A Bach on the Rocks (An AUT Student Film)

Hi there, we are two AUT communications students majoring in film and television and are currently creating a short documentary for our final film project. We are Ruby Le Marquend (Director) and Dylan Hagberg (producer).

The film that we intend to make is a short documentary that tells the story of the Heyward family and their unique Rangitoto bach which has survived the test of time and is still in use and loved by the Heyward family. The island once thrived as a community but now only 6 baches remain leased to kiwi families. After almost 100 years the Heyward family is at risk of loosing their lease due to land ownership issues. The Heyward family wants to continue their generational connection with the bach, however this is not looking likely.

Our documentary will tell the story of the Heyward family and their attachment and love for their family bach. We will have interviews with different generations of the family, hearing stories of their time on the island and their thoughts on the potential threat to the future of their bach and home. This is a topic the family are very passionate about, it will tell the heart-warming story of how their unique place of New Zealand history has bought their family together.

The film is also a great privilege and opportunity for us and our crew to make as we are all in our final year of study. It is a great experience for us and a starting point for our careers in the film industry.