Loading Docs has just unveiled six new short NZ documentaries—and you can watch them right here, right now.
Celebrating a decade of platforming short-form documentary storytelling from Aotearoa, which has supported almost 200 filmmakers and amassed over 19 million views, Loading Docs has released six new films from their 10th season. This year’s theme was: Diverse, Daring and Dynamic.
As described by Loading Docs: “From a heart-pounding battle to protect ancient trees to a tender quest for extraterrestrial contact, this collection reflects the diversity of New Zealand storytelling. As a collection of films, it speaks to universal themes of social and environmental responsibility, connection to whenua, whānau and unity.
“The power of the collection was fully revealed at a sold-out premiere at the Hollywood Avondale last week. Audiences experienced a range of emotions; from erupting in laughter to shedding tears throughout the evening. Viewers were amazed at how much depth and meaning could be conveyed in such a short amount of time. Season 10 reinforces Loading Docs’ role as the go-to platform for short documentaries, with each film standing out while contributing to the celebration of our shared stories.”
Here are the six films from Loading Docs: Season 10.
Here the Wild Things Are
Dir. Kelly Gilbride
“Here the Wild Things Are is not your typical nature documentary—it’s a fast-paced, joyful exploration of urban wildlife hidden in our cities. Centred around the ‘City Nature Challenge,’ this global competition encourages cities to document the most species and engage the most participants.
“The film follows a diverse group of ecologists and citizen scientists over the course of three days as they delve into urban areas, from pavement cracks to treetops, capturing the often-overlooked beauty of the natural world. This inspiring quest highlights how conservation begins with noticing what’s right in front of us.”
Hifi Ulu
Dir. Chantelle Burgoyne
“Luka is a boy full of action and adventure, distinguished by his long, uncut hair—a proud symbol of his Niuean heritage. As his tenth birthday approaches, Luka prepares for the Hifi Ulu ceremony, a rite of passage that will mark his transition into young manhood.
“Navigating this milestone in his own unique way, Luka’s journey is quietly mirrored by his father’s unresolved feelings, having never experienced the ceremony himself. As the day draws near, anticipation builds, leaving everyone to wonder how Luka truly feels about this pivotal moment in his life.”
The Man Outside
Dir. Liv McClymont
“A young woman’s life turns into a nightmare when she realises her ex-boyfriend is stalking her. As his actions grow increasingly menacing, she turns to the Police, only to discover that Aotearoa’s legal system is unable to protect her due to the absence of anti-stalking laws.
“Left with no official support, she and her flatmates are thrust into a harrowing real-life thriller, where they must rely on each other to confront a threat that grows more dangerous with every passing day.
“A growing movement seeks to amend the Crimes Act 1961 to make stalking a punishable offence. To support anti-stalking legislation in NZ, visit antiviolenceactionnz.net.”
Mauri Moana
Dir. Nathaniel Howe
“He moutere tapu, he pātaka kai e tāmingia ana e tētahi pūkohu wai e hā kore nei i te mauri o te moana.
“On the serene shores of Aotea, Great Barrier Island, an ecological crisis is silently unfolding. Beneath the water, Caulerpa brachypus, an invasive algae species, rapidly spreads like a creeping shadow. This toxic invader disrupts the delicate balance of the island’s marine ecosystem, endangering not only marine life but also the ancestral fishing practices that have sustained the island’s community for generations. Will we let it smother the future of this marine sanctuary and all of Aotearoa?
“For more information and learn how to join the fight against Caulerpa visit: gbiet.org/caulerpa-response”
Out There
Dir. Alexis Smith
“Driven by a desire to understand her place in the universe, filmmaker Alexis Smith joins a mysterious New Zealand network dedicated to making contact with extraterrestrial life. Immersed in their meditative practices under the stars, Alexis uncovers the stories of this unique group, their experiences with extraterrestrial contact, and the stigmas they face. When she encounters evidence that pushes her to the edge of belief, it’s her own inner shadows that she must learn to accept.”
Tū Tonu – Still Standing
Dir. Andy Day & Brady Polkinghorne
“Kei te mura o te ahi a Zane Wedding, tohunga kake rākau, e kimi huarahi anga mua ana; ki te tū hei āki i ngā kariri o te wā, ki te whai rānei i tāna e ngākaunuitia nei?
“Zane Wedding (Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Pikiao), a world-class tree climber, has always been driven by competition. But when he takes a stand during a 60-day protest to save Auckland’s ancient trees, his life takes an unexpected turn.
“Arrested for his activism, Zane’s time in jail sparks a journey of self-discovery guided by the wairua of his tūpuna. He begins to question whether his love for tree climbing can coexist with a newfound sense of responsibility to protect nature and support his community. As Zane navigates this internal conflict, he must decide whether to continue chasing the thrill of the win or embrace a greater cause.
“Whai muri mai i tā Zane Wedding noho porotēhi mō ngā rā e 60, ki te tohu i ngā rākau tawhito o Tāmaki Makaurau, ka mauherea ia. Nā konā pūrangiaho mai ai te ara tika. I raro i ngā aratakitanga o ōna mātua tūpuna, ka parangia e ia he huarahi hou hei waha i ngā kaupapa nui whakahirahira, me te whakarere hoki i tāna e kaingākau nei.”
