DAWN: A Story Of Hope, Responsibility, And South Auckland Resilience – Is Looking For Supporters

Scoop

2 days ago

Press Release – Maoriland Charitable Trust
A powerful and deeply personal short film rooted in hope for the future of South Auckland is in development, and its creator is seeking support to bring it to light.
DAWN is a film that reflects not only a chapter of first-time writer/director Jasmine Day's life, but also the untold realities of countless young adults who step up for their whānau in the face of systemic barriers.
Now live on Boosted, with the support of Māoriland Films, Ngā Aho Whakaari and E Tū Toi, Jasmine's crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $15,000 to bring her story to screen – a film inspired by her experience of becoming a full-time caregiver for her younger siblings at just 22 years old.
'I came back to South Auckland from a holiday in Byron Bay only to find myself parenting my siblings with no real roadmap,' says Jasmine. 'We faced landlord discrimination, housing instability, and regular police harassment. DAWN captures a glimpse of what that was like.'
But this story is not unique. And that's exactly why Jasmine is telling it.
'DAWN is for the young caregivers, the solo mums, rangatahi working multiple jobs just to help their families get by. It's for South Auckland – and all the misunderstood, underestimated communities across Aotearoa.'
The film is being led by Ngā Pakiaka, the rangatahi filmmaking collective of Māoriland Charitable Trust, and is proudly produced by Jaimee Poipoi, Madeleine Hakaraia de Young, and Libby Hakaraia, respected names in the Indigenous film space.
' DAWN is a timely and necessary story. Jas is shining a light on the quiet realities faced by so many whānau — realities made harder by the way our systems and attitudes fail them. This film reminds us that the way we treat each other can either uplift or trap people in cycles of poverty. Jas has the courage to call that out, and the storytelling power to move us towards compassion and change. That's why we're backing her,' says Libby Hakaraia, Kaitaki Pūrakau, Māoriland
Far from just a film, DAWN is a reminder of the strength within our communities, and a call to see the people behind the headlines, not as statistics, but as survivors, caregivers, and storytellers.
The funds raised will go toward:
Pre-Production: Rehearsals, locations, wardrobe
Production: Crew hire, cast payments, equipment
Post-Production: Editing, sound design, music, and outreach
Jasmine is encouraging people not just to donate, but to share the campaign and spread the word.
'Too often our stories are told by people who've never lived them,' she says. 'With DAWN, I'm taking back the narrative. I want to show what it means to keep going — even when the world isn't built for you.'
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Every contribution, big or small, is a vote of confidence in Indigenous storytelling and a step toward reclaiming our narratives. E Tū Toi is also matching donations up to the total of $5,000.00 – so anyone who donates early, will see their donation doubled until we hit the 75% mark.
Read more about this project, or donate at: https://www.thearts.co.nz/boosted/projects/dawn
About the Director:
Jasmine Day (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Hāua) is a Māori creative born in South Auckland, one of eleven siblings, and a māmā of two. A natural-born storyteller shaped by years in care, Jasmine brings a rawness and artistic depth to everything she creates. DAWN marks her writer-directorial debut, backed by years of learning under the guidance of the Māoriland whānau.
About Māoriland:
Māoriland is a leading Indigenous arts organisation based in Ōtaki, Aotearoa, best known for the Māoriland Film Festival – the largest international Indigenous film festival in the World. At Māoriland Films, storytelling is a tool for transformation. Through year-round programmes in film, digital storytelling, and creative technology, Māoriland supports Māori and Indigenous artists in telling their stories, growing their careers, and connecting with audiences worldwide.