The story of one woman's selfless efforts to help others provides a powerful lesson, writes Shane Gilchrist.
Wellington writer Jean Watson might be better known for her 1965 novel Stand in the Rain (and her decade-long involvement with Barry Crump), yet it is her actions not her words that speak loudest in Aunty and the Star People.
The documentary, which screened at the recent New Zealand International Film Festival, will open at Metro Cinema, Dunedin, on Thursday.
Thirty years ago, Watson sold her Wellington house and used the proceeds to buy land in Tamil Nadu, southern India, where she has battled a range of obstacles to develop an ''illam'', a home for some of the region's most desperate children, providing shelter as well as educational opportunities.
Christchurch director Gerard Smyth followed Watson on one of her frequent visits last year, witnessing her working with her ''Star People'', the children named for the white stars painted on their faces.
The value of Watson's work is evident in the hospitality of successful former beneficiaries as well as the children, whose bright eyes express optimism and excitement.
''Jean is a pretty amazing woman,'' co-producer Jo Coffey, of Wellington, says.
''I was pretty keen to get her story told. She is remarkable.
"One person can make a huge difference to other people's lives. You don't have to have lots of money to help others.''
Coffey, who met Watson about 16 years ago through a Wellington study group, approached Smyth (When a City Falls, Barefoot Cinema) to gauge his interest in documenting her friend's overseas efforts.
''The idea grew over time,'' Coffey explains.
''I found a chunk of money that allowed Gerard to go to India and film for two months.
"That was about a year ago, so the film has taken about a year.
''Jean believes that when opportunities present themselves it is important to take them,'' Coffey reflects.
''She didn't head to India with the intention of helping others. But it ended up that she did.
"Jean lives in Wellington for nine months and returns to India for a couple of months of the year.''
The film also includes comments from writer Joy Cowley, who remarks that though most of us prefer to linger at the safe edges of the river of life, Watson swims in the middle where ''she catches the current all day long''.
Back in Berhampore, Wellington, the 80-year-old Watson quietly reflects on a life lived on the fringes of society, her partnership with Barry Crump, being a mother, and her career as a writer.
In regards to her great Indian initiative, Watson could hardly be more self-deprecating in responding to various on-screen questions put to her by Smyth.
''She said it was quite hard to stand back and watch herself,'' Coffey says.
''But I think she is pleased that the story of the illam has been told and that others can see these vibrant children and those who help them.''
See it
Aunty and the Star People opens at Metro Cinema, Dunedin, on Thursday.
