Here and Now: The Musical

Our musical short film, Here and Now: The Musical (working title), will be submitted to the WSU x Nexus Film Festival and other local and international film festivals, such as the Third Culture Film Festival. Through music and movement, the film gives voice to unspoken desires and inner conflicts—and how, in the most unexpected moments, connection can spark hope, vulnerability, and transformation. Furthermore, this short film is led by university students from the Filipino community here in Tauranga. With your support, we will use the funds raised for production and post-production expenses. We will also ensure transparency on how funds are used on our social media.

This musical short film is brought to life by a passionate crew of university students from the University of Waikato–Tauranga. Hermes Condinato (Writer/Director) and CJ Taotao (Producer). With their experience from projects such as the Fortress 40 and the Third Culture Film Festival, the team brings a heartfelt and authentic narrative to the screen—one that delves into intimate themes of love, ambition, and profound yearning for connection.

THE TEAM

Director and Writer: Hermes John Condinator

Producer: CJ Taotao

Main Cast

Paul: Keon Hensed

Gabbi: Christanna Catamora 
 

Crew 

DOP: Ryan Estremos

First AD: Elaina

Editor and Sound Designer: Xod Plania

Musical Score Artist:  Ethan David Gipanao

Original song by: Kherby Ancao & Jeanna Mari Angeles

Health and Safety Officer: Tesia Dhall

With your gracious support, it could help us financially acquire our resources needed to make this dream a reality. Hence, we are raising funds to meet the additional costs of producing this short film.

• Equipment rental (camera, sound)
• Music licensing and original composition
• Paying and feeding the cast & crew (many of whom are volunteering their time or working for reduced rates)
• Post-production (editing, colour grading, sound mix)
• Festival submissions and promotion

Here and Now (working title) is a musical short film that explores the deep yearning and desperation for human connection between two workaholics, each consumed by ambition and routine. 

In a sun-drenched park, two strangers—Paul, a hopeful corporate worker, and Gabbi, a pragmatic nurse—meet for the first time after matching online. Amid playful doubts from their friends and their own quiet nerves, they cautiously explore a connection through shared poetry and fleeting glances. As duty calls Gabbi away, their moment seems to end before it begins—but a final gesture from Paul offers a glimmer of something more. Here and Now (working title) is a gentle, lyrical snapshot of modern romance, capturing the beauty of brief connections and the hope that even a single afternoon can mean something lasting.

Your support helps us share a powerful and timely message—one that speaks to the loneliness beneath our busy lives, the quiet ache of burnout, and the universal longing to feel truly seen and loved. It will also help emerging talents and filmmakers from Tauranga to showcase their talents and passion in filmmaking. By supporting our short film, you will be giving back to the community and helping us turn our dreams into a reality.

Independent filmmaking is a labour of love, and every contribution helps us move one step closer to the finish line. If you believe in the power of storytelling, we would be honoured to have you be part of ours.