Latest news with #NgāAhoWhakaari
Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
DAWN: A Story Of Hope, Responsibility, And South Auckland Resilience – Is Looking For Supporters
A powerful and deeply personal short film rooted in hope for the future of South Auckland is in development, and its creator is seeking support to bring it to light. DAWN is a film that reflects not only a chapter of first-time writer/director Jasmine Day's life, but also the untold realities of countless young adults who step up for their whānau in the face of systemic barriers. Now live on Boosted, with the support of Māoriland Films, Ngā Aho Whakaari and E Tū Toi, Jasmine's crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $15,000 to bring her story to screen – a film inspired by her experience of becoming a full-time caregiver for her younger siblings at just 22 years old. 'I came back to South Auckland from a holiday in Byron Bay only to find myself parenting my siblings with no real roadmap,' says Jasmine. 'We faced landlord discrimination, housing instability, and regular police harassment. DAWN captures a glimpse of what that was like.' But this story is not unique. And that's exactly why Jasmine is telling it. 'DAWN is for the young caregivers, the solo mums, rangatahi working multiple jobs just to help their families get by. It's for South Auckland – and all the misunderstood, underestimated communities across Aotearoa.' The film is being led by Ngā Pakiaka, the rangatahi filmmaking collective of Māoriland Charitable Trust, and is proudly produced by Jaimee Poipoi, Madeleine Hakaraia de Young, and Libby Hakaraia, respected names in the Indigenous film space. ' DAWN is a timely and necessary story. Jas is shining a light on the quiet realities faced by so many whānau — realities made harder by the way our systems and attitudes fail them. This film reminds us that the way we treat each other can either uplift or trap people in cycles of poverty. Jas has the courage to call that out, and the storytelling power to move us towards compassion and change. That's why we're backing her,' says Libby Hakaraia, Kaitaki Pūrakau, Māoriland Far from just a film, DAWN is a reminder of the strength within our communities, and a call to see the people behind the headlines, not as statistics, but as survivors, caregivers, and storytellers. The funds raised will go toward: Pre-Production: Rehearsals, locations, wardrobe Production: Crew hire, cast payments, equipment Post-Production: Editing, sound design, music, and outreach Jasmine is encouraging people not just to donate, but to share the campaign and spread the word. 'Too often our stories are told by people who've never lived them,' she says. 'With DAWN, I'm taking back the narrative. I want to show what it means to keep going — even when the world isn't built for you.' JOIN THE MOVEMENT Every contribution, big or small, is a vote of confidence in Indigenous storytelling and a step toward reclaiming our narratives. E Tū Toi is also matching donations up to the total of $5,000.00 - so anyone who donates early, will see their donation doubled until we hit the 75% mark. Read more about this project, or donate at: About the Director: Jasmine Day (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Hāua) is a Māori creative born in South Auckland, one of eleven siblings, and a māmā of two. A natural-born storyteller shaped by years in care, Jasmine brings a rawness and artistic depth to everything she creates. DAWN marks her writer-directorial debut, backed by years of learning under the guidance of the Māoriland whānau. About Māoriland: Māoriland is a leading Indigenous arts organisation based in Ōtaki, Aotearoa, best known for the Māoriland Film Festival - the largest international Indigenous film festival in the World. At Māoriland Films, storytelling is a tool for transformation. Through year-round programmes in film, digital storytelling, and creative technology, Māoriland supports Māori and Indigenous artists in telling their stories, growing their careers, and connecting with audiences worldwide.
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Māori Youth Story Earns Film Festival Recognition
Press Release – Puti Film Written and directed by Aroha Awarau (Ngti Maru, Ngti Porou, Niue, Samoa), Puti has already screened at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in Los Angeles and New Zealand's own Moriland Film Festival in taki and the Rotorua Indigenous Film Festival. An award-winning short film, honouring the resilience of Māori youth, has been named a finalist at the Whānau Mārama – New Zealand International Film Festival. Written and directed by Aroha Awarau (Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Porou, Niue, Samoa), Puti has already screened at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in Los Angeles and New Zealand's own Māoriland Film Festival in Ōtaki and the Rotorua Indigenous Film Festival. 'Puti was made because people believed in the story, and seeing it recognised around the world is the greatest thank you we can give,' says Awarau. An award-winning journalist and playwright, Awarau spent ten years trying to bring Puti to life after the story won best short film script at the Pikihuia Māori Writers Awards in 2014. His dream was finally realised when he secured funding and shot the film in central Auckland in September. This year saw a change in the short film competition format at the New Zealand International Film Festival. Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts and New Zealand's Best have been combined into one competition, featuring 13 finalists selected from 88 submissions. Winners are chosen by a jury and audience vote, with awards totalling over $13,000. Tipene Opetaia (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Samoa), who produced Puti through her company Glorious Inc, embraces this positive change, acknowledging local filmmakers' passion for telling their stories. 'We are honoured to be part of this newly unified change. It's a bold step towards a more inclusive and representative showcase of local talent. It's a privilege for our team to stand alongside such a powerful lineup of films,' she says. Puti's main cast ranged from ages 8-19, including powerful performances from Mia Van Oyen, Tuakoi Ohia, Cale Silich, Kael Munro-Nonoa, and Erika Muna Lee. The film's key creative team includes executive producer Lanita Ririnui (Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāpuhi, Kuki Airani) and associate producers Leaupepe Ta'ala Ralph and Sara Jane Elika (Samoa) of ECG. Last year, the film, which honours the resilience of Māori youth forced to step up and financially support their families, made national headlines after its creative team launched a public crowdfunding campaign to help finance the film. 'Making short films in Aotearoa is tougher than ever due to budget cuts and limited resources. Although we received funding, we still had to rely on film professionals working for below-standard rates,' says Awarau. He says the film's latest nomination is a testament to the dedication of the cast, crew, funders and supporters. Puti received $15,000 as part of the Aho Shorts programme, a fund given by Ngā Aho Whakaari – the industry body for Māori involved in screen production – for short films from Māori filmmakers. A further $8,000 was raised from the online arts crowdfunding platform Boosted. Additional support came from Te Māngai Pāho, NZ On Air, and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga – New Zealand Film Commission. Local businesses, including Cordis Auckland and Wireless Rentals, also contributed. Whānau Mārama – New Zealand International Film Festival opens in Auckland on July 31st and runs until August 10th. It then launches in other centres across Aotearoa, starting with Christchurch on August 8, and concludes nationwide on September 10.
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Māori Youth Story Earns Film Festival Recognition
An award-winning short film, honouring the resilience of Māori youth, has been named a finalist at the Whānau Mārama - New Zealand International Film Festival. Written and directed by Aroha Awarau (Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Porou, Niue, Samoa), Puti has already screened at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in Los Angeles and New Zealand's own Māoriland Film Festival in Ōtaki and the Rotorua Indigenous Film Festival. 'Puti was made because people believed in the story, and seeing it recognised around the world is the greatest thank you we can give,' says Awarau. An award-winning journalist and playwright, Awarau spent ten years trying to bring Puti to life after the story won best short film script at the Pikihuia Māori Writers Awards in 2014. His dream was finally realised when he secured funding and shot the film in central Auckland in September. This year saw a change in the short film competition format at the New Zealand International Film Festival. Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts and New Zealand's Best have been combined into one competition, featuring 13 finalists selected from 88 submissions. Winners are chosen by a jury and audience vote, with awards totalling over $13,000. Tipene Opetaia (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Samoa), who produced Puti through her company Glorious Inc, embraces this positive change, acknowledging local filmmakers' passion for telling their stories. 'We are honoured to be part of this newly unified change. It's a bold step towards a more inclusive and representative showcase of local talent. It's a privilege for our team to stand alongside such a powerful lineup of films,' she says. Puti's main cast ranged from ages 8-19, including powerful performances from Mia Van Oyen, Tuakoi Ohia, Cale Silich, Kael Munro-Nonoa, and Erika Muna Lee. The film's key creative team includes executive producer Lanita Ririnui (Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāpuhi, Kuki Airani) and associate producers Leaupepe Ta'ala Ralph and Sara Jane Elika (Samoa) of ECG. Last year, the film, which honours the resilience of Māori youth forced to step up and financially support their families, made national headlines after its creative team launched a public crowdfunding campaign to help finance the film. 'Making short films in Aotearoa is tougher than ever due to budget cuts and limited resources. Although we received funding, we still had to rely on film professionals working for below-standard rates,' says Awarau. He says the film's latest nomination is a testament to the dedication of the cast, crew, funders and supporters. Puti received $15,000 as part of the Aho Shorts programme, a fund given by Ngā Aho Whakaari - the industry body for Māori involved in screen production - for short films from Māori filmmakers. A further $8,000 was raised from the online arts crowdfunding platform Boosted. Additional support came from Te Māngai Pāho, NZ On Air, and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga - New Zealand Film Commission. Local businesses, including Cordis Auckland and Wireless Rentals, also contributed. Whānau Mārama - New Zealand International Film Festival opens in Auckland on July 31st and runs until August 10th. It then launches in other centres across Aotearoa, starting with Christchurch on August 8, and concludes nationwide on September 10.
