RŪRANGI: FILM SCREENING & ARTIST TALK

Film Screening: 6.30pm - 8pm

Artist Talk: 8pm - 9pm

Bookings essential.

Free parking at the rear of the building. Free refreshments provided.

COLE MEYERS - WRITER AND CO-PRODUCER:

"We’re not interested in seeing another story told about us, any more transition stories, trauma or tropes. These are so often about how other people see us, how other people experience us. We want to see stories on screen made by us."

FILM SYNOPSIS:

Caz Davis left his home in the small town of Rūrangi, abandoning everyone, and moved to Auckland to start his new life where he transitions. Years later, he returns to the town where he grew up for the first time as an out trans man. He now must face the people whom he abandoned and start to rebuild those relationships. His father is upset with him for missing his mother's funeral, and is also trying to process his transition from being his daughter to now being a trans man. Anahera, his best friend growing up, who is now trying to re-connect with her Māori heritage, is also confused and hurt by his sudden decision to leave without saying good-bye. When he finally faces his ex-boyfriend Jem, who had already made life plans for the two of them to be together, he must explain his reasons for leaving him behind. Meanwhile, Jem is questioning his uncertain feelings, because he is still attracted to Caz, but unsure if it's old feelings coming to the surface, or whether he is now attracted to Caz's masculinity.

AWARDS:

2022 International Emmy Awards (New York, United States)

• Best Short Form Series

2021 New Zealand Television Awards

• Best Supporting Actor: Arlo Green
• Nominated for Best Drama Series

2021 - LesGaiCineMad, Madrid International LGBT Film Festival - Jury Prize for Best Screenplay

2021 - Melbourne Queer Film Festival - Jury Award for Best International Feature

2020 Frameline (LGBTQ+ Festival, United States)

• Audience Award for Narrative Feature

Festivals include

• New Fest (LGBTQ+ Festival, United States)
• Sydney Mardi Gras Film Festival - Closing Night Film

Cole Meyers is a writer, activist and educator. Cole is the writer and co-producer of the International Emmy Award winning series Rūrangi. They work as a consultant on trans and gender diverse narratives and inclusion in film, television, web series and theatre, including at New Zealand's long-running series Shortland Street, where they are currently a dialogue writer and previously a story-liner. They also work as a policy and PR consultant for businesses, non-profits and the NZ Film Commission. Cole is a regular speaker and interviewee on trans representation, and are passionately focused on supporting the authentic representation, creative opportunities and powerful potential of gender diverse people.

Host or Publisher Te Atatū Peninsula Community Hub