strings’?

**__Background & The Director – Sima Urale __**

Born in __Samoa__ in 1967, Sima Urale immigrated to New Zealand with her family in 1974. After graduating from Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, in 1989, Urale worked for two years as an actor before pursuing her ambitions as a director. She studied at the Victorian College of the Arts Film and Television (formerly Swinburne) in Melbourne. In 1993 she won the VCA Encouragement Student Award, and in 1994 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in arts, film and television. On returning home to Wellington, Urale wrote and directed her short film //O Tamaiti// (1996), a powerful visual narrative focused on the children's experience in an immigrant family. //O Tamaiti//marked an impressive international debut for Urale, winning Best Short Film (Silver Lion), Venice Film Festival; Best Short Film, Asia-Pacific Film Festival; Best Short Film (Silver Plaque) 32nd Chicago Film Festival; Best Short Film, NZ Film and TV Awards; and Best screenplay, Flickerfest, Australia. In 1997 Urale directed her first documentary, //Velvet Dreams//, for TVNZ Work of Art series with producer Vincent Burke . It went on to screen at the NZ and Hawaii film festivals, and won Best Documentary Award at the Yorkton International Film Festival in Canada. Her first music video //Sub-cranium Feeling //, filmed underwater for her brother King Kapisi, won Best Music Video at the BFM, Mai Time, and Flying Fish Awards, and in 2004 was awarded a NZ On Air 1000 Music Video Celebration's Award. Urale's second short film //Still Life // (2001) became the first New Zealand short to pick up the top award from the prestigious Montreal Film Festival. //Still Life //received a Special Mention Award at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, as well as Best Director, Best Art Department and Best Script at the Drifting Clouds International Film Festival 2002. In 2004, Urale was awarded the inaugural Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writers' Residency at the University of Hawaii. In 2006 she attended the six month Mauritz Binger Script development programme in Amsterdam where she focused on the feature project //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Moana //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">. On her return to New Zealand in 2007, she directed the short film //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Coffee & Allah //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, written by Shuchi Khotari, and produced by Khotari and Sarina Pearson. //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Coffee & Allah //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Urale recently (2008) completed her debut feature film, //Apron Strings//<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, with producer Rachel Gardner, writers Shuchi Khotari and Dianne Taylor; and DoP, Rewa Harre. The film premiered at the 2008 Auckland Film Festival and was officially selected for the Toronto Film Festival. **__<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">During Viewing __** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">3 The most exciting scenes in the film are … <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">4 The most disturbing scenes in the film are … <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">5 The most important scenes in the film are … <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">6 Design two character webs. One for Lorna’s side of the story and one for Michael’s side of the story. Draw lines to show the connections between characters. Note on the lines the details of the connections that exist.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">7 Write down some questions that you would like to ask the director about the big ideas, characters, cinematic techniques. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">8 Copy the statements which show what the film maker __shows__ in the film. Be ready with your reasons and examples from the film. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">A Family is important to Michael. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">B Barry’s relationship with his mum improved over time. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">C Mother and son relationships are complicated. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">D Some people find it hard to accept change. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">E Indian families have issues with traditions. <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">9 Write a 60 word plot summary to be read aloud at a Yr 12 assembly to promote the lunchtime viewing of this film. Try reducing your plot summary to 50 words, then 30 and finally, 15 words!

<span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Post Viewing

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">10 After viewing ‘Apron Strings' more than once complete a **__K W L__** __chart__ like the one below:


 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">What I **<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">K **<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">now …  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">What I __still__ **<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">W **<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">ant to know …  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">What I have **<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">L **<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">earnt …  ||
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">(Facts) //
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The film is set in Otahuhu
 * || //<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">(Questions) //
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Why did Barry…
 * || <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 28.95pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 28.95pt; text-indent: -10.95pt;"> · <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">That some people find it hard to accept change in their lives
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Why did Barry…
 * || <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 28.95pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 28.95pt; text-indent: -10.95pt;"> · <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">That some people find it hard to accept change in their lives
 * || <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 28.95pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 28.95pt; text-indent: -10.95pt;"> · <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">That some people find it hard to accept change in their lives
 * || <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 28.95pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 28.95pt; text-indent: -10.95pt;"> · <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">That some people find it hard to accept change in their lives

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">11 BARRY **

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">A The facts: Age? Occupation? Spends his spare time? Main mood? State of relationships? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">B What does this quotation reveal about Barry? “You just want me to sit here at rot,” Barry to his mother. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">C Mr Tran says to Barry, “You still believe in luck.” What does this quote reveal about Barry? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">D What is the turning point for Barry?

E Where is Barry at the end of the film? Where will he be in 12 months time? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">F What does Barry teach viewers?

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">12 MICHAEL ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A Facts: Age? Occupation? Spends his spare time? Main mood? State of relationships?

B What first brings Michael into Otahuhu?

C Why does Michael be-friend his Aunt Tara?

D What is Michael looking for in the film? Why does he not already have what he is looking for?

E What two reasons does Tara have for not accepting Michael?

F What influence does Michael have on his Mum?

G What influence does Michael have in his Aunt Tara?

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">13 TARA (The Aunt/Sister) ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A Why does Tara not have a relationship with her sister, Anita?

B Does Tara live in the past/present … bit of both? Explain.

C It is important to Tara to maintain family traditions. True/False? Prove.

D Were you surprised when she asked of Michael when he announced he was gay, “Have you seen a doctor?” Why/why not?

E What is meaningful about Tara giving Michael her dad’s bangle?

F What does Tara’s character teach viewers?

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">14 ANITA (Michael’s Mum) ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A What is ironic about Anita hosting an Indian cooking show?

B “You let yourself be shunned. I won’t,” says Michael to his mother Anita. What event is he referring to in his mother’s past?

C How did the director create a sense of Anita being the ‘successful’ sister?

D Why does Anita go to Tara’s curry house towards the end of the film?

E Create a compare and contrast diagram to show how the characters’ similarities and differences.

F Choose, draw/find and explain a symbol to represent Tara and one to represent Anita. **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">15 LORNA (Barry and Virginia’s Mum) ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A Lorna is obsessed with which smell?

B At the start of the film, Lorna says, “They don’t make black and white together.” How does this quote represent Lorna’s outlook on different cultures?

C Tradition is important to Lorna. Find several examples of Lorna trying to hold on to traditions.

D “Why can’t you do anything normal?” Lorna asks Barry. What does Lorna consider abnormal?

E What happened to Lorna’s husband? How does this affect her actions in the film?

F Lorna asks Tara for a recipe for Chicken Korma … what is this even symbolic of?

G What even pushes Lorna over the edge?

H Where is Lorna’s ‘at’ at the end of the film? What will her relationship be like with her son after a year? What will her relationship be like with her daughter and granddaughter after a year?

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">18 Traditions/Identity/Change - Conflict ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A The Cake Shop - “ … Mum opened it 52 years ago”. Does the cake shop ‘fit’ in the Otahuhu community? Why/why not? How is it made obvious in the film?

B Marrying within your ethnic group – “my parents were so ashamed it killed them.” “I didn’t reject my family. They rejected me.” Why do some ethnic groups seem more concerned about marrying with the same group, than others? Give examples from the film.

C Carrying on a family legacy - the vege shop changed into a curry house in Otahuhu. Is Tara happy in her work? Why does she stay in Otahuhu?

D Can people be held back by traditions? Details from the film.

E Does change always bring conflict? Details from the film.

F Reconciliation is an important idea in the film. There is reconciliation between the past and present and between parents and their children. Write a brief paragraph to explain the idea of reconciliation in the film. Make sure you use examples in your paragraph.

G Acceptance is another important idea in the film. People learn or begin to learn to accept others. Write a brief paragraph to explain the idea of acceptance in the film. Make sure you use examples in your paragraph.

H “Tandem Lives” – how are the Pakeha and Indian stories in this film similar?

** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">20 Cinematography ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">A Re-watch the title sequence, Chapter 1 up to 3.27mins, and complete the following tasks: <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">B Re-watch Chapter 15 - Tea. Complete this table showing what happens. <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">What is Urale’s intention and how is her intention achieved? Discuss what makes the ending satisfying. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">C Is there one pivotal scene in this film? What is it? Why is it pivotal? How is its importance in the whole film communicated? <span style="height: 102.75pt; margin-left: 340.05pt; margin-top: 9pt; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 154.3pt; z-index: -2;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">21 Symbols ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">A What does the cake shop in the film represent? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">B What does the Vietnamese bakery in the film represent? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">C What does the curry house represent? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">D What does the set of Anita’s TV cooking show represent? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">E What do the cups of tea/chai at the end of the film represent? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">F What do Lorna’s pale colours represent? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">G What do the vibrant colours of Anita represent? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="height: 124.5pt; margin-left: 305.35pt; margin-top: 35.15pt; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 187.5pt; z-index: -1;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">22 Music **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">A The 2 main types of music used in the film are traditional Indian music and some rock music. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">B When does the director use each type of music? <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">C Explain why the director chose to use each type of music. Link your answers to theme, characterisation, setting, etc. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">23 Response, Reviews and Opinions ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">A Find two published reviews of at least 200 words in length. Preferably, one from a NZ source and one from overseas. Go through them and in one colour highlight facts, in a different colour highlight the authors’ opinions. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">B Put the following elements of a film into your order of importance – explain your choices…. <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Give some examples from __Apron Strings__ to support your point of view.
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">What is the predominant shot type? Why?
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Describe the tone/atmosphere of this sequence. HOW is it created?
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">What does sound contribute to this sequence?
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">How does this sequence contribute to character and/or plot development and/or communicating themes?
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">What is the initial link between all 3 women?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Tara, Michael and Anita || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Camera  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Lorna, Virginia, Grandmother  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Camera  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Together in restaurant kitchen – make chai || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Virginia filling the jug to make tea  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Chai being made || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Great grandma holding “black baby”  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">“I hope it’s how you like it.” “It’s good.”  || <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">  ||
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The script
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The acting
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The lighting
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The settings
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The camera
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The sound/music
 * <span style="0cm margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The symbols