The 2012 nominees are:
Feature films
Te Kumara – Te Mauri Tau (45 mins)
A beautifully crafted documentary about the traditional ways of growing and storing kumara by Whaingaroa’s own Te Mauri Tau.
The Most Fun You Can Have Dying – Chocolate Fish Pictures (97 Mins, R16)
Filmed partly in Raglan, this dramatic feature film, is a story of hope and chance by directing your own life story. Young and charming but with just a few months left to live, Michael “borrows” money raised for his treatment and heads overseas, intent on being carefree and irresponsible with no ties or attachments. All goes to plan until he meets Sylvie, a beautiful and enigmatic young French woman. Writer/ director Kirstin Marcon. “A moving New Zealand drama with top-notch acting, some enchanting locations and at its heart a rollercoaster story posing the question what would you do if you were told you were going to die?” – NZ Film Guide
Sky Whisperers Ranginui – WickCandle Film (69 mins)
A thought-provoking environmental film exploring and calling us to a closer intimacy with our skies. It shows how to appreciate and explore the sights and sounds of our sky, how we establish a way of living and doing business which results in non pollution of our skies, and what tools we have and what action we can take to restore air and skies that have been damaged. Starring Pouroto Ngaropo and James Waiwai, directed by Kathleen Gallagher, cinematography by Mark Lapwood, with music composed by Whaingaroa’s Aroha Yates-Smith.
Short films
Art to Wear 2012 – Groundswell Media/Duazo
Documentary on the 2012 Raglan Art to Wear competition and show filmed in the Raglan Town Hall. Art to Wear is by Juan Duazo and Maryann Tuao.
The Dump – Scottie Productions (10 mins)
Told over the space of a day and through the eyes of 11-year-old Utah, The Dump is a comedy/drama about a boy and the gradual bond he develops with his estranged dad Orlando, the sole employee at a tiny rubbish dump in rural New Zealand.
Directed by Hamish Bennett, written by Hamish Bennett and starring Patricia Vichmann, Reiki Ruawai and Orlando Stewart.
Selected for Dallas International Film Festival, NZ International Film Festival, Palm Springs Film Festival and Montreal Film Festival.
Kiwis again Seabed Mining – KASM
Video featuring many Raglan Whaingaroa residents stating their reasons and views for opposing mining of the seabed. A collective of everyday people come together to express their love of our marine environment and their commitment to protect that environment from economic exploitation.
Monochromacy – Puklowski Productions (5 mins)
Inspirational drama produced for and entered in the V48 Film Making Competition. A short film about two sisters who get a new look at life after a life-changing operation. Written, directed, shot and cut by Micah Puklowski. Starring Tassanee Puklowski and Ariana Brunet. Shot in Hamilton, New Zealand with help from Andy Baigent and Finn Puklowski. Hamilton V48 Hours finalist.
Raglan 1st Grom Skateboard competition – Lee-Pope/Ruawai (3 mins)
Documentary on a day’s skateboarding competition at the Te Kopua skateboard bowl. Captures the highlight of this first Raglan Grom Skateboard event for under 16 years, under 13 years and under 10 years competition held a the Raglan skate bowl on 7 July 2012. This video shot by Billy Lee-Pope, with music by Brian Ruawai, was part of the Groundswell Media Shoot Out at the event with Billy as the lone videographer and the other photographers.
Whiff Drawers – Groundswell Media (7 mins)
Romantic comedy produced for and entered in the V48 Film Making Competition. The rules for a first date! Filmed in and around Raglan.
Directed by Maryann Tuao, written by Jared Thomas, starring Marten ten Broek and Athene Jensen. Edited by Turanga Kereopa with music by Brian Ruawai, Nicholas Stevens, Marten ten Broek and cinematography by Juan Duazo. Hamilton V48 Hours finalist and Hamilton runner-up.
Music videos
Darkness to Light – Kereopa (4 mins)
Music video featuring NRG Rising by Turanga Kereopa.
Journey – Cornerstone Roots/Duazo (5 mins)
Music video covering a day in the Raglan life of 12 year-old Cornerstone Roots band member, Reiki Ruawai. It was filmed in Raglan, over the 2012 Summer. “Journey is a reflective song about how we respond to life’s ups and downs”, says bandleader Brian Ruawai. This song was written on Cliff St during the endless summer 2011/2012 where there was plenty of sunshine, music, kids playing all day, surfing and skating and having fun. The greatest playground to raise your children. It was directed by Brian Ruawai and Naomi Tuao with filming and editing by Juan Duazo and final production by Maryann Tuao of Groundswell Media.
Silent Tears – Indiefilm Productions (4 mins)
Music video featuring Raglan performer Lucy Cioffi, aka Little Lapin. The video has a vintage Victorian feel and is filmed at Woodlands Historic Homestead in the Waikato. Lucy’s hair was done by the wonderful Michael of Fabrik, with make-up by Claire Zhao. Annah Stretton lent Lucy the fabulous frocks. Also appearing in the video is Matthew, a local Hamilton hunk and actor.
Director Murdoch Daly, Producer Borden Li.
Skinny – Kereopa (4 mins)
Music video featuring Ariana by Turanga Kereopa.
All of the short films are screened at the awards ceremony along with highlights of the nominated features. And then the honours are awarded. Films are awarded in various categories, as well as the overall RAFFA Creative Force Award. The RAFFA award trophy is designed by local Whaingaroa steel artist, Philip Meek.
Although the RAFFA ceremony is sold out, there will be an opportunity to see the winning movies at a special screening on Sunday 23 September at 1.30pm, with a screening of selected RAFFA films
The event is sponsored by Creative Communities Waikato District and Flux Media.
The Film Festival has its own website: www.raglanartscentre.co.nz/rff/