“The heart has gone out of Nanna Maria’s family. There are no parties – they don’t even fight anymore. Inspired by a dream of her childhood back in Fiji, Nanna demands that her grandchildren put on a big feast at which she will name her successor. The grandchildren reluctantly turn up, but as the day progresses their preparations unravel into chaos and an outraged Nanna calls the whole thing off. That’s when everyone realizes they have to pull out all the stops and give the crazy old lady what she wants, and what they all need.
“For his first feature film No.2, Toa Fraser has written and directed a screen adaptation of his internationally acclaimed, award-winning stage play of the same name. No.2 has transformed from a one-woman stage show into a screenplay for a large ensemble cast. The film marks Fraser’s directorial debut.
“Set over the course of one eventful day, No.2 is a contemporary, big-hearted and exuberant story about what it takes to bring a family together.
Fraser teams up with AFI award-winning Producer Tim White (Two Hands, Oscar & Lucinda), Lydia Livingstone and Philippa Campbell (Rain).
“Behind the scenes of No.2 are some of the New Zealand film industry’s leading personnel: Director of Photography: Leon Narbey (Whale Rider, Perfect Creature); Production Designer: Phil Ivey (Perfect Creature); Costumes: Kirsty Cameron (Whale Rider, Perfect Creature); Editor: Chris Plummer (In My Father’s Den); Casting: Diana Rowan (Whale Rider, In My Father’s Den) and Composer: Don McGlashan (An Angel At My Table).
“The New Zealand Film Commission, Working Title Films, Miramax Films, and NZ on Air have funded No.2. Miramax Films/BVI acquired the New Zealand and Australian rights. Working Title Films has distribution rights in the United Kingdom. NZ Film, the sales arm of the New Zealand Film Commission, is handling international sales.
“No.2 commenced principal photography March 3, 2005 and wrapped April 17 2005. The 37 day shoot occurred during a vintage New Zealand summer. Post production was completed at Peter Jackson’s facility Park Road Post in Wellington.
“Festival/Awards: Audience Award World Cinema Dramatic, Sundance Film Festival 2006 Official Selection Panorama, Berlin Film Festival 2006 Audience Award, Brisbane International Film Festival 2006 Best Actress Award - Ruby Dee, Atlanta Film Festival 2006 Pan African Film Festival 2007 Portland International Film Festival 2007 Washington DC International Film Festival Itaipava Film Festival Brasil.” - New Zealand Film Commission; www.nzfilm.co.nz/film/no-2; 22/01/2014.