John O'Shea (director) facts for kids

John Dempsey O'Shea (born June 20, 1920 – died July 8, 2001) was a very important filmmaker from New Zealand. He worked as a director, producer, writer, and even an actor. He is famous for making the only three long movies (called feature films) that were created in New Zealand between 1940 and 1970.

John O'Shea's Early Life

John O'Shea was born in 1920 in New Plymouth, New Zealand. His parents had Irish roots. He grew up in New Plymouth and Whanganui. Later, he studied in Wellington at Victoria University College. There, he became interested in movies and joined a film society.

He also studied at Christchurch Teachers' Training College. In 1942, he joined the New Zealand Army during World War II. He served for two years with the ambulance corps in the Pacific and Italy.

Filmmaking Career

John O'Shea was active in filmmaking from 1940 to 1970. In 1952, he started his own film company called Pacific Films in Wellington. He co-founded it with Roger Mirams.

Pacific Films made many short films. John O'Shea also produced the three New Zealand feature films made during that time:

• Broken Barrier (1952), which he made with Roger Mirams.
• Runaway (1964).
• Don't Let It Get You (1966), which he is most remembered for.

O'Shea was also involved in Tangata Whenua: People of the Land (1974). This was a six-part TV documentary series. It was directed by Barry Barclay, New Zealand's first Māori screen director.

Other films he produced include:

• Pictures (1981)
• Among the Cinders (1983)
• Leave All Fair (1985)
• Ngati (1987)

He even appeared in a comedy film called Forgotten Silver (1995).

John O'Shea's company, Pacific Films, helped many people. They gained valuable experience there and went on to have successful careers. Some of these people include Barry Barclay and Gaylene Preston. The tearooms at Pacific Films were known as a place for lively discussions. O'Shea encouraged new ideas and creativity.

Besides filmmaking, O'Shea was a lecturer and a historian. He also worked as an assistant film censor. In 1981, he helped create the New Zealand Film Archive.

Awards and Recognition

John O'Shea received several important awards for his work in film.

• In 1990, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This was for his great contributions to the film industry.
• Also in 1990, he received the New Zealand 1990 Medal. This award recognized his services to the film industry.
• In 1992, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New Zealand Film Commission.

John O'Shea's Family Life

In 1946, John O'Shea married Jean Cormie Douglas. They got married in Christchurch on April 20. They then made their home in Wellington.

They had three children together: Patrick, Rory, and Kathy. All of their children later worked in the film industry, following in their father's footsteps.