For Autism Acceptance month, Māoriland Productions has partnered with Altogether Autism to present this public screening of ‘He Karu, He Taringa’ – a takiwātanga (autism) story inspired by the real life journey of writer/director Tahuaroa Ohia.
To six-year-old Ben, the world is full of loud noises and frightening images. As Ben struggles with everyday life, his mother searches desperately to find a way to help her son.
‘He Karu, He Taringa’ aims to raise awareness about the struggles that autistic tamariki (children) and their whānau (family) face.
Following the screening, Tahu and a guest panel will take part in a Q&A session for all those who would love to know more about Tahu’s story.
Disclaimer: This film contains heavy subject matter and parts of the film with loud sounds and intense imagery that may cause discomfort to some.
Watch the trailer here:
About writer/director Tahuaroa Ohia:
Tahu was diagnosed with Autism and Global Developmental Delay when he was six years old. The only way he talked to people was to quote lines from movies & tv shows – thus sparking his interest in screen storytelling.
In 2021, Tahu graduated from Whitireia with a Bachelor’s in Performing Arts. During his study he wrote the initial script for ‘He Karu, He Taringa’ as a stage performance. He then completed the M.A.T.C.H (Māoriland Tech Creative Hub) Animation Intensifier Programme, where further developed his storytelling skills and turned his stage performance into a short film.
Tahu is passionate about sharing stories that uplift Indigenous people all over the world.
About Māoriland Productions:
Māoriland Productions has a slate of feature films, drama series and short films. It is the commercial production arm of the Māoriland Charitable Trust (home of the Māoriland Film Festival). Māoriland Productions aims for Māori creative excellence in screen storytelling to inspire the next generation of Māori and Indigenous storytellers. Find out more about Māoriland at maorilandfilm.co.nz
About Altogether Autism:
Altogether Autism is a free, nationwide autism information and advisory service – funded by Whaikaha, Ministry of Disabled People in partnership between Your Way, Kia Roha and Parent to Parent New Zealand. They are a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to offering health and disability information, advice and equipment to enable people to live the life you choose. To find out more visit
www.yourwaykiaroha.nz
About writer/director Tahuaroa Ohia:
Tahu was diagnosed with Autism and Global Developmental Delay when he was six years old. The only way he talked to people was to quote lines from movies & tv shows – thus sparking his interest in screen storytelling.
About Māoriland Productions:
About Altogether Autism:
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