Raukura

Raukura is an ambitious, youth-led short film that confronts the rise of extremism in Aotearoa through a bold blend of political thriller, black comedy, and neo-western. The film, directed by Tomás Bale and Leon Eldred and written by Ārana Edmonds, Tomás Bale, and Leon Eldred. It is scheduled for release in October 2026.

SYNOPSIS:

Set in 2036, Raukura imagines a future in which New Zealand has collapsed into a one-party fascist state. Rights have been stripped away as fear of terrorism fuels widespread military crackdowns.

Amid this fractured country, a disgraced young Fascist officer and an escaped Māori prisoner are forced into a tense, volatile standoff in the heart of darkness, as their clashing ideologies ignite. Only one of them will walk away with their humanity intact.

The film exposes the violent machinery of nationalism, the seductive delusion of power.

REASONS TO SUPPORT US:

The core Raukura crew is primarily made up of young people and emerging creatives, many of whom are students from Yoobee College of Creative Innovation and Massey University, allowing this talent to gain hands-on experience within a film production and a clear pathway from student to screen.