Barbara Sumner

Barbara Sumner
Born
Barbara Sumner

1960 (age 64–65)
New Zealand
Occupation(s)Writer, filmmaker
Spouse(s)John Gilbert
Thomas Burstyn
Children5, including Lili Sumner

Barbara Sumner (born 1960)[1] is a New Zealand writer and film producer.[2] Tree of Strangers, her memoir of adoption, loss and discovery, was published by Massey University Press in September 2020.[3]

She co-founded the film production company Cloud South Films with her husband Thomas Burstyn, and has served as a writer for The New Zealand Herald.

Bibliography

  • This Way of Life (2013)
  • Tree of Strangers (2020)

Filmography

  • One Man, One Cow, One Planet (2007, as producer and writer)
  • This Way of Life (2009, as producer and writer)[4][5]
  • Red White Black & Blue (2012, as producer)
  • This Way of Life (2013)
  • Some Kind of Love (2015, as producer and writer)

Awards

This Way of Life (2011):

  • Shortlist 2011 Academy Awards
  • Berlin International Film Festival, Jury Prize.
  • Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Best Feature Film,
  • Victoria Independent FF, Texas, Best Documentary
  • Bend International FF, Oregon, Best Documentary 2012
  • Bend International FF, Oregon, Best Feature Film, 2012
  • Iowa Indie Film Festival 2011, People's Choice -
  • Iowa Indie Film Festival 2011, Best Documentary
  • Docville Official Selection 2011 Belgium
  • DocEdge Festival Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Documentary 2011 Qantas Film Awards 2010, Best Documentary
  • FIFO 2011 Special Jury Award
  • Anuuruaboro Youth Jury Prize
  • Wairoa Maori Film Festival 2010, Audience Award
  • Plus Cameraimage nominated Best Cinematography, Poland 2010
  • Sold to 22 countries

One Man, One Cow, One Planet:

  • Best Environmental Conservation Film: CMS Vatravan, India
  • Katherine Knight Award: EarthVision International Film Festival
  • Best Non-Broadcast Film: Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival
  • Award of Excellence: The Accolade
  • Sold to 16 countries

References

  1. ^ Stewart, David (22 April 2020). "Barbara Sumner, 60". Ageist. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  2. ^ "Barbara Sumner Burstyn: a family's life". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  3. ^ "Barbara Sumner's website".
  4. ^ Anderson, John. "Review: 'This Way of Life'". Variety. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  5. ^ Harvey, Helen. "A way of life". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 22 May 2015.