Goners

OVERVIEW

“After a failed suicide attempt, a man finds himself stuck in a hospital room with a  terminally ill child, where he is forced to reconsider his perspective on life and must decide whether to live or continue down his suicidal path.”

This is a Massey University, Pasifika, and Maori-led project, our cultures are guiding our creative and technical decisions in the process of filmmaking. We hope to make a contribution to Pasifika and Maori Arts in Aotearoa.

“Goners” is an action packed drama short film that aims to bring awareness about mental health. This short film provides the viewer with a compelling narrative that not only entertains but gives you a positive outlook on life. Goners aims to inspire and touch its viewers, by building a connection with you, addressing the significance of mental well-being in our lives. 

 ABOUT US

The core team of “Goners” – Caleb Aiono, Danielle Hogg, Ieremia Allen, and Lenuasi Tamapeau Su’a–is a group of passionate filmmakers, looking to make a name for themselves, and make a change in this world. Our group members have experience overseas working with companies internationally, alongside having experience of studying and making films at Massey University. We have an amazing team behind us and are very confident in making this project a reality. 

OUR FILM

“Goners” is a short film that is set in a hospital about our main protagonist named Marcus, a man in his late 20s and our deuteragonist, Connor, a young terminally ill 9 year old boy. We explore themes such as nihilism vs existentialism, Marcus’ belief that life is meaningless vs Connor’s belief that we must create and find meaning through our existence in this world. Conflict arises between both characters who are almost complete opposites of each other. A man who wants to die vs a boy who wants to live, through this they build an unlikely friendship.

WHY?

-Director/Writer-Caleb Aiono

Mental health and well-being is a topic that I care deeply about. This story speaks to the universal struggle we all face in finding meaning and purpose in our lives. I want to tell this story to highlight the importance of life through the character journey of “Marcus” in hopes that it would positively affect viewers. I feel that I and many others would be able to relate to these characters throughout our own experiences in our lives. This is a film that I strongly believe needs to be made because it sheds light on the heavy topics of suicide and terminal illness. Not only does it raise awareness, but also speaks on a certain perspective/situation that would allow viewers to stop and think critically about it.

What had originally sparked my idea for this story was a question I had heard a long time ago that had stuck with me ever since; “How could I choose to take my own life, when others don't even have a choice?” I hope this question resonates clearly within this story and can be identified and relayed through the audience, leaving a strong and lasting impression.

YOUR SUPPORT

The funds raised from Boosted will be what we need to make this project a reality. This is an all or nothing campaign, if we don't reach our goal we won't get anything. Donations, big or small, would mean the world to us, and will bring us closer to our goal. 

Your donations will go to:

• Paying our talent
• Catering On-set
• Transportation of crew 
• Permits for locations
• Art Department for props and makeup
• Film Festival Distributions

CREW

Writer/Director: Caleb Aiono

Co-producer/ 1st AD: Danielle Hogg

Co-Producer/ 2nd AD: Ieremia Allen

Continuity: Jachin Brown

Director of Photography: Lenuasi Tamapeau Su’a

1st AC: Ashlee Stevens

2nd AC: Jadyn Vaai

Data Wrangler: Max Woolf

Head of Lighting Department: Ilaria Levick

Lighting Assistant: Josh Woodall

Lighting Assistant: Eddie Matthews

Lighting Assistant: Aidan Farmilo

Composer: Nisha Van Dijk

Head of Sound Department: Chris Whiting

Sound Assistant: Jeremy Garcia

Sound Assistant: Max Woolf

Sound Assistant: Adam Gregory

Head of Art Department: Sean Roode

Art Dept Assistant: Anja Lukic

Make-Up/Wardrobe: Ariana Copeland

Editor: Ilaria Levick

Daily Editor: Vinh Ah Nguyen

BTS Photographer: Zio Zarate

We will keep you updated on our social media, with weekly updates and posts on our fundraiser and short film.

Thank you so much,

Goners Team.