Someday Stories

Six Short Films Advocating For a Better Aotearoa

Cinemaphiles rejoice; the yearly short film series, Someday Stories, is back for its seventh iteration with yet another powerful collection of six short films. Focusing on local filmmakers who are still early in their careers, this showcase platforms Aotearoa’s next generation of immense talent. This year’s selection features titles addressing a variety of elements pertaining to life in Aotearoa, from poignant social critiques to heartwarming, laugh-out-loud narratives. This year’s offerings havehas something for everyone, so check out the stories on offer and dive right in; they’re all available to stream on Youtube.

I Stand For Consent

I Stand For Consent is an unflinching documentary aimed at exposing the magnitude of sexual harassment taking place on our shores. Between the director, Olivia McClymont, her mother, and Avonside student Aurora Garner-Randolph, the feature presents an inter-generational perspective on the issue, as well as the importance of incorporating consent into sexual education curriculums. Framed around a recent Avonside survey in which 379 students reported 2650 cases of sexual harassment (averaging out to a devastating 10 cases per student), Olivia platforms a worthy cause through a tender yet direct lens, paying deserved tribute to the Avonside students actively fighting our flawed system. 

Te Huka o Te Tai

AAs a heartfelt, deeply personal and visually stunning reflection on the proposed barge threatening Te Araroa, Te Huka o Te Tai serves as a moving rumination on the importance of our connection to the land. The documentary features many strong members of the community who have been forced to put their own lives on hold in order to preserve the land for generations to come. Te Huka o Te Tai highlights the idea that “progress” is not always in the best interest of Aotearoa and often poses a threat to tradition, community and culture. In the words of Keeti Ngatai-Melbourne, “This short documentary is more than a film. It’s an opportunity for the world to hear our story and support our community as we continue to protect our moana and Whenua.”

The World Around Me

Hasan Jhan Arslan has created something indescribable with his short film The World Around Me. Set in 2001, the deeply moving and heartfelt film follows a second-generation immigrant boy as he navigates life in Aotearoa. Over the 9:29 minute run time, complex themes pertaining to racism, division and community are addressed, yet what prevails is a powerful sense of hope. Tender, loving and deeply personal, The World Around Me is described by its creators as “possibly Aotearoa’s first Middle Eastern short film” that “aims to fill a void of Middle-Eastern stories in Aotearoa from the Turkish community.”

Tō Te Wai

Based on a poem written by director, Georgia-May Russ, Tō Te Wai follows a young woman whose well-intentioned conservation plan creates a conflict with local iwi. The subsequent realisation that she has become disconnected from her family and culture prompts a poignant representation of self-reflection, highlighting the importance of home. This visually stunning film succeeds in communicating a heartfelt, layered narrative— even within the limited runtime; and is intended to “Share a sense of the real experiences of Māaori who’ve moved away from their tūurangawaewae.”

Ballsy

As yet another visual spectacle, Ballsy acts as a powerful rumination on the complicated nature of masculinity and the importance of embracing one’s vulnerable side. The coming-of-age film follows Ethan, a teenager struggling with his own identity, as he navigates the complexities of boyhood. When describing his process, director Warren Rodricks states, “I wanted to tell this story of two young Indian New Zealanders to share awareness that ideas of masculinity in this country affect a wide range of men. I also wanted to tell a story I knew my community would be able to see themselves in.” With its cast of talented actors, warmly funny undertones and tender representation of male friendship, it’s a film you’ll want to keep on repeat. 

The Generation Gardener

The Generation Gardener acts as a meditation on mindfulness, family and the importance of pursuing one’s passions. The documentary follows Bonsai artist Steven Yin, whose mission it is to pass down practical knowledge to the next generation of Bonsai artists. Steven’s business, which is run with the help of his mother and wife, has expanded to the point at which he grows over 5000 Bonsai trees which are distributed all across Aotearoa. Framing Bonsai as both a career and an art form, the film emphasises the importance of pursuing the things that bring you true happiness. 

Want To Get Involved?

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker with the intention to produce work that contributes to the wider community, you might make a great candidate for the eighth iteration of Someday Stories. Submissions are open from now until the 20th of October, and thanks to increased funding from NZ on Air, eight stories will be accepted for production. 

Someday Stories are looking for “short films that articulate the change and impact on society the makers want for the future.” The organisation also encourages those who are “queer, trans, non-binary, Māori, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African, people of colour, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, live rurally in NZ, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence” to apply in order to platform stories of those from underrepresented communities. 

The chosen filmmakers will then have a budget of $15,000 for documentaries and $20,000 for a scripted drama. Those chosen will also benefit from workshops, mentorship, and script consultants who will work alongside the director to make sure the film comes out exactly as you want it to.