JENGA

"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." 

Three kiwi teenagers find a duffle bag full of money in the boot of a vehicle they've just stolen. Elated with their new-found fortune, they start spending the money wildly and ultimately end up getting kicked out of a club. Someone at the club recognizes the car they stole, and the teenagers get confronted with a hostile stranger who ends up taking the lives of two of the three teenagers... The shooter flees, and the last kid standing gets arrested and framed for the murder of his friends. 

This Aotearoa-based short student film, (approx. 9 mins) is a fictional cautionary tale intended to warn younger audiences, and remind them that their actions have consequences. Made by young film-makers, this project is packed to the brim with drive, passion and creativity - and you're welcome to join us for the ride.

Writer and Director: 

TEINA BARRETT (she/her), a young, Maaori, director who is passionate about shedding light on the heavier topics in life - but from a fresh perspective. Teina was raised fully immersed in Te Ao Maaori, attending Koohanga, Kura Kaupapa and Wharekura, as well as working with Te Waananga O Aaoteroa before enrolling at South Seas Film School. With a knack for writing, she's now pursuing life outside of her cultural confounds and is willing to push the boundaries on what young Maaori film-makers create.

Producer:

BRIESE GINNS (she/her), a production student at South Seas Film School with an interest in everything creative. Currently in her second year studying film, Briese loves to collaborate with fellow creatives and make stories come to life. Organization and attention to detail comes naturally to her, she loves to approach every situation with a plan but also welcomes change and input. Excited to finish off her last year of study with a bang, she is putting everything into making an amazing final project at university. 

Director of Photography:

FLOSS FRANCE (she/her), another student at South Seas Film School, with an interest in the practical - Camera, Lighting and Audio. Floss is also in her second year of study alongside Teina and Briese, and has developed in her knowledge and love for photography. A fellow creative with an interest in capturing life, and a love for the visuals aesthetics. Her work consistently results in vivid and stunning imagery because of her admiration and devotion to the visual.

We have many more amazing people behind us, but to keep it short:

NATE IOSEFA (he/him) - First Assistant Director

HAKEEM ZHANG (he/him) - Editor

TRAVIS HOLMES (he/him) - First Assistant Camera

TOBY WEBSTER (he/him) - Gaffer

CALEB GRIFFITHS-JONES (he/him) - Audio Mixer

JADE JOHNSON (she/her) - Boom Operator

+ our cast, family & friends, and you!

We have an amazing cast and crew to look after so a portion of the funds will go towards their transport and catering. Other funds will go towards for location fees, gear hire, costume, set dressing, props and many more other crucial things we'll need to produce this short film. 

Everything we raise from your generous donations will go towards making this project happen; your support will allow us to bring this project to life. No matter how big or small the donation - every dollar matters. And we appreciate anything you're willing to give!

As young people, we have personal experience of being amongst and immensely aware of everything that happens and affects us. We believe it's important for young people to be represented in media and it's important that we're raising awareness and looking after one another. 

Crime amongst young people is prominent, and this is something that's increasingly concerning to us. Both teens and young adults need a wake up call. And what a better way to deliver a warning than by wrapping it up in a dream? ..A flash sports vehicle, a big duffle bag full of cash! However, the three wayward teenagers in this short film embark on a journey of: "F*ck around and find find out".

This project is much more than a short film, it's a warning. 

A film targeted towards younger audience could impact and inspire others to follow suit after they too. We believe that the impact made by the message in this film will benefit not only you as a viewer, but us as film-makers too. It's much more than a short film, its a warning,  a cautionary tale for younger audiences.  There are always consequences to the decisions you make, especially as you grow up, which is why this message proves to be beneficial for all audiences.