Series Classification: M (Mature Audiences - contains references to self-harm, suicide, and psychosis)
Genre: Documentary
A short documentary on bipolar disorder, Taurewarewa explores the highs and lows of tides and emotions in a sequence of insightful kōrero framed against a backdrop of Aotearoa's turbulent oceans.
Credits:
Writer/Director: Libby Witheford-Smith
Producer: Lily Groenhart
Production Mentor: Nicola Smith
Pou tikanga consultant: Alesha Ahdar
Script Consultant: Dame Gaylene Preston
Production Crew Profiles:
Libby Witheford-Smith
While working at New Zealand Film and Television School, Libby wrote a short comedy-drama, Old Haunt, which went on to win Best Next Gen Short at Melbourne Women in Film Festival 2024. Soon after, they have made their directorial debut with Taurewarewa. They appear both in front of and behind the camera in this impactful short documentary.
Lily Groenhart
Through studying at New Zealand Film and Television School, Lily realised she wanted to go into production. She has worked on various small-scale projects in different production roles. Taurewarewa was Lily's first time producing a funded project, and she was lucky enough to do it alongside her close friend, Libby, and help her bring the project to life.
"Taurewarewa" poster Photo: Day One
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