MOVE MOUNTAINS

Mālō, I am EMA I'U, a Tāmaki based musician, film practitioner and community advocate of Sāmoan / Pākehā descent and I'm passionate about creating art that can move culture. Move Mountains is my next big music video project and I would love this song to become a climate action anthem for an international indigenous and environmental movement.

Here is a teaser of the song

This song will feature on my debut album produced by Nathan Judd (Producer of the Year, Pacific Music Awards 2021) and has themes I feel very strongly about. If our ancestors could ‘move mountains’ and do incredible feats as in our legends, stories and holy books; then so can we…and urgently. If we all work together and ‘move now’, we can save our planet from the worst of climate catastrophe and reconnect to our true power and responsibilities as Kaitiaki. Being in the South Pacific, our island nations will be at the forefront of sea level rise, pollution and extreme weather events so this project is very close to my heart.

I have secured some NZ on Air funding to help with the audio and some music video costs but need additional funding to take this project further.

I want this video to be ambitious, maximum impact & high production value and I’m so excited to have some leading Wāhine - Tangata Moana Film Practitioners involved to bring it to life. This includes award-winning Director Anahera Parata (AMA Best Music Video 2024 & 2020, PMAs 2024) who has 17 years of experience in indigenous-led storytelling. 

I want to capture ‘behind the scenes' footage and additional documentary style content that can spotlight Climate activists and their inspiring mahi from Aotearoa and around the Moana to help amplify the cause. We also plan on a video shoot in Sāmoa. 

CHOGM

Coming up is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and related events taking place in Sāmoa in October 2024. This is a high profile meeting with over 56 countries involved. There is a special opportunity for me to perform while these events take place and spread awareness about the arts and climate action. I hope to connect with some other activists and international delegates; as well as film some material and take whatever arts/media opportunities I can whilst there. This is a great chance for me to raise my profile and develop some connections to help with my Songwriters 4 Climate Action Project and community work with Holding Space Aotearoa Charitble Trust

I need Boosted X Moana funds to will help with:

• Travel / Accommodation Costs for myself and small crew to Sāmoa. 
• Music Video Production Costs - Film Crew, Gear, Insurance, Talent, Costume, Make-up.

I'm aiming for a $12k target to start with which includes a match fund of $6K from CNZ. So for every dollar donated, it will be matched up until $6K.

Any extra funds will go towards my supporting ‘documentary style’ video content and help with the making of my debut album.

My last video 'Flower of Life' was made with Boosted X Moana support and was an incredible experience and I'm very proud of the result. This is the level I'm going for with this next project and I need to ask for your backing again.

I hope you can be a part of this movement with me and appreciate any help.

Fa'afetai tele lava,

Ema I'u xox

https://linktr.ee/emaiu