Short Film – NARRATIVE DRAMA 2020
WATCH IT HERE
Synopsis
The day starts differently for Aroha today. She is a girl on a mission, in the darkness of her room, she packs her back, with all her important needs for her day ahead. Aroha makes her way out into the chilly morning. She stands in the driveway, she knows where she is going. We don’t see what she is doing, but as the morning takes light, her urgency increases. At the same time movement in her house. Lights flick on, doors open and close, muffled conversations happen. Dad leaves for work. Aroha carries on with her project.
Mum calls for Maria to get up and get her sister ready too. Aroha is not in the house. Where could she be? The park? She chased a butterfly there yesterday. The lake? She likes feeding the ducks. Mum and Maria split up, they search the neighbourhood. Aroha looks at her project as the sun climbs over the hills. Sun streams down the street. Aroha hears a call from behind her. Maria has found her. Aroha happy with her work, packs her back ready to go home. But not before casting a magic spell. Maria expresses that everyone is unhappy with Aroha, and she is making everyone late for work and school. They get home to a very unhappy mum. Maria walks Aroha to school. They walk the street where Maria found her that morning. Maria, earbuds in, texting and scanning Instagram, doesn’t take notice of the ahppy talkative Aroha. Aroha stops to talk to people outside their homes. Maria turns to see Aroha is no longer at her side. Aroha is watching as the neighbours interact with her creations. The street comes to life with imagination and play. Happy, Aroha carries on with her day.
Introducing
Iti Pounamu Peyroux as Aroha
Hineteariki McCorkindale as Maria
Anaru Barton as Dad
and
Amanda Billing as Mum
CREDITS
Written & Directed by Nicholas Riini
Producers Diana Baynton & Nicholas Riini
Director of Photography George Hennah
Editor Francis Glenday
Steadicam/Camera Assistant Dusty Millar
Gaffer Lee Scott
Sound Recordist Alf Rose
Wardrobe Dorhryen Allen-Heremia
Make-up Monique Taylor
Chalk Illustrators Anaru Ranapia & Evelyn Crawford
Animation Francis Glenday
Post Sound Steve Green
Colour Grade David McLaren
CAST
Iti Pounamu Peyroux as Aroha
Hineteariki McCorkindale as Maria
Amanda Billing as Mum
Anaru Barton as Dad
Barbara Seccombe as Voice of Barbara
Nicholas Riini as Voice of Hēmi
