Barbara Sumner

Barbara Sumner (born 1960) is a New Zealand writer and film producer. Tree of Strangers, her memoir of adoption, loss and discovery, was published by Massey University Press in September 2020.

She co-founded the film production company Cloud South Films with her husband Thomas Burstyn, and has served as a writer for The New Zealand Herald.

Filmography

 * One Man, One Cow, One Planet (2007, as producer and writer)
 * This Way of Life (2009, as producer and writer)
 * Red White Black & Blue (2012, as producer)
 * ''This Way of Life (2013)
 * Some Kind of Love (2015, as producer and writer)

Awards
This Way of Life (2011):
 * Shortlist 2011 Academy Awards
 * Berlin International Film Festival, Jury Prize.
 * Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Best Feature Film,
 * Victoria Independent FF, Texas, Best Documentary
 * Bend International FF, Oregon, Best Documentary 2012
 * Bend International FF, Oregon, Best Feature Film, 2012
 * Iowa Indie Film Festival 2011, People's Choice -
 * Iowa Indie Film Festival 2011, Best Documentary
 * Docville Official Selection 2011 Belgium
 * DocEdge Festival Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Documentary 2011 Qantas Film Awards 2010, Best Documentary
 * FIFO 2011 Special Jury Award
 * Anuuruaboro Youth Jury Prize
 * Wairoa Maori Film Festival 2010, Audience Award
 * Plus Cameraimage nominated Best Cinematography, Poland 2010
 * Sold to 22 countries

One Man, One Cow, One Planet:
 * Best Environmental Conservation Film: CMS Vatravan, India
 * Katherine Knight Award: EarthVision International Film Festival
 * Best Non-Broadcast Film: Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival
 * Award of Excellence: The Accolade
 * Sold to 16 countries