We’ve been long-awaiting the follow-up to director Armağan Ballantyne’s 2009 feature film debut The Strength of Water. Surely no one could’ve guessed it would be a romantic comedy set in a nudist retreat and told entirely in gibberish (English subtitles provided courtesy of the very excellent English comic Julia Davis, of Nighty Night fame). That film is Nude Tuesday, starring Jackie van Beek (who also co-wrote) and Jemaine Clement and in cinemas around the motu from June 16.
Armağan has lived in Kingsland, Tāmaki Makaurau with her young family for about six years. “Even in the short time we have lived in Kingsland it’s changed a lot,” she says. “So many apartment buildings springing up and new shops opening.”
The filmmaker is particularly fond of the neighbourhood’s community gatherings. “The local hall has craft markets and great open mic sessions for teenagers that my daughter plays guitar in. We live close to the cycle way which is super handy, and Nixon Park gets the last rays of sun, so nice to head to in the afternoon.”
Where do you go for coffee?
We get beans for our coffee machine at home from delicious local roaster Atomic.
The restaurant you’ve been going to for years?
My favourite local place to have lunch is Sake Bar Icco. Everything is so fresh and tasty. I tend to head there for a Bento box. It's a family run business; you can taste the love and care they put into the food.
Favourite restaurant to visit with friends?
Coco’s Cantina! It's always fun ‘n’ festive and they offer a great range of yummy vegetarian options. I love sitting outside so I can people watch, or prop myself up at the bar for a cocktail.
Favourite place for date night?
We love heading to the West Coast beaches. There’s nothing like a Piha / Anawhata sunset for some invigorating eye candy.
Favourite grocery store?
The Nest in Kingsland is my favourite local grocer. Tui makes yummy fresh juices and collates locally sourced tasty treats.
Favourite place for live music?
The Hollywood in Avondale. A magnificent building with great atmosphere. I saw Cate Le Bon there recently, wonderful!
Favourite place for some relaxation or a beauty treatment?
Every so often I get a deep tissue massage at Golden Fingers Thai massage in Kingsland. They have the magic touch.
Favourite gallery or museum?
I enjoy the Michael Lett Gallery, just off Karangahape Road. They are always exhibiting interesting artists.
Favourite clothing store that never lets you down?
Hunters and Collectors in Wellington. Christina O has an exceptional eye for antique pieces, curiosities and vintage clothing. I never know what I’m going to discover but I always leave the shop with a snazzy new outfit. And they have the best window displays and an art gallery upstairs!
Where do you go for a workout?
I love walking, it doesn’t really matter where... Through suburbs, a forest, up Mt Eden, or a beach. Walking is good for the soul. I also do hip hop dance classes which is a bundle of fun.
Where do you go when you’re after some local art or design?
It's fun to pop into Babelogue - beautiful, interesting objects and furniture to gaze at, and great coffee too.
