Documentary Tackling Youth Drinking Seeks Talent

Documentary Tackling Youth Drinking Seeks Talent

The average New Zealander starts drinking alcohol at just 13 years old. We have a cultural history of drinking in New Zealand and, as a result, the second highest rate of unplanned adolescent pregnancies in the developed world.

Set amongst this social landscape, a new documentary to screen on Maori Television next year is gearing up to uncover the disturbing truth behind how our youth really drink.

Producers are currently looking in the wider Auckland region for strong and insightful teenage talent who regularly drink alcohol and who, together with their families, are willing to share their extraordinary stories.

Over the course of the next year, the documentary will follow several teens through their alcohol-fuelled trials and tribulations. For some that may mean rehabilitation and a life of sobriety, for others the future is not so bright.

Its award-winning director, Chris Graham, has come from a background in film including Sione’s Wedding and music videos including Smashproof’s Brother and Paint Fade and more recently Pieter T’s Tomorrow about teen suicide.

Chris says he’ll draw from these genre to make a hard-hitting documentary that appeals to youth through the use of slick music-video style cinematography. It will also provide older generations a unique window into their world.

“We want to ignite a dialogue throughout Aotearoa about what we can do about this epidemic,” Chris says.

“Our doco aims to get people to take action within their families and communities.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media