Morning with Aroha

About us-

Kia ora e te whanau me te iwi, I am a father to an incredibly special needs daughter who surprises me, challenges me and lights up my life on a daily basis in a way I never thought possible. I am, a husband to De, an amazing, devoted woman, and I am also an Alpha to two rescued dogs. We live in Whakatane, and it is Whakatane where we want to shoot our short film.

The story of Morning with Aroha is very close to our hearts and is based on a selection of actual events. These events had a deep impact on our family at the time, and continues to shape the way we support our daughter to be unashamedly who she is. And this is why I want to tell this story.

What’s important about this film-

Morning with Aroha is a story about the resilience and the love and empathy that a special needs child has.

The film focuses on a day in the life of Aroha where we witness how her love, creativeness and need for acceptance drives her to share her feelings in the only way she knows.

Parents all over the world want their children to be loved and accepted for who they are. Ultimately, Morning with Aroha is a film about being true to one’s nature, however hard a road that is, whether you are accepted for it or not.

How you can help-

When you create a film of substance and quality, the essence of the story shines through and reaches into the hearts and minds of the audience.

While we are lucky to have the support of a creative community around us, donations received will go towards securing essential and skilled out-of-town crew, services and equipment.

De and I will produce the film, and we are lucky to have secured award-winning Director of Photography, David Paul, who is contributing his time and knowledge free of charge.

Our intention for this film-

As with Koro, my 2018 short film, our intention is to submit Morning with Aroha into all the A-list international film festivals. These festivals will have significant audience numbers.

We understand the level of story and film production required to be considered for these festivals and have the experience, commitment and passion it requires.

About me as a filmmaker-

I have written, directed and produced two fully self-funded short films that have premiered in international film festivals, as well as co-wrote and co-directed a short film funded by Maorilands Film Festival under the Native Slam banner.

Nga Mihi nui koutou.