Series Classification: PG (drug use and addiction)
Determined to break the cycle for her tamariki, one wāhine toa turns her troubled life of addiction and trauma around by rediscovering her wairua and reclaiming her mana.
Jessica Apanui’s methamphetamine addiction began as an escape from the trauma of a violent childhood. But after years of chronic abuse, she made the decision to break the cycle for her own tamariki. Now Jess must look deep into her past and embrace the power of Māoritanga to help guide her future.
IF YOU NEED HELP
Helplines provide free confidential support if you want to talk about your own, or someone else’s alcohol or drug use.
Narcotics Anonymous: 0800 628 632
Alcohol & Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
Or free text: 8681
Māori Helpline: 0800 787 798
Pasifika Helpline: 0800 787 799
Youth Line: 0800 787 984
Former Meth Addict, Jessica Apanui Photo: Loading Docs
Jessica Apanui outside Marae Photo: Loading Docs
Team Bios
Holly Beckham (Director/Producer):
Director/Producer, Holly Beckham Photo: Loading Docs
Holly Beckham studied documentary directing at South Seas Film School where she produced and directed He Ara Anō, a powerful documentary about addiction in Māori wāhine, which has won over 20 awards internationally. From there she has gone on to work on various projects as a field director and a production coordinator for Greenstone TV. She is proud of her Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Rangi heritage and knows that it is what makes her multi-cultural approach so strong.
Jason Crane (Producer)
Producer, Jason Crane Photo: Loading Docs
Jason Antoni Crane has extensive experience as a story creator and co-producer for several commercial and narrative film projects. By day he has a successful career as a cinematographer and all his spare time he commits to telling great stories.
NZ Film Commission Photo: NZ Film Commission
Photo: Te Māngai Pāho
Photo: NZ On Air
