The new season of Loading Docs, the New Zealand short filmmaking doco initiative, has arrived. Read on for info on the eight new shorts, the theme that binds them, and how to watch the entire collection.
Revolution. It’s an appropriate theme for a year full of social movements and political unrest. Now in its seventh season, Loading Docs has put out eight new short docos about revolutions and revolutionaries in Aotearoa. They’re available to watch now for free on all devices via loadingdocs.net and TVNZ OnDemand.
“In the past year, many unforeseen things have happened in Aotearoa, New Zealand,” says Julia Parnell, Co-founder & Executive Producer. “Through the unknown, our Loading Docs filmmakers have stayed strong to create eight documentaries about some of the most important issues in modern history. I could not be prouder of the team’s tenacity to not only finish the films but to have crafted exceptional stories that will open hearts and minds.”
Loading Docs is a multi award-winning short documentary initiative achieving over 13.9 million views to date and providing mentorship to documentary makers through the development process, crowdfunding, production and distribution.
Here’s a brief rundown of all eight films in the 2020 collection.
OK Chlöe
Director: Charlotte Evans
Millennial MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, challenges the establishment during the most important year of her political career.
In a momentous year, Aotearoa’s youngest MP vows to radically change the political status quo from within. But behind the ‘OK Boomer’ politician is a person. Chlöe must weigh up the pressures placed on her versus her innate desire to make a difference. Learn what it’s truly like being a revolutionary member of parliament in a political system disconnected from those it represents.
Going Home
Director: Ashley Williams
To celebrate the adventurous life of her late Uncle Clive, she takes a leap of faith and learns to fly.
A decade after his death, Ashley takes off on an emotional journey of reconnection. Following in her Uncle’s larger-than-life footsteps, she wants to do one of the things he loved most, fly like a bird. Can his memory instill Ashley with the courage she needs to reignite her zest for life, and understand his?
One Year On
Director: Francesca Mackenzie
A year after the Christchurch Mosque terror attack, a voice for the Muslim & refugee community asks himself what more he can do.
Approaching the memorial of the 51 victims, Guled Mire prepares to step back into the spotlight. When the one year anniversary is overshadowed by a national health crisis, frustration starts to grow at the lack of change. Struggling to get his perspective heard and at a personal crossroads, Guled worries that the opportunity to confront racism and islamophobia has passed. Can he stand up once more to make a difference?
Table for One
Director: Jenny Gao
Against all odds, an ageing table tennis icon sacrifices it all for one last shot at Olympic greatness.
In her final bid for gold, New Zealand’s Chunli Li, faces the lonely road of isolation and self-funding in sport, unveiling the reality of her tireless commitment to win. Joining her after-hours reveals an intimate glimpse into the true sacrifice of a sporting legend whose hopes of achieving her lifelong goal begin to fade.
Te Wao Nui
Director: Ngāriki Ngatae
Kauri are dying. A traditional Māori healer has one last chance to save an entire forest, one tree at a time.
A devastating disease threatens to destroy Aotearoa’s last remaining Kauri trees. Standing in the way of losing these prehistoric giants forever is a Māori healer. Tohe Ashby is looking for answers held within the ancient knowledge of the first nations of Aotearoa – mātauranga Māori. Discover the roots of indigenous medicine in a final bid to save the last of these great trees. E ara! Ka tangi te Kauri.
About Bloody Time!
Director: Rachel Judkins
A self-deprecating 40-year-old on a mission to finally ditch her period cringe.
On the brink of her 40th birthday and fed up with her bloody period, filmmaker Rachel turns the camera on herself to challenge the shame that comes with her monthly visitor. Hellbent on breaking the code of silence, she drags her family and friends along for the ride. Will the hormones take over or can she find something in the mess to celebrate?
Wahine Warrior
Director: Emma Calveley
After a brush with death, she was reborn a warrior. Using hunting as therapy, she must overcome her past to lead a self-sustained sisterhood.
Pania Tepaiho-Marsh understands the anxiety for single parents to put kai on the table. Reinventing herself to help other wahine escape the same life of welfare and abuse, she enriches them with hunting skills to live off the land. However, with the feeling they’re ‘destined to be nothing’, can Pania help them harness a fear of the unknown to build a revolution?
Siouxsie & the Virus
Director: Gwen Isaac
A science superhero with pink hair wages war on COVID-19 to convince an entire nation to lockdown.
With time running out to fight the oncoming pandemic, an unconventional expert delivers vital information to a panicked public. Go behind-the-scenes as Dr Siouxsie Wiles faces a growing media storm from the confines of her family home. Siouxsie & the Virus is a unique insight into one woman’s countdown to a defining moment in New Zealand history.
