Day One at Karangahape Rd FAM: Film Festival Edition
Come see Day One at Karangahape Road's special event FAM: Film Festival Edition on Saturday 2nd August. Day One presents two curated selections of short films from emerging Aotearoa filmmakers as well as insights from filmmakers in an intimate discussion about their craft.
All events on the day are free, all ages welcome.
✨ 2–3PM – DAY ONE SHOWCASE
📍 East Street Cinema
Join Day One Hāpai te Haeata at 2pm for a showcase featuring the best of emerging New Zealand filmmaking. This curated selection combines winning films from the Day One Challenge competition with funded shorts from the Day One program, presenting powerful stories that explore identity, belonging, and human connection across diverse cultural experiences.
These films traverse decades and communities—from historical struggles for communication and friendship in 1970s schools, to magical childhood adventures through night markets, to contemporary explorations of LGBTQIA+ identity including takatāpui experiences within Māori culture and trans community resilience. The program also features an exclusive sneak peek from an upcoming film exploring urban Māori trans identity and the search for belonging in new cities.
Following the 45-minute screening, join some of the filmmakers themselves for an intimate discussion about their craft. These emerging storytellers will share practical tips and insights covering everything from developing authentic narratives to accessing funding and resources. Whether you're just starting your filmmaking journey or looking to take your craft to the next level, this session offers valuable guidance directly from those creating the next generation of New Zealand screen stories.
Day One Hāpai te Haeata empowers rangatahi (youth) with the skills, resources, and platforms needed to develop their unique screen storytelling voices through accessible programs and dedicated mentorship.
Hand in Hand (11:05).
Director: Shelley Waddams.
Producer: Georgia Hoskins-Smith.
At a 1970’s NZ school where sign language is banned, two deaf girls risk it all to experience true friendship.
Yeah Pare (9:46)
Director: Albert Latailakepa.
Producer: Sean Dioneda Rivera.
Lost at the night markets, Janjan tries to find his parents. While searching, he befriends Kiuga, a child of a family working the stalls who takes him on a fantastical journey to find his loved ones.
He Takatāpui Ahau (11:12).
Director: Alesha Ahdar.
Producer: Komako-aroha Silver.
When encouraged to return to their Marae, a gentle non-binary person decides to go back to their tūrangawaewae despite uncertainty that they’ll be accepted for who they are.
The Social (9:54).
Director: Conor Bowden.
Producer: Olivia McClymont.
Finn is not ready to kiss a girl, so when forced to attend his first high school disco, he must avoid his friend’s pressure to “get with” one to keep his true feelings safe.
Space (2:42)
The despair of a trans experience transforms in a message of empathy, offering crucial insight and support for both trans and cis communities.
EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK: An excerpt from Ata Pūao (1min). Dir. and Writer Allie Powell, Prod. Angel Kameta.
Amid the nightlife of a new city, a young Māori trans-woman reckons with safety and isolation — as the promise of belonging rises just beyond the horizon.
KŌRERO: Stay after for a kōrero with some of the filmmakers. (Note: not all will be present.)
✨ 4-4:30PM - DAY ONE MUSIC & ARTS SHORTS / LOCALS VOL 1
📍 Pitt Street Church
Experience the intersection of music, arts, and film with Day One Hāpai te Haeata's curated selection of creative shorts. This dynamic collection showcases emerging New Zealand filmmakers exploring themes of cultural expression, artistic identity, and creative connection.
Featuring films including Poi, Whopper, No WW3, Normal, and Where Am I, this screening celebrates the diverse ways young artists express themselves through movement, music, and visual storytelling. Each film represents the unique voice of rangatahi (youth) filmmakers supported by Day One's accessible programs and mentorship.
Day One Hāpai te Haeata provides young creators with the tools and platform to share stories that might otherwise go untold, fostering the next generation of New Zealand's screen storytelling voices.
For the full FAM lineup see: karangahaperoad.com/FAM.