The Eden Hore Central Otago Trust is hunting for a film maker to recreate the story of the Māniatoto farmer who curated a magnificent fashion collection for the silver screen.

The Eden Hore Central Otago (EHCO) project team believes that the intriguing story of Eden Hore’s passion for fashion, which led to his collection of more than 275 haute couture 1970s and 1980s gowns, is perfect for a film or documentary to air in New Zealand and overseas.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) community engagement manager Paula Penno said Eden was a man who loved New Zealand-designed fashion garments.

“This is an opportunity to explore his garments and fashion collection further in film. Each piece has a story and personality, about a time, a place and an era in New Zealand and world fashion, in the types of fabrics used, the cut and the style.”

Eden’s story is about an enigmatic man and his astounding gowns, and of his relationship to the landscape that he loved and farmed all his life near Naseby.

Landscape loved by Eden Hore

Audiences have glimpsed this visual synergy in the Eden Hore Photographic Exhibition that toured Central last summer, from when the clothes were modelled and shot in stunning iconic Central Otago landscapes.

A selection of the gowns were also exhibited in ‘High Country/High Fashion’ at The Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt, earlier this year.

Film makers will be able to draw from the ever-expanding library of images and oral history about Eden including archival footage and stills, garment and designer information, recent projects information and imagery and on the ground assistance.

“Through this project, we want to provide inspiration for creativity in the fashion and design industry. 

“We want to celebrate the courage to be bold and to stimulate a sense of curiosity about visiting Central Otago, home to one of the most unique clothing collections of all time,” Paula said.

The fashion collection is owned by CODC and managed by the Eden Hore Trust.

Expressions of interest for the film project close on January 15, 2023.

For more information contact Ruenell Wing: [email protected]

Learn more about Eden Hore here.