GRASSROOTS
Grassroots is a heartwarming short film about a 10-year-old Chinese boy, who against his mother’s wishes, must prove that he belongs on the rugby field with his peers.
The film explores self-doubt, a sense of belonging, and believing in yourself when no one else will.
This film was selected and funded through the Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts, a NZFC initiative run in partnership with Script to Screen.
Production Company: Reel Tiny
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Calvin: Martin Liew-Young
Yu Ming: Carolyn Deng
Tamati: Makea Upu
Jordan: Kael Munro-Nonoa
Tamati's Dad: Junior Payne-Smith
Extras: Manurewa Rugby Football Club -
Producer: Isaiah Tour
Director/Writer: Aaron LyEditors: Isaiah Tour, Aaron Ly
Casting Director: Harriett Maire
Production Manager: Alyssa Medel
Unit/Craft Services: Jeff Lloyd, Alyssa Medel, Anuksha Naryan, Tina Tiller
Production Assistant: Joshua Tan
1st AD: Stella Staab
2nd AD: Billy Garratt-John
Continuity/Script Supervisor: Alexia Pauling & Tema Pua
DOP: Daryl J. Wong, Pepe de Hoyos
First AC / Additional DOP: Angie Sanchez-Villar
First AC: Kioko Wang
Second AC: Sofi Issak-Zade & Jenrong Ngov
Data Wrangler: Isaiah Tour
Sound Recordist + Boom Op: Joey Siasoco
Boom Op: Clarissa Chai
Gaffer/Grip: Henry Jiao
LX Assistant: Joshua Aschebrock
Costume Designer: Hazel Oh
Make Up Artist: Dana Wilton
Production Designer: Damian Leith
Art Director/Standby props: Kotoe Tozaki & Isaiah Tour
Food Stylist: Peter Lee
Health & Safety Officer: Pon Torthienchai & Ben Sutherland
Stunt Co-Ordinator: Karen Thompson
Rugby Coach: Junior Payne-Smith
Rugby Coordinator: Kalo Payne-Smith
Stills Photographer: John Rata
Extra photography by: Alyssa Medel & Isaiah Tour
Chaperone (Martin): Koreen Liew-Young
Chaperone (Kael): David Munro-Nonoa
Acting coach: Peter Feeney
Cantonese Coach: Joicy Xu
Background:
The concept is loosely based on writer/director Aaron Ly’s own experience growing up Asian in New Zealand, with dreams of one day becoming an All Black: “It’s the dream for many Kiwi boys, but it’s not what good Asian boys do. Even though I didn’t see myself as any different to my peers, I was made to feel different when it came to physical sports like rugby.”