Marlborough creatives make screen dream a reality

An inspiring real-life story of a rapper struggling with autism has made it to the silver screen thanks to talented Marlburians.

Collaboration between local film industry connections and community organisations have seen semi-autobiographical film Today it is Sunny become a reality.

The film tells the childhood story of Tihei Harawira, a busking freestyle rapper with autism.

With few outlets to express himself, the film tells of the Northland born rapper’s struggles with autism while growing up with parents Hone and Hilda Harawira.

Marlborough director Keelan Walker (Rangitāne, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa, Ngāi Tahu) says overwhelming support from across the region helped make the film a reality.

“The four-day production had a cast and crew of 30, with great help from Eve Sutherland, principal of Grovetown School, to film over the weekend, as well as art director Julian Cunningham who was immense.

“It’s a truly collaborative effort with people across the region pitching in, because local skillsets develop in a professional atmosphere.”

Keelan met Tihei last year as part of the gifted rapper’s COVID-19 ambassador filming campaign in Auckland.

After sharing a draft of his New Zealand International Film Festival entry Bringing Mere Home he was approached by Tihei to make a film.

“I weed out those who aren’t actually serious by asking for a script – then Tihei sent me a beautifully written script he’d done with Annette Morehu that night and I just couldn’t say no”, says Keelan.

Keelan gathered funding through Ministry of Disabilities and Whanau Ora, and local support to start production.

“You have a chat with Tihei and he’s lovely. Unless you look closer, you don’t notice how much he struggles,” Keelan says.

“Then, he lets loose with his rapping with such confidence and you just go ‘Wow, he’s incredible!’

“Busking on the streets is mortifying for anyone let alone for someone autistic, but he loves freestyle rapping from word suggestions on the spot – it’s a gift”.

The community project includes the music, for which Tihei flew down to Blenheim to record in MySpace’s music studio with musicians Kenny Gemmell, Benny Te Hiko and Emma-Jay Harvey.

“MySpace allows public projects like Today it is Sunny, because we have the same goals and combining creative outlets is so valuable for Marlborough’s artistic community”, said studio manager Nigel Fairweather.

“Original recording only took five hours, and we’ll be doing the full film score at MySpace as well”.

Nigel thanks volunteer Terry Pilcher for original sound engineering while he was in Auckland.

Tihei’s story is inspiring and eye-opening for any walks of life, Nigel says.

“It doesn’t have to be music to build self-esteem foundation, but that foundation is crucial.

“Music helps to build a foundation of self-esteem and self-belief piece by piece, and music gave both Tihei and myself that”.

“Marlborough should be glad we have MySpace giving us the ability to try something, whether it’s music, making coffees, learning to cook, artistic projects - we encourage everyone to find something they’re passionate about”.