Loading Docs presents: The Road to Whakarae

We are working with a group of innovative film makers, Loading Docs, to showcase great short Kiwi films. Watch Road To Whakarae, one of 10 three-minute documentaries.

"A road, a song - the heart of a tribe."

Deep in the Urewera Ranges, Maori elder Beam Titoko puts on his best cowboy hat, digs out his old guitar and sings a song of home. Made by Tahoe filmmakers, this affectionate portrait of a community pays tribute to the strength of the families who keep Tahoe's home-fires burning.

Director bio: Tim Worrall

I am from Ngai Tahoe and am currently a chairman of Tauanui Marae. I have been an independent artist all my adult life working in ta moko, graphics, carving, design and painting. In the last ten years I have concentrated on film and television and have written and directed drama, comedy and documentaries for all our major broadcasting networks. I currently have a dramatic short film in pre-production and a feature film script in development. My dream is to continue making films with and about my tribe that are uplifting and entertaining. I am married to Taria Tahana with whom I have two sons - Tiki and Tanu.

Aaron Smart

I'm an independent video producer, director, camera operator and editor. Since gaining my diploma in film production I have worked as an editor for a top rating television show and have produced a variety of short films and promos for corporate clients and charity organisations. My passion is for short documentary and I have had success in various International Film Festivals. My goal is to make films that inspire, entertain and hopefully change audience perceptions. I run Smart As Productions based in the sunny Bay of Plenty where I lives with his wife Jody and our two children Nirai and Lola.

"Loading Docs has been a great opportunity to collaborate with like-minded filmmakers. We are also really looking forward to the launch of this collection of projects aimed at diverse audiences on a single platform. Loading Docs is also a really exciting opportunity to understand and participate in the new internet-based world of direct film distribution, community participation and crowdfunding."

Click here to visit the Road To Whakarae website