Doc Edge 2020: 7 fascinating films made by Kiwis

By MiNDFOOD

Doc Edge 2020: 7 fascinating films made by Kiwis
The 2020 Doc Edge film festival is just around the corner, set to premiere online and nationwide on Friday 12 June. 

The filmmaking talent in Aotearoa has garnered acclaim from all over the world and this year, Doc Edge is showcasing a variety of talented Kiwis in their festival lineup.

From feature films to documentary shorts (part of Doc Edge’s 20+ free-to-watch short film collection), take a look at our ‘Made in NZ’ top picks.

 

I Want to Give My Brain to Richard Faull

30 years ago, Brently Ford’s life changed forever. Recently divorced, he joined an open day at the Centre for Brain Research in Auckland, led by renowned Kiwi neurologist Sir Richard Faull.

Swept up in the enthusiasm, Ford made it his mission to ensure his brain is donated to Faull when he passed away. 

But, there’s one problem: the optimal time for Faull to receive a brain is within 5 hours of death. Ford lives alone and if he were to die in his sleep, his brain could be left for 12 hours before someone found him.

So, Ford decided to come up with a clever solution: to log his activity every day.

Directed by BAFTA award-winner Folko Boermans, this film is a beautiful, charming and heartwarming story of one man and the legacy he wants to leave behind.

 

Kupe Voyaging the Stars

Directed by Pita Turei, Kupe Voyaging the Stars tells the incredible story of Hekenukumai ‘Hec’ Busby as he retraces the voyage of Kupe from the Pacific to Aotearoa.

Knighted by the Queen in 2018 awarded an MBE for services to Māori, Hec built 26 traditional waka before passing away last year at age 86.

In a special, one-time-only and free screening at 3pm on 22 June, take a journey with Hec has he sets off on his voyage and shares the ancient ancestral wisdom behind the mighty waka.

 

Return to Gandhi Road

In the 1950s, Tibetan Master Kangyur Rinpoche embarked on a dangerous journey: crossing the Himalayan mountains to India, to save two tons of Buddhist texts from the impending Cultural Revolution.

Told through the eyes of New Zealander Kim Hegan, one of the first Westerners to join Rinpoche’s Monastery in Darjeeling, Return to Gandhi Road is a profound tale of the Tibetan Master’s life and a touching look at healing from trauma.

Watch the trailer here.

 

Ruahine: Stories In Her Skin

Beautifully lyrical and intimate, Ruahine: Stories In Her Skin follows the ceremony of two women receiving their traditional moko kauae.

For Māori women, the ceremony is a visual assertion of their birthright and identity, while celebrating the spiritual power of their ancestry.

Director Hiona Henare brings us into an uninhibited experience, filled with traditional songs and stories.

Watch the trailer here. 

A Broken Earth

Part of the Doc Edge Original short film collection, A Broken Earth tells the story of environmental award-winning farmers Sarah Roberts and David Morrison as they face fracking and oil drilling along their quiet country road in Taranaki.

An investigation soon reveals a flawed regulatory system, negligent industry and the shocking lack of government oversight.

 

Rise

Join the young climate activists as they join the largest worldwide climate protest.

Rise goes behind the scenes as these young activists of Aotearoa show their heart, emotional strength and commitment to fighting for the cause and bringing about change.

 

We Rock!

A heartfelt and empowering celebration of music and identity, We Rock! follows a group of female, trans and non-binary musicians as they attend the yearly Girls Rock Camp Aotearoa.

Shining a light on the effects of a groundbreaking kaupapa, join the musicians, mentors and interns as they experience the trials and tribulations while preparing for their final showcase.

Watch the free, one-off screening of the three Doc Edge Original Shorts, A Broken Earth, Rise and We Rock! at 1pm on 18 June. 

 

The Doc Edge Festival 2020 opens online and nationwide on Friday 12 June – Sunday 5 July. Check out the full programme here: docedge.nz

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