CERVICAL CANCER DOCO

~THE KAUPAPA~


We need your help. We have the opportunity to film an empowering documentary across a short space of time about an important but complex issue: HPV testing in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Cervical cancer is preventable, yet 50 women in New Zealand die from it each year.
 And in July 2023, central government will finally roll out a new HPV screening program. 
This new test detects abnormalities that can become cancer earlier and more effectively than the current smear test. It doesn't require a speculum exam (those with a cervix rejoice!) so women can self-test if they choose.

HPV testing and it's connection with cervical cancer is unclear to many, so it’s hard to understand the significance of this. 
This 7-8minute documentary will humanise the subject, give people an understanding of the significance of the new HPV testing technology and explore why this new way of testing could open up access for so many women around Aotearoa- potentially closing the access/equity gap that exists in Māori, Pasifika and rural communities.

We’ll follow gynaecologist Dr Helen Paterson, scientist Dr Jo-Ann Stanton, researcher Dr Beverley Lawton and others as they converge at ‘Shear-4-a-cause’ a 24hour Shear-a-thon in Central Otago, where an HPV mobile community testing study is taking place. It’ll be an opportunity to see just how accessible HPV testing can be.

This will be an empowering exploration of the women who are deeply committed to advocating for better care in women’s health, 
and providing access to those who need it.

~THE ASK~

Will you support us in finishing this doco?

Over Waitangi weekend we traveled to Central Otago and filmed our interviewees as they set about their work. We’ve had many many insightful conversations.

Now we begin the edit. We need $4500 to cover fees for our generous crew who are supporting us to make this happen, and other production and post-production costs.

We are asking you to support this documentary because we feel it's important that we raise public awareness of the July 2023 rollout to ensure the government doesn't delay this further and that there are tangible results around closing the equity gap. Speaking with various stakeholders is a way to not only inform the public on what is coming but also on what’s possible.

Ngā mihi nui,


Ashleigh Roworth (Producer) and Brooke Benton (Director)

~THE CREW~

Producer: Ashleigh Roworth

Director: Brooke Benton

DoP: Bill Bycroft

Editor: Conan Mornand-Stott

Colour Grade/Sound Mix: Paul Wedel