February 27, 2020
Toi Ora doco artists finds light in dark spaces
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Whānau Ora commissioning agency Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu has backed a documentary that has brought together artists, writers and musicians to talk about depression and suicide.
Toi Ora by documentary maker Te Whenua Harawira will premiere at Te Pūtahitanga's annual Whānau Ora Symposium in Otepoti next month.
Chief executive Helen Leahy says its investment in southern gothic is a way to promote dialogue about mental health.
"I think it normalises the challenges that happen in our lives and how we can be human, we can experience the tough times but we can also overcome those challenged. It doesn't have to be a medicalised journey. It can be about how we give words, give expression to the dark spaces we have been in and find a way to walk in the light," she says.
Other speakers at the three-day symposium include Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Whānau Ora Minister Peeni Henare, Casketeers stars Francis and Kaiora Tipene; New York child welfare reformer Dr David Tobis; and young leaders from Ma`o organic farms in Hawai’i.
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