Production is underway for Piki Films’ new feature film starring Erana James, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Waikato Tainui (The Wilds, The Changeover), Nathalie Morris (Bump, Petrol), new talent Manaia Hall, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Pukenga, and acclaimed actor Rima Te Wiata, Ngāti Raukawa (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Housebound).

From the production house behind NZ box office hits Jojo Rabbit, Baby Done, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and The Breaker Upperers, the film follows the friendship of three misfit teens trapped at an institution inconveniently situated on a tiny island. The school’s mission is to transform delinquents from barbarism to domestication.

Directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, Ngāpuhi and Te Arawa (Waru, Ani), the film is written by cartoonist and writer Maddie Dai, whose work features in the New Yorker, with additional writing from Stewart-Te Whiu.

Director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu said: “The strength and friendship in these young women is funny and inspiring, and to bring this film to life is my teenage dream. It’s a privilege to be working with such an incredible cast and crew in Christchurch.”

It will be produced by Morgan Waru of Piki Films, Ngāti Porou (Baby Done) and Polly Fryer (The Golden Hour). The film features Ōtamahua Island and is being made with support from Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke.

The film is made with investment by The New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Government’s Screen Production Grant, Fit Via Vi, Screen CanterburyNZ, Department of Post, Native Audio, and Kiwibank. The film is distributed in New Zealand by Madman and Piki Films and in Australia by Madman.