Loading Docs: The Road to Whakarae

The Road to Whakarae winds deep into the Urewera Ranges where kaumatua Beam Titoko is putting on his best cowboy hat and boots, digging out his classic Gibson guitar and preparing to sing a waiata to call his whanau back home.

An affectionate portrait of the Tuhoe people, The Road to Whakarae presents the simple lifestyle and closeness of whanau who have stayed on traditional lands to keep the home fires burning.

Filmmaker: Directors Aaron Smart and Tim Worrall

Tim Worrall: Co-director / Co-producer

Tim Worrall.

Tim is Ngai Tuhoe and currently one of the chairmen of Tauanui Marae. An independent artist, Tim has worked in ta moko, graphics, carving, design and painting all his adult life.

In the last ten years he has focused on writing and directing for film and television with the dream of making films with and about the Tuhoe tribe that are uplifting and entertaining.

Aaron Smart: Co-director / Co-producer

Aaron is an independent video producer, director, camera operator, editor and company director of Smart As Productions. Since gaining a diploma in film production, Aaron has worked as an editor on top-rating television shows and produced a variety of short films and promos for corporate clients and charity organisations.

Aaron Smart.

His passion for documentary shorts has seen Aaron achieve success in various international film festivals for his short work.

Filming location: Waimana, Tuhoe Country, Urewera
Filmmaker Statement:

"Loading Docs has been a great opportunity to collaborate with like-minded filmmakers. We are also really looking forward to the launch of this collection of projects aimed at diverse audiences on a single platform. Loading Docs is also a really exciting opportunity to understand and participate in the new internet-based world of direct film distribution, community participation and crowdfunding."

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