Benn Jae directs tourism film that champions correct visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community

A short film directed by Benn Jae has launched today for Lake Wānaka Tourism. It looks at the unique beauty of Wānaka while championing the correct visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Way South by New Zealand director Benn Jae is an adaptation of a poem by Courtney Sina Meredith, ‘No Motorbikes, No Golf’, from her debut poetry collection Brown Girls in Bright Red Lipstick.

It was Jae’s idea to use the poem for the film, the release of which happens to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the launch of Meredith’s book.

Having grown up in nearby Queenstown, his understanding and self-confessed obsession with the light of Central Otago plus a unique sensibility, matched with a brief that encouraged authenticity, was only ever going to deliver something magic.

Says Jae: “When developing this idea, I was immediately drawn to the poem No Motorbikes, No Golf by Kiwi multi-mega-talent Courtney Sina Meredith. The language is thought-provoking and wholeheartedly ‘Aotearoa’ with a distinct pacific flavour.

“I love how Courtney’s language speaks directly to a minority way of thinking while leaning on the wilderness that I call home. From the majestic mountains to the stunningly lakes, the landscape begins to play into the script like its very own character.”

Jae had never met or spoken with Meredith, but he messaged her over social media about using the poem for a film: “It was amazing working with Courtney because writing visuals to someone’s prose is quite a privilege, and I was honoured that Courtney had enough trust to let me do so.”

Some cast members are recognisable, such as actress Awa Puna (WHINA, Beyond the Veil, Vegas), Hayden Bryant (Sweet Tooth) and musician Luca George who’s lent his talent and up coming single ‘All for You’ as one of the songs for the soundtrack of Way South. Luca also has a special connection to the area having grown up in Wānaka. The remaining talent were ‘street cast’ and all are representative of the LGBTQI+ community and the wonderful tapestry that is Aotearoa.

Says Gizelle Regan, marketing and communications manager for Lake Wānaka Tourism: “We are really excited to launch this short film, which is a departure from what we are used to seeing.

“There’s a cultural shift taking place and Way South is a small step towards a future that is truly inclusive, with more and more brand work representing [minority communities] on screen.

“Creative, adaptive thinking and a willingness to tell authentic stories, vividly and powerfully to create connection underpinned this entire project. We stepped aside and took direction from the community and what we’ve ended up with is a beautifully crafted piece that evokes an emotive response, challenges the status quo and what’s expected or possible.”

Way South will be running in independent cinemas throughout New Zealand and Australia and can also be viewed on the Lake Wanaka NZ youtube channel here.

Production Company: LoserKid
Executive Producer: Catie McDonald
Director & Producer: Benn Jae
Line Producer: Rebecca Rowe
Cinematographer: Ryan Alexander Lloyd
Post Production Facility: TOYBOX
Post Production Producer: Nanette Miles
Editor: Joseph Morris
Grade Aritst: Matice Prusnik
Online Artist: Leoni Willis
Music Composer: Benjamin Malone
Production Designer: Jonny Gilks
Costume Designer: Sammy Salsa