‘Ms. Information’ in Cinemas Now

After premiering at Whānau Mārama NZIFF this year, Ms. Information, directed by Gwen Isaac (DEGANZ), is now playing in cinemas nationwide.

The feature documentary is a visceral and intimate look into the life of the polarising, pink-haired microbiologist, Siouxsie Wiles, during her two years of public appearances around COVID-19. In March 2020, Gwen found herself in Siouxsie’s house as she stepped into the public eye and spoke out about the impending pandemic. What followed is the story of a mother and scientist who became a celebrity during extraordinary times.

The film has an all-woman team behind it, rare especially in the documentary space. Gwen shared with DEGANZ how important it is for her to support women in creative leadership positions in Aotearoa. She said:

So many of our New Zealand stories are totally cinematic and I hope that there are women directors coming up through the ranks – and being given opportunities –  to develop the skillsets to ensure our taonga are seen on the big screen. I did a lot of the filming for Ms. Information on my own […]. Sometimes the situation required crew and I did my utmost to find women soundies and DP’s to help engender the vibe I was going for, ideal for a film with a feminist Kaupapa.

You can check if Ms. Information is coming to a theatre near you here.

Last updated on 9 November 2023

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Hunter’s Handycam Time Machine

DEGANZ member Sarah Hunter invites viewers into the time machine that is her new docuseries, MARAUDERS. Through archive handycam footage, she reveals a never-before-seen side of iconic Kiwi musical group Fat Freddy’s Drop on their 2003 European tour.

The docuseries’ real-time linear delivery showcases the group’s early grit, character, and music-making process. Sarah joined the tour as the group’s photographer, but her documentation took an unexpected turn when she began filming on a borrowed handycam. Now, twenty years later, the footage spans four seasons, showcasing how the band made a name for itself internationally, and the groundwork that ultimately led to the acclaimed Based on a True Story album.

Seasons one and two are out, covering the band’s six-week stint in London. Seasons three and four are out later this month, on 13 and 20 November, respectively.

Catch the series on RNZ here.

Last updated on 9 November 2023

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‘Te Hokinga Mai – The Return’ Out Now

The first two episodes of Te Hokinga Mai – The Return, produced and directed by DEGANZ member Kathleen Mantel, are available to watch on Whakaata Māori now.

The eight-part docuseries offers an intimate look into people’s journeys across Aotearoa as they connect with their Māori whakapapa and whenua. While some are just beginning this journey of connection, others are further down the path.

The opening title offers a glimpse at how Aotearoa’s rapid urbanisation impacted the indigenous people of the land. The series unpacks this further, featuring a new and unique story each week from different parts of the country.

Catch the series here.

Last updated on 9 November 2023

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Gardiner-Hoskins Wins at ImagineNATIVE

DEGANZ member Piata Gardiner-Hoskins, with Todd Karehana, won the ImagineNATIVE Film Festival’s Experimental Audio Award for their scripted drama podcast The River. The accolade comes with a $1,500 cash prize.

Piata co-directed and co-wrote the six-episode crime podcast. When a young woman disappears, three estranged cousins must join forces to solve the mystery. But all paths lead to a river that flows both ways – Waihara.

Other DEGANZ members’ mahi also screened during the festival. Among the 13 Kiwi productions accepted to the festival were Inky Pinky Ponky, directed by Ramon Te Wake; Red, White & Brass, co-edited by Ben Powdrell; and No Maori Allowed, edited by Cushla Dillon.

ImagineNATIVE, based in Toronto, is the world’s largest presenter of indigenous film and media arts. This year’s festival featured films spanning 74 Indigenous Nations and 40 Indigenous languages.

Congratulations, Piata, on the win!

Last updated on 9 November 2023

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‘The Sea Inside Her’ Sea-ks Support

Want to see a 6-foot-long shark swim through a living room? DEGANZ members Alyx Duncan and Adam-Luka Turjak are raising funds through Boosted to do just that in their new silent film, The Sea Inside Her.

When a loving grandmother, left to care for her grandchild, has to cope with an unravelling bedtime routine, her deepest fears begin to take on physical forms. Desperate to protect her grandchild from the emerging dangers, the grandmother fights off the terrors surrounding them despite the emotional consequences.

Alyx directed the piece using her unique movement-led filmmaking, incorporating performers, puppets, and VFX to create lyrical surrealism within the frame. This style builds upon her previous short, The Tide Keeper, where she wove the fantastical and mundane together. Alyx is also one of three producers of the film, alongside Michele Powles, who wrote the piece, and Lani-rain Feltham.

Adam-Luka has been at the helm of the project’s post-production as the Editor, Post-Production Supervisor, and one of the Visual Effects Compositors.

The team is now looking to raise $8,000 to cover the project’s final costs, including removing puppeteers and strings and completing the final colour grade.

You can check out their Boosted campaign here!

Last updated on 7 November 2023

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