Last Shot at Messenger - Post Production

9 months ago, we had an enormously successful Boosted campaign for our film Last Shot at Messenger. We have completed filming this documentary which explores an ancient wetland and a $280 million dollar highway project that threatens to level it.

ABOUT LAST SHOT AT MESSENGER

As the construction of Taranaki's largest roading project begins construction, a multi-generation cattle farmer and the Poutama hapū take a final stand to protect the ancient wetlands that they claim the Mt Messenger Bypass is destroying. In this short documentary, we have been able to capture the stunning tranquillity of the Mangapēpeke Valley (Mt. Messenger) wetlands, feel the wairua tangibly flow through the valley, and hear the chainsaws fell virgin ngāhere on the hillsides above. Our main character, Tony, and the future of the Mangapēpeke Valley speak a universal story of the human relationship with the environment in the face of its destruction. After the floods in Auckland, East Coast, and around New Zealand, this story only further illustrates the necessity of wetlands and the consequences of expanding infrastructure.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We have finished physical production on Last Shot at Messenger after two trips down to the region. We slept at the local wharenui o Poutama, shared and captured beautiful vistas of this threatened wetland. Our work however isn’t complete. Even though the film is beautifully crafted and has a timely and important message, we need this film to have an impact, and create change. Major areas of the wetland and Mt Messenger are currently in the process of being stripped of its native fauna to prepare the motorway.

We need this additional Post Production fund to finalise our Sound Design, Colour Grade, and push this film out through marketing, film festivals, and premiere screenings. Your donations will directly aid in getting this film seen. All donors will receive their names in the credits, an invite to the premiere screening in Tāmaki Makaurau, and exclusive screener link of this project if you are unable to attend. A big mihi to all previous donors! Your donations were used wisely and contributed to an important and unfolding kaupapa. If you are unable to donate, please share our page with your friends and family and help us to help share this story.

Thank you for your support - we could not make this film without it.

MORE ABOUT THE TEAM

Ethan Alderson-Hughes - Director
Ethan is an emerging filmmaker dedicated to developing climate activism and social justice oriented content. Day-to-day, he edits science communication content for the video production company Aotearoa Science Agency, and has regular involvement in climate activism groups, such as Generation Zero, and Pollinator Paths. After graduating AUT with a major in screen production, Ethan’s first endeavour into the short documentary format was as part of Chilldocs 2019 with his film ‘Kaitiaki’, which he produced, directed, and edited. He is perhaps best known for his 2021 short documentary ‘A Fracking Tour of Taranaki’, which he directed and edited as part of Someday Stories series 5. You can view Ethan's portfolio here.

Micah Winiata - Producer & Cinematographer
Micah Winiata (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Porou) is an experienced short film producer and filmmaker born in Tauranga Moana and currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. With a slate of short documentaries and narrative thrillers in the works, his most recent experimental documentary TAIAO won the Best Aotearoa Project at Vision Feast Film Fest and multiple festival entries including Birrarangga Film Festival, the Wildlife Conservation Film Fest, Māoriland Film Fest, and Wairoa Film Festival. He is the Producer’s Assistant on upcoming feature films, ONE WINTER (2023) and BOOKWORM (2024). He has produced numerous independent short films over in Chicago, USA such as HADES and SONATA, and created a micro-budget feature film prior to that entitled FAINT OF HEART with numerous Shortland Street cast attached. Micah’s films for the 48 Hour Film Festival have seen him in the National Finals after winning the Christchurch Regionals and winning The Outlook for Someday NZFC Filmmaking achievement award for his first Kaupapa Māori film, TE ARA WHAKAMUA. His first short film AN HOMAGE won the national competition for the IYSFF and was accepted into the Sharjah International Children’s Film Fest, taking him to Dubai in late 2018. Micah is currently on the board of trustees for Film Bay of Plenty and is currently working as a Producer’s Assistant at Firefly Films, Tahi Production Services, and the Programme Coordinator at Share the Knowledge.