Filming begins on The Volcano

Shooting of The Volcano has begun in and around Raukokore and Waihau Bay on the East Coast. The Volcano is a tragicomedy inspired by Taika Waititi’s Oscar-nominated short film Two Cars, One Night.

Set in 1983, The Volcano (working title) follows two young brothers, Boy and Rocky, as they try to find their potential in the shadow of their larger-than-life father, Alamein.

The coming-of-age story is written and directed by Taika Waititi, who plays Alamein in this feature film alongside new talent James Rolleston (Boy) and Te Aho Eketone Whitu (Rocky).  Auditions at local schools throughout the Bay of Plenty and Eastland regions took over a year to complete with many budding actors trying out.  Rolleston and Eketone Whitu are supported by a large cast of young first-time actors creating an ensemble that has a huge amount of charisma, talent and authenticity.

Shooting is expected to wrap in May. 

Waititi grew up in this tribal area of Te-Whanau- A-Apanui which was also the setting for Two Cars, One Night, the inspiration behind this feature.

Two Cars, One Night was also cast locally and was nominated for an Oscar in 2005 for Best Short Film, after much popularity and success at international Film Festivals and the 2003 New Zealand Film and TV Awards – where it won Best Short Film Performance (for newcomer Rangi Ngamoki), Best Short Film Screenplay, Best Technical Contribution to Short Film and nominated for Best Short Film.

Waititi’s first venture into feature film was Eagle vs Shark in 2007, which he also wrote and directed.

The Volcano script, selected for the 2005 Sundance writers lab, is being transformed by the same talented and passionate production team with whom Waititi has previously collaborated, from laugh out loud script, to its on-screen voyage of heart, humour and hope.

The Volcano is financed by the NZ Film Fund, NZ Film Commission, Unison Films, NZ On Air and Te Mangai Paho. It will be released theatrically in New Zealand by Transmission Films next year.