Only F**ks Pat Me On The Head

About

"Only F**ks Pat Me On The Head" is a short documentary collaboration about Jon Little, a Wellingtonian with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The film creatively plays with the documentary genre using re-enactments alongside sequences of reality. While the film may leave you questioning what is real, it will leave you in no doubt about the reality of the experiences depicted. 

While CP affects everyone differently, for Jon, it affects his speech, body and somehow everyone's opinions of him. Jon, however, is a determined individual, heading to university at 18 and building a successful career in IT, coding with his left foot. Despite his success, Jon is constantly misunderstood by people who mistake his physical disability for an intellectual one. 

In this intimate documentary, Jon is shown to be an ordinary guy, navigating the world just as you and I do. The film follows Jon as he manages the challenges of finding a new job amid COVID-19, hiring a new support person, being a friend, and finding love. All while trying to avoid people who ask him how fast his electric wheelchair goes.

Key People 

Jon Little, our protagonist and collaborator, is a highly skilled software engineer and senior specialist who has worked for companies across New Zealand, Australia and the United States of America.  Jon is fascinated by emerging technology and tech innovation. He has two children and a love of techno music, dancing and gin.  Jon is excited to share his stories and experiences of disability in a creative and comedic outlet. 

Co-directors Steph Miller and Dr Paul Wolffram are both accomplished documentary filmmaker's with a range of award-winning short and feature-length documentaries between them.

Steph is an award-winning filmmaker based in Wellington. Her works tackle tough subjects with a cinematic style that is immersive and visceral. Her documentary Humans (which won the Best New Zealand Short DocEdge Festival 2019) focused on homelessness and gave context to the larger issue of the dehumanisation of the homeless community. 

Paul founded Handmade Productions Aotearoa Ltd in 2006 and his work seeks to push the boundaries of traditional documentary exploring the way we understand the world around us. His films have received international acclaim including the Jean Rouch Award from the Society of Visual Anthropology in 2012, Best Audio Visual Documentation at the Parnu International Documentary Film Festival 2013, and the Awesome Award from the Aperture International Ethnographic Film Festival in 2013.

Our Boosted Aims

We are seeking $1,000 through Boosted for this project. This will cover production costs including catering, additional equipment, transport and location fees.  Some may also go towards festival application fees. Thus far we have received some financial support and creative support from Ocular and access to production gear through Victoria University of Wellington. However, our project does not meet the specific requirements for funding through NZFC or NZ On Air which is why we are seeking extra support through Boosted!

This documentary also aims to give further opportunities to emerging talent and creatives in Wellington. This will be achieved by providing onset and post-production opportunities for young filmmakers as part of the crew.  

Your support would allow us to share Jon’s insights and experience with Aotearoa and the world. 

A unique Story that needs your help

We believe this passion project will challenge our audience's views on people with disabilities, showcase Wellington's vibrant community, and help make screen space for disabled people who are rarely depicted on screen and often misunderstood.  

Tēnā Koutou and thank you for your support.