Commissioned by the creative Going West team, the Different Out Loud series of films highlights Waitākere’s artistic talents and natural beauty.
Going West is best known as Aotearoa’s longest-running independent literary festival. Since 1996, the popular festival has been a must-do event for book lovers and artists out West.
However, the in-person festival we all know and love has been paused in recent years thanks to the pandemic. Instead, the Going West team has had to think outside the box and find new ways to engage with audiences.
The successful Different Out Loud series of short films is one innovative way Going West has adapted. Now in its second season, the initiative is a collaboration between local poets and filmmakers. ‘It’s music videos for poetry,’ explains Going West’s Mark Easterbrook.
Each season consists of five short films featuring local artists with close connections to the West. ‘All the poets and filmmakers who feature in Different Out Loud have a strong affinity with The West, with many growing up there or currently living there,’ says Mark. He adds the films were shot in and around the Waitākere Ranges and showcase the area’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant community.
The Different Out Loud initiative has been supported by various funders, including $8,046 from the Your West Support Fund.
Published on the Going West website and social media platforms, the series has proved to be a massive hit with audiences. To date, the films have been viewed over 10,000 times.
Furthermore, Different Out Loud has received national recognition. Four films from the second season were selected for the inaugural Aotearoa Poetry Film Festival, which was held in Wellington in November. Even better, two films, NGĀKAU and Waves of Ghosts, were finalists.
In NGĀKAU, poet Michael Moore and filmmaker Komako-Aroha Silver take us on a deep dive into the heart, merging the heart with the mind and soul. Filmed on location in the wilds of Te Henga, NGĀKAU is thought-provoking and visually stunning.
Waves of Ghosts features poet and rapper Dominic Hoey as he takes us on a walk through his life in Laingholm and surrounding areas. Gritty and dark, the film was co-directed by Jack Nicol and Andy Day.
‘Each of the films in Different Out Loud is unique and very personal,’ explains Mark. ‘West Aucklanders will see themselves and their neighbourhoods on screen in a fresh and innovative way,’ he adds.
Both seasons one and two of Different Out Loud are available on the Going West website. You’ll also find them on YouTube.