TRAILER UNVEILED FOR AOTEAROA MUSIC DOCUMENTARY ‘LIFE IN ONE CHORD’

Audiences in Aotearoa are invited to experience Life in One Chord, the highly anticipated documentary which puts the spotlight on indie music icon Shayne Carter (Straitjacket Fits, Dimmer), directed by Margaret Gordon (Into The Void).

The film’s official trailer debuts today, ahead of its World Premiere at Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival in Ōtepoti Dunedin on August 16 at the Regent Theatre.

Screenings then continue across the country as part of NZIFF with sessions already sold out in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The film has its theatrical release with a limited run from Father’s Day weekend, September 4.

Life in One Chord charts Carter’s odyssey from suburban Dunedin to international recognition as a punk pioneer, interweaving personal stories, archival footage, and reflections on the enduring Dunedin Sound. What emerges is an irreverent, heartfelt portrait of an artist who shaped New Zealand music and culture.

After watching the film in full recently, Shayne says; “It was intense watching your life and your people flash before your eyes like that, but it was straight up and in a lot of places just made me laugh. So that’s good.”

Director Margaret Gordon – who is no stranger to making film on Aotearoa music history – describes the film as a likeness to Shayne’s music style;
“The film, like the music, often has a DIY flavour, and I think this lends it authenticity as well as a sense of whimsy and fun,” says director Margaret Gordon
                                                            
Bringing her distinctive voice to the documentary, the film is narrated by esteemed veteran broadcaster Carol Hirschfeld, the documentary features interviews and scenes from throughout Carter’s formative years—including early gigs, community archives courtesy of Flying Nun Records, and a candid self‑assessment of his legacy in rock history.

Distributed by Madman in New Zealand and Australia, produced by Rick Harvie (Maurice & I) with original music by Jackson Harry, Life in One Chord is a labour of passion — made over seven years from dedicated creatives and with support from the New Zealand Film Commission.

For all dates and screening times at the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival across Aotearoa, and for more info, head to NZIFF.co.nz or lifeinonechord.com.

The 13th Floor
Latest posts by The 13th Floor (see all)