A Morning with Aroha

Directed by Nicholas Riini

In the early morning darkness of a bedroom, Aroha, a special needs child, packs her bag with a strange assortment of things. Aroha wants to share her creativity with her neighbors. Her imaginations come to life for everyone to enjoy.

Written and Directed by Nicholas Rinii
Produced by Diana Bayton and Nicholas Rinii

Director’s Bio: Nicholas Rinii has worked in the film industry for 20 years mostly in technical departments and currently as a Gaffer. Rinii has worked on everything from music videos to local and international television as well as local and international feature films here and abroad; from Power Rangers to The New Legend of Monkey, Born to Dance to Ghost in the Shell. Now living in Whakatane, a small town in regional New Zealand, Rinii has started writing stories that interest him. His favorite genre is fantasy, and the ultimate goal is to incorporate fantasy with Maori culture into his stories. Rinii and his wife have joined up as a writing team to write “A Morning with Aroha” and are working together to developing more ideas, both film and television scripts that we want to bring to the screen. They have a passion for Aotearoa and her stories, and believe they can introduce the world to the humour, humility, imagination, drama and fantasy that exist in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Plays in

Together: Family Shorts

The world can be a big and scary place, especially for those who feel lost or alone. A few kind words, a hug, or a helping hand can do a lot to help a person get through the day. Through animation and live action, scenarios both real and fanciful, this collection of short films reminds us of the importance of community and inspires us to support one another.