Netflixโ€™s Sweet Tooth Made with Kiwi Help

Sweet Tooth will premiere June 4 on Netflix. Based on the comic book of the same name by Jeff Lemire, the series follows a lovable half-human and half-deer boy as he embarks on a dangerous adventure across a post-apocalyptic world. Production for Sweet Tooth was granted permission to film in NZ despite the travel restrictions brought on by covid, a production that involved many Kiwis.

DEGNZ member Robyn Grace was one of them, directing on an episode and working as the first assistant director on others. Fellow DEGNZ member Toa Fraser, who recently revealed his battle with early onset Parkinsonโ€™s on Twitter, served as Producing Director for the season. Toa spoke with Saturday Morning on RNZ about life with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Kia kaha Toa.

 

 

Last updated on 6 May 2021

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Poppy in Cinemas May 27

Edited by DEGNZ member Jonno Woodford-Robinson, Poppy, inspired by real life hero Poppy Anderson, tells the story of a young woman with Down Syndrome who refuses to let that define her and decides to take control of her own life. Libby Hunsdale told Sunday TVNZ that โ€œWe shouldnโ€™t think of Down Syndrome as an illness or condition, it can be a success toolโ€.

The film was the first local film to resume production after a long hiatus caused by coronavirus in 2020. Poppy was written and directed by Linda Niccol and will open in NZ cinemas on May 27.

Head to their Facebook page to follow the film.

 

 

Last updated on 6 May 2021

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Lever’s Revolt, She Said Q&A on May 7

Where is the real progress in feminism? That’s the main question being asked in Louise Leverโ€™s (DEGNZ) latest film Revolt, She Said. Featuring candid interviews with Former Prime Minister of NZ Helen Clark and other inspiring Kiwi and Australian women, the documentary discusses why women are considered the secondary gender.

Nominated for Best Documentary at the New York Independent Film Festival, Revolt, She Said will be showing in Auckland on May 7 at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre, followed by a Q&A with Louise herself.

Purchase your tickets here.

 

Last updated on 6 May 2021

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Tribeca to Screen Samoan Short Film Liliu

Liliu has officially been selected to screen at the Tribeca Film Festival this year. Edited by DEGNZ member Peter Roberts, Liliu follows a young court interpreter (Vito Vito) who risks everything to help Nua (Ana Tuisila), a wrongfully imprisoned chief.

Filmed in Samoa, the short film was written and directed by Jeremiah Tauamiti (My Fatherโ€™s Kingdom) who is of Samoan descent. Originally released in 2018, Liliu has won awards such as Best Narrative Short Film at the FIFO Festival held in Tahiti.

The film will screen on June 20.

Last updated on 6 May 2021

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Watch Davies’ Inspiring new docuseries The Collective

DEGNZ member Rachale Daviesโ€™ new eight-part docuseries, The Collective, is now available to watch online on RNZ. Created and produced by Rachale, the series follows six young musicians as they embark on a powerful journey of self-discovery.

The eight episodes revolve around the young musicians taking part in a youth music programme designed to give them real-world skills and help them make positive life changes through the power of music.

Speaking to RNZ, Davies stated how amazing the experience was working with the crew to document the โ€œstories of these six talented rangatahi and I think viewers will find their stories compellingโ€.

Up-and-comer Hunter Crouchley served as the DOP for The Collective, which is also available to watch on TVNZโ€™s Re: website.

Last updated on 4 May 2021

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