Big things are predicted for NZ film starring Hugh Laurie, which premieres today.
Hugh Laurie and Xzannjah Joel in a scene from the movie, shot on Bougainville. Photo / Supplied
Right - Hugh Laurie and Xzannjah Joel in a scene from the movie, shot on Bougainville. 

What could be the first independent New Zealand film in years to be a contender for serious international attention takes its first public bow today.
The movie of Mr Pip, adapted from author Lloyd Jones' acclaimed novel by director Andrew Adamson and starring Hugh Laurie, has its premiere at the Toronto International festival this morning New Zealand time.
Former House star Laurie and Adamson will be in attendance, as well as producer Robin Scholes and mother and daughter cast members Xzannjah and Healsville Joel.
Debuting at Toronto in the Special Presentations section is a chance to market the production to international distributors and hopefully build media buzz around the movie, Laurie's first cinematic excursion since the end of his long-running television series as well as a departure from his previous big-screen comedic roles.
It's the first New Zealand-backed film for Adamson since returning home after more than a decade in Hollywood as director and producer on the Shrek and Chronicles of Narnia movies.
Full report at NZHerald