Looking for a Laugh

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I normally go surfing and garden as my stress release mechanisms. Neither have been of much help with all the rain we are having (I live in the Waitakeres) and the West Coast of Auckland is offering up limited opportunities at this time. Thank goodness the dams are full, though.

Today, however, I went looking for a laugh because I thought it would be beneficial to have some light relief amongst the collective depression many of us are experiencing due to this latest lockdown.

There’s a lot of gallows humour out there about COVID. I certainly chuckled but it’s not ray-of-sunshine stuff, so passed on the idea of including anything I came across, copyright issues aside.

Something I have done in the past for LOL entertainment is to watch Live At The Apollo on YouTube. Britain’s comedic best never fails to get me going.

This lockdown around, I’ve been watching more YouTube videos for distraction and learning than ever before. I’ve also been surfing vicariously on it. My virtual holiday to Bali and the Mentawais in Indonesia every day gets me over the West Coast doldrums. I now understand why YouTube is up there with TV1 and Netflix as one of the most popular choices for Kiwis 15+.

I was talking to a director yesterday about another matter and they told me they’d taken up drawing as a means to combat the funk. This person isn’t the only one who’s said in recent times that their creative output for work has suffered. And I’m struggling myself to get excited about ideas that would normally have me fizzing and putting fingers to keyboard.

The frustration with our current situation is palpable. All you have to do is watch/read/listen to the news. I’m often reminded, though, how fortunate we continue to be in comparison to the US, the UK and even Australia. I listen to a number of international podcasts and the presenters have essentially been in lockdown and nowhere near their workplaces for the last two years. Granted, our lockdown is stricter… but still.

What I’m clearly talking about here is mental health and wellbeing. Mine, yours, everybody’s. The longer this goes on the greater the need for us to look after ourselves and others in ways that lift our mental, and our physical, states.

Laughter may not be the panacea for all our psychological ills, but it is good medicine. So find a way to bring a smile, have a chuckle, or get yourself rolling on the floor in paroxysms. You’ll feel better for it. For those who need real help, here is a list of resources on offer.

In the meantime… Knock, knock!

Best response wins a Do The Right Thing campaign bag from us and will go in the next newsletter.

 

Tui Ruwhiu
Executive Director

Last updated on 4 November 2021

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Celebrating Asian Artists in Documentary Series Co-Directed by Member Nahyeon Lee

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Spotlighting Asian Artists in Aotearoa, Portraits is a new 12-part micro-documentary series with six episodes directed by DEGANZ member and participant of the 2021 Emerging Women Filmmakers Incubator, Nahyeon Lee.

Presented by Asian arts organisation Oryza, Portraits is a nuanced snapshot of Asian Artists in Tāmaki Makaurau and the intersection of creativity and identity in the diaspora. Filmed last year, the series has just launched the first episode, directed by Nahyeon and featuring Rosabel Tan, the founding editor of Pantograph Punch.

“It started with the big questions that I’m always asking myself, about how to respectfully tread the intersection between identity and creativity, how to ensure the artists are uplifted in the process, not flattened into a prescribed identity,” writes Nahyeon.

“I wanted this process to be a collaboration, where I would let the artists lead the conversation on how they wanted to define themselves and their work instead of thrusting assumptions and labels onto them.

“I’m so proud of this lil series and feeling really grateful for all the artists who trusted me and let me into their worlds to discuss their work.”

Nahyeon also directed episodes with filmmaker Roseanne Liang, interdisciplinary designer Michael McCabe, producer Puteri Raja Ariff, actor Pamela Sidhu and zine-maker Helen Yeung. Well done Nahyeon!

Episodes drop weekly on Oryza’s Instagram and website.

Last updated on 18 November 2021

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Chan Edits TVNZ OnDemand Series The Pact

Secrets, terminal illness, and differing opinions threaten to tear the Simpkins family apart in the The Pact, edited by DEGANZ member Brendon Chan. Described by Stuff.co.nz as a “thought-provoking and charming” series, The Pact comes right off the tail of last year’s euthanasia referendum. It follows a flawed but loving family as they are faced with tough questions and even tougher decisions when a family member decides to end their life after a terminal illness diagnosis.

The series explores a range of sensitive topics, including euthanasia and suicide. It was designed as a show to “open up conversations” by placing euthanasia at the forefront. The Pact examines how the decision to end one’s life impacts not only the individual concerned, but for those closest to them.

The Pact is available to watch now on TVNZ OnDemand.

Last updated on 3 November 2021

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Postponement Update: Directors Toolkit for Emerging Pan-Asian Directors

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I’m sorry to share with you all that we are going to need to postpone the Directors Toolkit for Emerging Pan-Asian Directors. The likelihood of Auckland reaching Level 2 before November 20-21 (the event dates) looks improbable.

Since our last workshop update, the Government has announced the new Covid-19 Protection Framework. Once 90% of eligible Aucklanders are fully-vaccinated, Auckland can expect to move to Red. From our perspective, Auckland will most likely move to Red from Level 3.

If Auckland moves to Red, there is a chance that we’ll be able to host the workshop in-person in mid-December with actions to keep participants and staff safe. Rob Sarkies is Wellington-based so, if regional travel is restricted, we are well-equipped to have Rob teach via video call to a room of participants.

Based on public health advice, you can expect safety actions to include:

  • Staying home if you are sick or required to self-isolate
  • Mandatory face coverings
  • Record keeping and QR scanning
  • Physical distancing
  • Proof of vaccination

More on the last point — to hold the workshop at Red, we would need to use vaccination certificates. As of today, DEGANZ is waiting for further advice from ScreenSafe before we make that decision. If Rob Sarkies is on video call, we will have a Zoom option for participants who are either unvaccinated or would feel more comfortable attending online.

In summary, this is an indication of what we anticipate as of today, and this could change as new public health advice emerges.

Finally, we will most likely need to reduce the class size slightly (12 – 15 people) depending on venue size and physical distancing requirements. As we will only consider applicants who have completed their applications, please remember to apply if you wish to be considered. I am extending the final application deadline to Monday 8 November, 9AM.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kia kaha,

Tema Pua
Events & Marketing Manager

Last updated on 4 November 2021

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McKenzie Directs Episode of Docu-Series I Am for TVNZ OnDemand

I Am a Cult Survivor, directed by DEGANZ member Karen McKenzie, follows the story of 17-year old David Ready and his journey escaping the religious cult, Gloriavale. After the death of his younger sister, David took on the leaders of the religious community, and was subsequently expelled from the only home he had ever known.

I Am a Cult Survivor – I Am David Ready is part of the third season of I Am, produced by Screentime New Zealand. It follows the tragic yet inspiring real-life stories of five local New Zealanders who have overcome adversity. The series, which has finished airing on TVNZ 1, is free to watch now on TVNZ OnDemand.

Last updated on 2 November 2021

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