Set during the demolition of post-quake Christchurch, The Art of Recovery follows a group of artists and entrepreneurs who took it upon themselves to "fill the gaps" left by the quake .
The movie premiered in Christchurch but November 5 is the public release date.
Paul Henry spoke to Peter Young about his lively, beautifully illustrated documentary which celebrates the profusion of murals, pop-up enterprises and inventive recreational options that have brought colour and vitality to Central Christchurch.
"People feel it is theirs", says Pete Majendie, on the longevity of his 185 Empty Chairs memorial.
Conceived as a temporary installation, the white chairs have been carefully tended and much visited since first installed.
His observation perfectly encapsulates the spirit that brought so many people together to bring meaningful life to the city’s vacant spaces.
Such inspirational moments are starkly contrasted to the official recovery programme.
Interviews with Gerry Brownlee and the head of the all-powerful Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Agency are almost comically one-note when set against the articulate and considered opinions of those who have been doing the hard work on the ground.
Watch the video for the full segment.
