emoH: A short film script

'You've got to have dreams.'

In this maramataka phase (which I think is Rakaunui and Rakaumatohi) I am feeling RE-energised with my moemoea (my dreams). I think this aligns with these moons (however I am still learning and collating and reflecting). Mum always said to me, ‘You’ve got to have dreams.’

Starting up a Substack letter last year was one of those steps towards achieving those dreams. The regularity of posting to readers keeps me way more consistent about turning up and shipping out my writing rather then it sitting in my computer files. It has been heartening for me getting responses and hearing if and how a piece of writing lands with someone.

Starting up a paid subscription this year was a little nerve wracking.  And to those who have signed up, I am SO GREATFUL. My dream is that my subscribers get to follow along with me on the journey of writing a novel and also contribute their thoughts and ideas too- so that when it is finished, and they read the final copy they may feel like, whoa, I was a part of this!!!!

But I wanted to tell you ALL what my dream is to do with that putea that I receive from the paid subscriptions. Currently that putea is sitting in an account titled: EMOH & TIHEI. Eventually, I hope to use the koha received for bring into te ao Marama (the world of light) two other moemoea of mine:

1)      to get my short film EMOH into production and on a big screen  

2)      birth into the world, ‘My TIHEI journal’ an indigenous wellbeing journal

Here is the first part of EMOH. A short film about a blended family (Māori and Pākehā) coming together to farewell their mother after she returns home from overseas. I’d love to hear your thoughts. I have already written the FULL FILM  script version of this, I’m just waiting for a director to tap me on the shoulder and say less go!  

Script terms (EXT – outside scene, INT – inside scene and V/O – voice over).

Short film Script ‘EMOH’ Part 1:

EXT. BLACK CRAYON PAGE

A black crayon covered piece of paper. Aroha’s (6 year old) small hand holds onto a stick and begins to scratch over the crayon revealing vibrant colours underneath(crayon scratch art). She draws a koru/ spiral.

AROHA (V.O.)

This is me. Aroha.

The spiral/ koru moves across the page. Glistening, sparkling. It is a ngao (an energy) that is alive.

BLACK SCREEN

A cartoon picture of a sparkling light, another different NGAO (an energy- this is AROHA daughter to Eileen O'Conner and Henare Puna, sister to Tiwai Puna, Kahurangi Puna and half-sister to Louis) that begins to swirl around in the darkness.

Aroha draws a stick figure woman, with long curly hair.

AROHA

This is my oldest sister, Tiwai. She’s named after the fantail. Tiwaiwaka.

Aroha scratches in some fantail feathers at her sister’s back. Vibrant colours are revealed with the tail which is fanned out. The NGAO swirls around the drawing of her sister and moves off the page to -

EXT. COMMUNITY CLASSROOM - WELLINGTON- DAY

The sound of a Tiwaiwaka bird chirping.

AROHA

My sister Tiwai told me I can be anything I want to be. My sister knows everything.

A Tiwaiwaka flits outside the community class room window. Behind it, the sparking NGAO.

INT. COMMUNITY CLASSROOM- DAY

TIWAI PUNA, (30) with wild-looking curly red hair, dressed in slightly too tight jeans and a t-shirt with SMOKE FREE AOTEAROA 2025, is writing on a white board: The 3 D's. Delay, Distract. She momentarily looks up and sees the Tiwaiwaka flitting outside. Scowls slightly at it. In front of Tiwai, 3 other students sit in semi-circle. BOUNCE (30's) is busily taking notes.

AROHA (V.O.)

The fantail can be a real noisey bird sometimes.

Bounce continues to copy what Tiwai writes up on the board: DO SOMETHING ELSE. Tiwai looks out of the corner of her eye at the bird outside.

AROHA V.0)

Tiwai tells me I ask too many questions. About how the world got made and stuff. She tells me to turituri.

WYONA (60's) jigs around on her seat.   A pregnant NELLY (17) sits with her feet up on the next table bored as hell, takes out another Nicorette gum and begins to chew. On the back wall is a clock. It is ticking loudly. Tiwai looks to the ticking clock. Impatient.

TIWAI

So any questions?

Bounce finishes scribbling the 3 D's into his notebook and sticks his hand up.

Tiwai can see the Tiwaiwaka begin to flit vigorously outside the window.

AROHA (V.O.)

I HAVE!

Tiwai acknowledges BOUNCE.  He stands up, puts his notebook in his back pocket.

BOUNCE

I'll tell the bro's about these 3 D's. But my colleagues are not dealing well with the transformational changes I've been making Coach. They still keep putting meat pies in my lunch box.  Along with a cigarette for smoko.

NELLY

What did you expect? Who's ever heard of a vegan, non-smoking Maori-Samoan?

Tiwai has gathered up the resources and waits impatiently for them.

BOUNCE

Plant based eater I prefer to be called.

Tiwai looks at the clock. Glances at the bird outside.

AROHA (V.O.)

I get hoha when she ignores me.

WYONA

I wouldn't want to be classed as a Vegan either. I hear they are a real vicious lot those vegans. I feel for you Bounce. You would think your colleagues would be more supportive.

NELLY

Maybe it's fake news, you know the meat and dairy industry conspiring to make out like the Vegans are vicious and crazy. Vicious Vegans.

WYONA

You think?

TIWA

I... Hey guys. I really need to go?

BOUNCE

(looks slightly deflated)

My question is then what if it's the choice of a cigarette or a mince pie with the bro's at smoko? Remembering Coach that I have also just gone vegan.

Tiwai stares at Bounce unbelievably. She picks up the white board pen.

TIWAI

(tone changes)

Actually sorry guys. I got it wrong (sarcastic). There's 4 D's. I forgot the last D.

The class lean forward as she writes up on the board in big capital letters: 4. DON'T FUCKEN SMOKE!

Tiwai puts the pen down. Glares at Bounce.

AROHA (V/0)

And doesn’t answer my questions. So then I have to really make her notice.

Tiwai starts to gather up her books and looks at the clock again.

TIWAI

Smoke. Don't Smoke. I don't actually give a shit.

The group members start looking at each other, eyes wide. What the hell is up with HER?

TIWAI

I've got to go. My Mum (her voice falters just slightly) My Mum is coming home.

EXT. OUTSIDE CLASS ROOM WINDOW.

A Tiwaiwaka (fantail) flies outside and bangs into the window outside the class room. Not once, but three times.

AROHA (V.O.)

I’ve been asking Tiwai. Again and again. Where is home?

INT. CLASS ROOM.

They all hear the bang on the window and turn to see the fantail flitting outside. Bounce immediately looks petrified.

BOUNCE

(solemnly)

Someone's gonna die.

Bounce pulls out his phone to look for notifications. Tiwai stands up readying to leave. She looks scathingly at the bird that continues to flit outside the window and bang into it.

TIWAI

(mutters under her breath)

Pfft. Somebody already has.

BOUNCE

We need to do a karakia. It's a sign.

TIWAI

Could you possibly also pray for my sister to stop pestering me with so many questions as I have a LOT OF SHIT TO ORGANISE!

TIWAI exits the classroom - to even more shocked and confused faces of the students.