Pariah - Student Film

'Pariah' is a Gritty coming-of-age 10-minute short film that follows Leto, a quiet teen who films the chaotic lives of his reckless friends.

This film follows a group of reckless young men whose night of thrill-seeking and chaos spirals out of control. What starts as a petty act of intimidation turns into a series of violent, impulsive decisions fuelled by ego, drugs, and the desperate need to feel alive. Through the lens of Leto’s ever-present camcorder, we see a gradual unravelling of not just the night, but of his identity as he collides with the consequences of his choices. Beneath the surface of adrenaline and bravado, the story becomes a haunting reflection on lost innocence, self-destruction, and the thin line between becoming someone and becoming nothing.

Our team is composed of passionate filmmakers ready to showcase our abilities as creatives in the New Zealand Film industry. 

HEADS OF DEPARTMENT

Producer: Roisin McKendry

Writer/Director: Jackson hay

Director of Photography: Mahana Dexter

Editor: Carlos Morrison

Sound Recordist: Matthew Goddard

CREW

Camera Assist: Sherryann Cossar

Gaffer: Aria Coleman

Gaffer Assist/Sound Assist: Marshall Bragg
 

Raised funds will go towards:

• Cast Pay
• Catering
• Accomodation
• Transport
• Music Licencing Fees
• Props & Costuming

‘Pariah’ is about watching yourself change and feeling helpless to do anything about it — feeling like the world keeps moving while you’re stuck in place. We’re making this film to reflect what it’s like to be part of a generation that’s grown numb to everything, caught between wanting to feel something and wanting to escape. Through real, unfiltered performances and a raw, handheld style, we want to show the moment when nostalgia collides with self-destruction — when holding on to who you were starts to tear you apart.

This film needs to be seen because it captures the side of youth we don’t usually talk about - the chaos, pressure, and choices that can change everything in a single night. It’s about how easy it is to lose yourself trying to fit in or escape what’s really going on inside. I want people to feel something real when they watch it - to see the consequences of those moments we brush off as just another party.

Our community should back this project because it’s our story; it comes from the experiences, people, and environments we see every day. It’s raw, honest, and made by young filmmakers who want to show the truth of what it’s like growing up right now.