Following The Aroha Project’s international debut at the IMAGINEnative film festival in Toronto last week, the web series is now available to for all to view on Youtube. Created by Mika Haka and directed by Ramon Te Wake, the six part webseries is part of a multifaceted initiative responding to bullying, alienation and suicide risk amongst young Māori and Pacific LGBT youth. In light of the recent release of New Zealand’s suicide statistics, Te Wake notes the importance of having public conversations around bullying and isolation in LGBT communities and says; “Our suicide stats are the highest it's ever been, so this is an incredible important kaupapa that we hope can contribute to helping save lives. “We need to talk more openly about bullying isolation and suicide and his series allows people to do so. Or at least begin their journey of self love and acceptance. “The kaupapa is so close to my heart… telling stories of our rangatahi who have experienced bullying even suicidal tendencies - they've stepped forward and shared there stories in the hope of helping other kids who might feel isolated and alone. There is help out there. There is a way through. The whole project has been a heart project. I was once bullied and faced my own challenges as a Trans woman trying to figure who I am and accepting myself and living in my authentic skin. So I understand the emotional journey a lot of these kids have been on.” The video below is just one in the series and tells the story of one young man’s triumph over adversity to become a global success. King Home Boy born with a condition called Gigantism and deafness, bullied for years because of his difference yet nothing was going to hold this gentle giant back. King Home Boy became an international sensation, is the 6 time NZ beat boxing champion and has set the world record for the longest beat boxing marathon with 36 hours.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 21st October 2015 - 4:29pm