Chiaroscuro

When the final performance at the theatre starts, a cleaning lady must take over the lead role by wearing the skin of the main act, before the praise she so desires goes towards someone else.

Welcome to Chiaroscuro a student-led psychological thriller short film that celebrates storytelling's power to unite. Our team consists of a diverse crew of filmmakers from varied cultural backgrounds, and is led by Māori, Bosnian, Samoan, and Nuien, offering unique perspectives on themes such as envy, jealousy, and the female gaze. We strive to acknowledge the insight that the cultural backgrounds of our creative leads give us and relish the opportunity to delve into Māori and Pasifika cultural concepts such as whanaungatanga and rangatiratanga. These concepts promote a sense of togetherness and supports every one of us to express ourselves creatively as young filmmakers. Our project and your support are meaningful for all of the whanau involved as they facilitate a space where we can be authentic to our whakapapa and express our individuality and uniqueness. Chiaroscuro showcases the beauty of different traditions through meaningful visuals and authentic narrative.

We are raising funds towards our location and art department, as well as catering for our crew and cast. Our film is being shot in the beautiful Opera House one of Wellington's iconic venues. Also, as the visuals are very important, the money towards our art department, will go towards creating some of the beautiful costumes, and pieces that the actors will be wearing and performing with.

Meet the Team!

Director and writer: Anja Lukic

Producer and 1st AD: Danielle Hogg

DP and Camera Operator: Lenuasi Tamapeau Su’a

1st AC: Nianyi Liu

Data Wrangler: Max Woolf

Production assistant: Ben Smith

Runner: Mary Maughann

2nd AD: Jorja McKeown

Head of lighting department: Cameron Marwick

Lighting assistant: Meg Weedon

Lighting assistant: Jayden Layton

Head of sound department: Arlo Macmillan

Sound assistant: Josh Woodall

Sound assistant: Daniel Chater

Sound assistant: Abby Lindsy

Head of art department: Alice Bratley

Wardrobe and makeup: Trinesha Kohitātea Kirkwood-Cudby

Wardrobe and makeup: Danii Tuivaiti

Art department assistant: Breon Scarlett

Art department assistant: Rata Shaw

Art department assistant: Paige Fatatautama

Makeup Artist: Lachlan Janie

Composer: Boya Zhang

Choreographer: Shinelia

Editor: Adam Gregory

Editor: Oliver Evans

BTS: Zio Zarate

We appreciate any and all support and hope that this project can inspire others to challenge film stereotypes, further amplify unprecedented voices in film through Māori and Pasifika input and build a more inclusive world through cinema.