The Farm
The Farm Documentary | Film
Overview
‘The Farm’ Short Synopsis
Hidden in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island, Kahunui Village was founded in the 1970s by twelve Aucklanders. Kahunui, also known as the Youth Development Centre and The Farm, was a charitable trust established to support troubled youth. Residents were healed with community, spirit, therapy, love, and a connection to the land of Aotearoa. The initiative was spearheaded by Mildred Coursey. The Farm is an intimate recollection of Kahunui’s history through three interviews with a co-founder, former resident, and former staff members. The interviews are supported by captivating shots of the original location and buildings, authentic archives, with narration by the filmmaker – the great-granddaughter of Mildred Coursey.
The Farm is a short, participatory documentary centered on the topics of family, spirituality, national history, and mental health.
Our Team
As well as generous members of our friends and families, the core team behind The Farm consists of six talented AUT Screen Production students:
Charlotte Newman – Director/Writer
Johnny Sutherland – Producer
Harriette Taylor – Assistant Director
Kyle MacArthur – Director of Photography/1st Camera Operator
Bradley Nauck – 2nd Camera Operator/Gaffer
Zak McNeil – Sound Recordist/Mixer
Just as the ‘Kahunuians’ still are, we are not just a crew or classmates, we are a close family that have been brought together by passion, selflessness, and the natural pressures of university.
Ross Brannigan, one of our AUT Screen Production lecturers, has also joined our project as Executive Producer, focused on and dedicated to ensuring The Farm is everything we want it to be.
Our Goal
Charlotte and Johnny both value using their creative platforms to encourage better mental health awareness, support, and resources. We aim for The Farm to generate new questions and discussions pertaining to this aspect of society’s younger demographics.
Finally, The Farm will be a long overdue celebration of the Kahunui Village Trust and provide a positive sense of closure.
Our Drive
The Farm is primarily driven by Charlotte’s emotional and personal connection to Kahunui’s history. The teachings and influences of The Farm have shaped her own life and values.
Secondly, the stories and memories of Kahunui’s history-rich land are slowly fading away. Wider society can learn a lot from what those who were a part of Kahunui learnt 50 years ago.
We look forward to sharing The Farm’s magic with you,
Charlotte & Johnny.
Donors
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James Southon
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Luna Coon
Well done Charlotte
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Drongo the Bongo
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Tessa and Adam Harris-Newman
Well done team! We can’t wait to see the finished product and enjoy the process
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Anonymous
Go the farm
Project Updates
Our Campaign is Complete!
The Farm crew cannot thank everyone enough for all of the generous and overwhelming donations that we have received over the past 30 days.
Our Boosted has officially closed and with 150% of our goal reached we have no complaints!
Thank you to every single donor for funding this project and covering our additional costs.
Make sure to follow The Farm on social media to be updated about the film's status.
Charlotte & Johnny