ReUnion

Who is behind the project?

We are Taranaki local creatives that are passionate and motivated to produce quality art, here in our amazing region.

What is the project?

When a young woman has a chance meeting with an old school friend, she must consider what it means to truly connect with someone, no matter the circumstances of their reunion.

ReUnion is a short film that invites us to examine what we believe to be normal about relationships. Nothing in the world of ReUnion is normal – but is that so different to our world?

Why are we making ReUnion?

We are passionate about cinema.

We believe film is perhaps the purest form of artistic collaboration - and by seeking assistance from the community in order to bring ReUnion to life, we invite you to participate in this collaboration.

We also want to inspire others – Kiwis can make all sorts of films, even in smaller towns on smaller budgets.

What impact will this project have?

We aspire to continue putting Taranaki on the map as a creative destination, particularly in terms of filmmaking. With the recent success of The Mountain, we want to showcase more local talent through a different type of storytelling.

This story doesn’t set out to make any moral claims, but rather, it invites questions. It will challenge people to evaluate the norms of our dating culture. We believe these questions are pertinent to maturing our understanding of what it means to connect to one another in an increasingly isolated world.

How and why should people help?

This is an opportunity to showcase Taranaki’s talent. It is a chance to tell new stories. It is a chance to see Taranaki, and a broader Western culture, through new eyes. Should this project be as successful as we dream - we hope it leads to growth for us as contributors, but also the wider creative community.

Spread the word, pledge a donation - every little bit helps, and help get ReUnion made!

Meet the Team!

Kurt Biesiek - Writer & Director
Toni Marie Smith - Lead Actor & Producer
Franzi Maciej - Lead Actor
Tim Hencz - Composer & Associate Producer
Graeme Tidswell - Director of Photography
Lleyton Taylor - Editor
Sam Stachurski - Hair & Makeup

Follow our socials for bio’s of the team 🙂

Extras

Nathan Hedley
Josh Gross
Corryn Parry
Suzy Adair
Shelley Baldwin
Brenda McCarthy
Aimee Morrell
Kim Daine
Phill Spear
Hannah Haskell
Michelle Goodman
Jessica Charlotte
Amy Wilson
Murray Smith
Brian Levine
Jeff Handcock
Finbarr McCarthy
Kayleb Duckett
Adam Harris
Alvin Vas
Ali Campbell

What Will The Money Be Spent On?

57% is for the time and expertise of the creatives.
17% is for production design - that is, costumes, props and set dressing.
15% is for kai for the cast and crew during the shoot.
11% is for Boosted, and for some marketing costs.

A $50 donation could be three costumes for extras, it could be a meal for a number of crew, it could be the payment for hiring some lights, it could be a couple of hours of an expert creative’s time - it could be the difference!