Introduction: An intimate portrait about an ex-soldier Brent Kerehona and his ancestors’ stories in war; from the Musket Wars, the New Zealand Land Wars, World War I and II, Vietnam and more. The series will chronicle the wartime experiences of Australian and New Zealander soldiers, from the perspective of their descendant, Brent Kerehona. In the Field: Re-tracing a Soldier is an informative, historic and cultural story which will take you to the battles to explore the psychology and tactics of the men from whom Brent Kerehona is descended. The series will inspire and educate audiences to undertake their own quests of discovery; how they can trace their ancestors' journeys, discover the places they saw and what they experienced. What is the project? Format: Web-platform based interactive documentary series Genres: An assembly of war history, biographic, informative & educational Duration: 12 x 6 Minutes Producer: Tribal Films Artists: Kris Kerehona & Brent Kerehona In the Field: Re-tracing a Soldier is a 12-part web-documentary series based on the book titled Born for War. An intimate portrait about an ex-soldier Brent Kerehona and his ancestors’ stories in war; from the Musket Wars, the New Zealand Land Wars, World War I and II, Vietnam and more. The series will chronicle the wartime experiences of Australian and New Zealander soldiers, from the perspective of their descendant, Brent Kerehona. In the Field; Re-tracing a Soldier, an adaptation of the historic novel Born for War In the same tradition of the television series In Their Footsteps, Brent Kerehona embarks on the journey of following his remarkable ancestral epic war stories.
Episode 1:
A Legacy is Born
Ngapuhi chieftainess Te Auparo, and her daughter, Te Karehu; are murdered and cannibalised, as a result of traditional inter-tribal warfare between the Ngare Raumati and Ngai Tawake groups, in the Bay of Islands around 1800. There is a revenge attack as consequence for this insult, and following a vicious battle; a new sub-tribe is created to honour the fallen chieftainess.
Episode 2:
Moremonui Massacre
The dawn of a new age. The Ngapuhi obtain a number of firearms, as a result of early trade in the Bay of Islands; and seek revenge against the Ngati Whatua, for past losses. This results in a major battle at Moremonui (along the Ripiro Coastline near Dargaville) in 1807. Ngapuhi chief and seer, Te Maoi (husband to the late Te Auparo) would meet his fate at this time. There is so much carnage, that the battle is named 'Te kai-a-te-Karoro' or 'Sea Gulls' feast'; as there were so many dead, the victors weren't able to eat them all and numerous bodies were left for the Sea Gulls.
Episode 3:
Moka, Muskets and Mayhem
The three chiefly sons of the chieftainess, Te Auparo, and chief, Te Maoi, have grown into young men. One in particular, Moka Te Kainga-mataa, is extremely aggressive, and along with his two brothers, Te Wharerahi and Rewa; participates in the bloody Musket Wars - wreaking havoc across the North Island.
Episode 4:
Treaty - Peace or Profit?
The Declaration of Independence is signed by a number of chiefs at Waitangi on 28 October 1835. Moka and his two brothers are signatories to this document. A few years later, the British Crown sent Captain Hobson to New Zealand to attempt to gain sovereignty over New Zealand. Proclamations are read at Kororareka and Moka is a witness and the sole Maori signatory to them. A week later, despite Moka's vehement opposition, the Treaty of Waitangi was born. The Declaration of Independence was recognised and officially ratified by the British Crown in 1836, however, the Crown changed their stance and attempted to obtain sovereignty over New Zealand; therefore the Treaty of Waitangi was introduced. Was this document a legitimate attempt to create a harmonious relationship between Maori and Pakeha - or just a legal instrument to revoke the Declaration of Independence?
Episode 5:
New Zealand – A New Life
Two British families migrate to New Zealand in the 1850s and 1860s, in order to begin a new life, full of hope and prosperity. What they find, however, is inter-racial conflict; and as a result, the young men participate in the Maori Wars. Roger Hill, as a Commisioned Officer with the Waikato and Auckland Militia; Edward Biddle, an NCO with the Taranaki Military Settlers. Surprisingly, following the war, one of these young men married a Maori woman and raised an inter-racial family.
Episode 6:
Biddle, Bravery and Bullocks
First generation Kiwi and son of a soldier in the Maori Wars, Ben Biddle, also serves in the Maori Wars; receiving the rare New Zealand Cross for his acts of bravery at Ngatapa in January 1869. He is a headstrong man, who holds strong principles and does not always follow orders; in fact, at one point, he faces a court martial for insubordination. Following the war, he marries a Maori woman and raises a large inter-racial family. He would throw his New Zealand Cross away, but why?
Episode 7:
Of Hills and Ridges
Three brothers, Robert, Hemi and Himiona (with the surname of Hill), enlist and serve during World War I. Two are killed in action, whilst only one returns - wounded. A Whangai brother by the name of Whetu Werohia, also serves, and is commissioned as an officer. Of the two brothers who died in conflict, one lies peacefully in Messines, Belgium; whilst one is still not accounted for.
Episode 8:
Werohia's at War
Two of the brothers that went to World War I, re-enlist and serve during WWII. Whetu would become a Captain in the 28th (Maori) Battalion, and serve in Greece and Egypt; whilst Robert would serve in the Pacific. Both these men would also see their sons serve in this momentous war, however, they would not all return safely.
Episode 9:
Biddles in Battle
Three of Robert Hill's nephews; Boye, Jack, and Jim Biddle (all grandsons of the famous Ben Biddle N.Z.C.) also enlisted into the NZ Army; with two of them joining the Maori Battalion, and serving in Italy. One of these brothers would resent the fact that he was not able to go to war, yet another brother chose never to mention the war in the years that followed. On the home front, their sister Dixie, would wage war against an injustice of another kind - racism. A Maori Warden, and also a member of the Maori Women's Welfare League; she led a boycott against shopkeepers in her home town, and challenged the unofficial local school enrolment policy - resulting in a marked change in the way Maori
were treated.
Episode 10:
Mortars, Monsoons and those Bloody Aussies!
New Zealand would participate in the Vietnam War, sending an engineer unit to Vietnam in June 1964. The engineers were replaced with an artillery unit (161 Bty, RNZA) in June of 1965 and they would remain in Vietnam through till the end of the war (1971). The New Zealand Army would also send a number of infantry soldiers, being 'Victor' and 'Whiskey' Coy's, as well as a contingent from the Special Air Service (SAS). Gunner Taawhi Kerehona would serve in Vietnam with 161 Bty, from 1967-1968. He would see action on a number of occassions, especially during the Tet Offensive; where his unit positions would come under direct fire from VC soldiers. Gnr Kerehona is nearly killed in this assault, whilst he is manning the M60 machine gun. Gunner Brian Knott, a fellow member of 161 Fld Bty; provides an account of this incident, and of his and Taawhi's actions at the time. During one intense situation, the Kiwi Gunners were supporting 3 RAR or 'those bloody Aussies!' whilst they, themselves, were under attack.
Episode
11
Continuing the Tradition
Two decades later, two of Taawhi's sons would become 'those bloody Aussies!'; when they enlisted into the Australian Army in the late 1980s and mid 1990s. Kris Kerehona would become a cook and would subsequently be posted to Duntroon (officer's academy); he also played Grid Iron for the Australian national team, touring the U.S.A, Hawaii and the UK. Brent Kerehona would become a para-trooper with 3 RAR (Para); the same unit that his father Taawhi, had supported whilst he served in Vietnam. Brent would receive numerous awards during his service, such as; 'Most Outstanding Soldier' and 'Best at P.T.' (Physical Training) at the School of Infantry in 1996, 'Student of Merit' on the ADF Dental Course in 1999, and a 'Provost Marshall - Army Certificate of Merit' for his role in evacuating personnel and fighting fires in 2002. Brent transferred to the Military Police in 2002, and was promoted to Lance Corporal. He was then deployed on Operation Relex II in 2003, and promoted to Corporal that same year. He played Basketball and Rugby union for the NSW Army sides; and ironically, would play rugby against the NZ Army rugby side in 2002.
Episode 12:
Retracing their Steps
Brent Kerehona revisits a number of the sites around the world where his family members have fought and died. He visits Belgium, Cambodia, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Italy, Japan, and Vietnam; as well as numerous battlesites around the North Island of New Zealand. In this chapter, he describes his arduous and emotional experiences; as he walks, pack-march's, climbs, crawls, wades and swims - over, up, through or across, numerous former battlesites. He feels that it is necessary to do this, in order to write this book properly. He elaborates by stating that 'An author cannot write of things that they have not experienced first-hand, and possess an acceptable level of understanding and credibility.' He assesses the accounts written in history, against his observations of the terrain and his own knowledge of military tactics. He also offers his own personal feelings about these visits to former battlegrounds and gravesites.
In the Field; Re-tracing a Soldier concludes with the author's thoughts toward his ancestors, and their roles and actions throughout the various conflicts within New Zealand's short, but great history. Although he honors the memories of his ancestors, he does not glorify war itself. He makes some telling statements in relation to the futility of war, and the unfortunate need for defence forces the world over. Comments from a variety of people such as; current and former soldiers, politicians, family members, anti-war proponents, as well as the average 'joe-blow' are included - in order to cover a cross-section of public opinion. It is old men (politicians) who start wars, yet it is young men (soldiers) who die in them. Kerehona argues that if politicians themselves were required to don a helmet, pack and rifle, and go into battle themselves - maybe there would be no more war. He points out that although soldiers do the fighting, they are not the initiators of the conflict and are simply doing their duty.
Our Goals Educational - To create an engaging educational resource tool for people and students who are inspired to follow their own family’s experience of war. Production We want to create a series of shorter documentary films delivered on a web platform which is both emotionally engaging, and that makes the audience feel something. It is important that we inspire our audience to follow our example and research their own family’s stories Build relationships With family With professionals Historical societies Media industries Creative agencies Re-connect with cultural heritage To leave a lasting legacy of our family’s stories by way of creative arts To contribute to both our Australian and New Zealand roots Career Development As documentary producers Recognition as an artist nationally and internationally Skill Development Producing, planning Writing Camera Operating Post-production
Getting the feel of things at a Maori kainga on the banks of the Waitangi River. Trying to experience what once was...This photo was taken by the author during a research trip to New Zealand in September 2008.
Project Outline Our project is broken into several stages of production. Stage One: Stage Two: Stage Three: Stage Four: Stage Five: Stage Six: Stage Seven:
Research Script Editing Filming Post-production / Website build Developing a marketing strategy Publish Book Launch Website
Stage One: Research (Self-funded) New Zealand Research Trip (Completed) Both Brent and Kris have traveled to various locations in New Zealand in order to; Document battle locations Take video footage and photos Interviewed relatives and elders Visited museums Validate research for inclusion of both the book and documentary. Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, France and Belgium Research Trip Brent traveled to above-mentioned locations Document battle locations Take video footage and photos Interviewed relatives and elders Visited museums Validate research for inclusion of both the book and documentary. Stage Two: From the completed book Born for War, we will adapt twelve chapters of the book into twelve scripts to complete twelve mini-documentaries. (We will be seeking funding to assist with the cost script editing for Producer Kris Kerehona of $2400.00) An adaptation of the book Born for War will be used to create 12 6-minute films; undertaken by Kris and Brent Kerehona over a three-month period. We envisage completing one chapter per week at $200.00 per chapter to cover Kris Kerehona’s writing fee. Therefore; we require $2400.00 for writing fees. The process will take twelve weeks; there will be twelve chapters, writing one chapter per week.
Stage Three: Filming Twelve Mini-Documentary Story Outlines. Our plan is to film twelve mini documentaries requires efficiency in planning and costing. Therefore; we plan to film the first component in a studio environment with the main character, Brent Kerehona with a simple black background. We will utilise an autocue (teleprompt). This will form the foundation of all twelve documentary stories. Our requirements include a two-day hire of a sound-proofed production studio Engage the hire of a professional video camera and sound recording microphones. Producer Kris Kerehona will be camera operator and directing the talent. Stage Four: Filming in New Zealand (Locations, pieces to camera, interviews with relatives and elders; carried out by Brent Kerehona) We require cinematic landscape scenes where our central character Brent Kerehona will be interacting with, and, explaining the importance and relevance of the locations in context to the stories from an historical context. In order to complete this task we require funding to cover the costs of hiring professional video production equipment for the duration of one week. Both Kris and Brent have previously self-funded a research trip to all of the locations and this preplanning will help our production schedule and planning immensely. Producer Kris Kerehona will be camera operator and directing Brent Kerehona. Production costs will include travel and accommodation, food and production equipment hire.
Stage Five: Developing a marketing strategy We understand that community is the saviour of content. We start with the audience. Our marketing strategy consists of engaging with the audience by dove-tailing various cultural institutions and events, tv programming and the like using social media tools Twitter and Facebook to steadily grow and develop our audience.
The author visited Archives New Zealand in Jan 2010, to view original documents; in relation to the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi. Photo courtesy of Ekau-O-Te-Rangi Kerehoma.
In this new series an everyday Australian embark on a powerful personal journey retracing his ancestor's incredible wartime experiences. Tribal Films, the team behind Captain of the Team and Phoenix Rising has taken a more personal approach with this new 12-part mini-documentary web-series about an Australian retracing his ancestor's wartime experiences. From Gallipoli to Vietnam, the episodes follow the stories of soldiers. It's a promising concept that considers those lingering effects of war that are too often left unexamined Anzac Day In the Field; re-tracing a Soldier is an interesting blend of the past and present; it’s very immediate; the concept is very engaging because it is the past that informs us of who we are. The documentary films interweaves stories with personal family photos and locations where the family members fought; Brent walks in their footsteps the whole experience. Defining our Audience Our documentary films engage with audiences on a number of areas; Film Festivals Educational Empowered to reach out to other communities, who will relate to what they will see and shared experiences we are exploring and presenting. Our project tells auniversla story which will appeal to a broader audience
The round has well and truly exited the barrel and is 50-100m down-range. Note the large powder signature (smoke) - it would have been difficult to fire one of these and not give away your position. Photo courtesy of Bob Ellis (2010).
Long-term social impact and educational outcomes; Our educational audience users in the educational sector will enhance the life of the project comes with a study guide – will it fit in a curriculum??? Ideas are incorporated into the production phase and consultation with a teacher (Brent Kerehona) Together with Study Guides, outreach includes special community screenings and talks with allied groups. We will build momentum and create long-term impact. We will ally with targeted foundations for fundraising and awareness. Interactive: SHARE YOUR STORIES Why Now? Anzac Day’s reverence is growing. More and more Australians are making the pilgrimage to Gallipoli. The stories of sacrifice and spirit resonates with every Australian. The value of our documentary to our audience and community is to tell the heart breaking and illuminating stories; it’s the legacy of the Anzac story, it’s an Australian and New Zealand story – it’s our story.
This belt-fed machine gun was used by American and Allied forces during the Vietnam War.
The author views the Long Hai Hills (Mountains) from the coastal road, south-east of the mountain range. The author's father participated in a number of fire missions upon these hills. A former VC Commissioned Officer called 161 Bty the Kiwi Orchestra; as they could hear the melody of the guns fired from the Horseshoe and also from FSPB Herring nearby. Photo courtesy of Brent Kerehona (timer and tripod used) October 2010.
Born for War: New Zealand’s Military History – A Family Perspective Born for War, an historical novel, begins with traditional Maori inter-tribal warfare in the far-north of Aotearoa (New Zealand) in 1800 (see excerpt below); before continuing on through a number of subsequent conflicts and events, over a period of approximately 200 years. It focuses upon a number of ‘real’ characters (all related), including Maori war chiefs, European war heroes and their descendants; their roles and actions in their respective conflicts (including their interactions with each other). As well as being an entertaining novel, it can also be utilised as an academic reference; as the characters and events have been researched comprehensively and the novel referenced as such The Following exerpt is from the Book Born For War, Chapter One. “Run Te Karehu, run!” the woman cried desperately as she struggled with her attackers. Te Karehu ran as quickly as she could. She didn’t look back, not even when she heard a deafening scream and the sound of a body falling to the ground; for she knew the consequences that would befall her, if she was not able to evade the attacking Taua. Te Karehu had managed to scramble out of the turnip garden and fought to keep ahead of her pursuers; however, she was only a young girl and the men quickly caught her before she could reach the cover of the surrounding scrub. The men bound the girl, before returning to the turnip garden to prepare the woman that they had recently slain – for dinner. The woman was the author’s 4 x great grandmother, and the girl - her daughter!
Kris Kerehona records some film footage at Kaiwaka; for use in the 'Born for War' documentary... This photo was taken by the author during a research trip to New Zealand in 2008.
Aim of the Book This novel is not meant to promote or legitimise war in any way, shape or form - it is simply an honest account to acknowledge the roles and actions of 'real' characters during these conflicts. The novel takes a real 'twist' toward the end, with the author questioning the value of conflict as a way of resolving problems. The only genuine conclusion that can be drawn is that war is a futile exercise. 'War does not determine who is right and who is wrong - only who is left'. Impact of the 'Born for War' project so far The author's research has already had an impact upon New Zealand's cultural, historical and legal scenes. A discovery about the signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi, has been discussed by academics, scholars and historians and is currently being used in the current Ngapuhi Treaty Hearings. The author's research is being used by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage on their New Zealand History online website. Two Kiwi artists, Penny Howard (painter) and Doug Poole (poet); have created artworks and poems about Ngapuhi chief Moka Te Kainga-mataa, using my research findings as their inspiration. The
Russell Museum is displaying an exhibition titled 'Three Brother Chiefs: Te Wharerahi, Rewa, Moka' in 2012.*Please refer to the website addresses below for further information.
The author Brent Kerehona visited the New Zealand Museum in Jan 2010, to conduct further research. Photo courtesy of Te Kahureremoa Toumata.
Supporting Material Video Example We have produced two short videos to introduce the character of Brent Kerehona as the central character and his journey of discovering his Maori cultural heritage. Title: Moko – an intimate portrait about re-connection to family Title: Promo video about the book Born for War Electronic versions are available at the following website; http://www.tribalfilms.com.au/ - 988782/Re-tracing-a-Soldier Press & Media 3/11/2010 - Author recognised for his achievements in New South Wales Parliamentary Speech... The author has been mentioned in Minister of Parliament, Dr Andrew McDonald's Parliamentarian speech; which was released to the media today. He was praised directly for his role as an award winner at the Pacific Achievements Awards Night; as well as through the recognition of two local sporting teams, for which he coaches and plays - Casula Cougars U/13s and Liverpool Bulls R.U.F.C. http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20101019007
The author has been mentioned in Minister of Parliament, Dr Andrew McDonald's Parliamentarian speech; which was released to the media today. He was praised directly for his role as an award winner at the Pacific Achievements Awards Night; as well as through the recognition of two local sporting teams, for which he coaches and plays - Casula Cougars U/13s and Liverpool Bulls R.U.F.C. http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20101019007
Kiwi TV Featured in “My Moko” is Brent Kerehona, ex solider, warrior, scholar and author among other fine attributes. As an author and historian, Brent travels further into the past of his predecessors to discover the warrior attributes that make a person “Born for War” In compiling “Born for War” Brent has self funded his research trips around the North Island of New Zealand, as well as to places such as: Cambodia (2010), Egypt (2001), England (2005), France (2005), Greece (2005), Hawaii (2006), Italy (2005), Japan (2009) and Vietnam (2010). This year Brent is planning a research trip to Belgium and Germany (for 10 days); to conduct research on WW1. Brent has purchased the plane ticket himself and is seeking on-site costs (local travel, accommodation, food, entry fees, etc) that will enable him to carry out the necessary work required to complete not only “Born for War” but also the planned documentary that he and his acclaimed producer/film maker brother are producing. “Born for War” shares and documents a path well trodden by ancestors that encapsulates and answers questions for Brent that he hopes others will appreciate and understand. http://kiwitv.com.au/SHOWS-Find-a-Show/p1/-i428040c3-4d31-42ae-8791-bc0732953c91-1112.htm
Photograph taken by Producer, Kris Kerehona (2010) Academic Research & History Moka and his two brothers participated in the bloody Musket Wars of the 1820s1830s, which caused wholesale destruction across the North Island; resulting in numerous deaths, slavery, and the displacement of a large number of people. 'Moka, was...a distinguished chief among Hongi's [ Hongi Hika ] warriors... (http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/) Maori academic Brent Kerehona (Ngapuhi/Whakatohea/Tuhoe/Whanau-a-Apanui), claims that on close inspection, it seems as though Moka was a person of high significance. He was an original signatory to the Declaration of Independence (the same document that the Crown had aimed to revoke), was the only Maori signatory to the Proclamation and after raising specific issues, as well as questioning Hobson about pre-emption and illegal land transactions at the meeting at Waitangi, appears not to have been satisfied with the explanations provided and chose not to sign the Treaty of Waitangi. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moka_Te_Kainga-mataa) http://www.review.mai.ac.nz/index.php/MR/article/viewFile/346/538 http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/people/moka-te-kainga-mataa
Brent Kerehona paying his respects to Australian soldiers, who sacrificed their lives during war. 14 January 2010. Photo courtesy of Tamihana Kerehona Endorsements 'You have done some in-depth research in regard to the project that you have set yourself....writing a book from your perspective in regard to your tupuna. On the way many stones have needed to be overturned to reveal the hidden secrets beneath them and hopefully some of them returned to their former position.' Hone Sadler M.M.M, Senior Lecturer University of Auckland and Nga Puhi Kaumatua. 'Interestingly, recent and sustained research by Moka descendant, Brent Kerehona, suggests that, contrary to the assumptions of other writers, Moka did not sign the Treaty at all. Moka thus supported his verbal objections with a concrete refusal to in any way legitimise something to which he objected and strongly rejected. For Moka, this was a matter of chiefly principle and honour; rangatiratanga and its ascendancy over all.' Dr Benjamin Pittman. Patuone http://www.patuone.com/files_life/treaty.html
A
Life.
Treaty
of
Waitangi.
'Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, and we appreciate the amount of research that you have clearly put into it....It certainly does appear, from what you have been able to find out so far, that Moka probably did not sign this copy of the Treaty, even though his name is written on it. To acknowledge this doubt, we have decided to alter the page on the Waitangi Treaty copy, http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/interactive/treaty-of-waitangi-copy We would be pleased to hear from you if you discover any more information, and we hope that this goes some way towards correcting what may have been a long-established error. Best wishes for your research.' Neill Atkinson - on behalf of Dr Bronwyn Dalley, Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
This club is carved from whalebone, and was dated - late 1700s. It is part of the collection held by the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Who We Are? Tribal Films consists of two brothers; both ex-soldiers turned media practioners. Tribal Films is a collective of artists based in Belconnen, Australian Capital Territory. Our small talented team of writer, director and producers create documentary films which feature themes containing cultural heritage and multiculturalism. Founded by Independent Producer Kris Kerehona, Tribal Films is an arts-based collective which serves purely as a name of our team of artists who wish to create stories with heart. We develop films and books for multi-platform projects, film festivals and exhibitions. Our content has appeared as part of the National Film & Sound Archive's Big Screen & Black Screen Programs and the Australian War Memorial's special exhibition galleries. Our film Captain of the Team also featured as part of Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes “Great Australian Flag Debate”. We support grass-roots film making and run filmmaking workshops for ACT Arts Officers, manage and provide technical support and consultancy to film festivals including Short Story Big Screen, Canberra Short Film Festival and the ACT Department of Education's Step into the Limelight Film Festival. We selectively accept commissions for educational and documentary works. www.tribalfilms.com.au Kris Kerehona Role: Producer. Director, Camera Operator, Editor Kris Kerehona is a Screen Producers Association of Australia nominated emerging producer based in Canberra. In 2006, he graduated the University of Canberra with a degree in Communication and Media Production. He has previously worked as a producer at Silver Sun Pictures and a stint at ScreenACT and the ACT Filmmakers Network. Kris was also Festival Director of the Canberra Short Film Festival. Kris is currently developing and creating media content at The Australian War Memorial. Kris also served in the Australian Army. www.kriskerehona.com Brent Kerehona BA, MTeach Role: Producer, Writer Brent Kerehona served in the Australian Army for 10 years. Initially as a Para-trooper, he was posted to the elite parachute battalion 3 RAR (Para); before corps transferring and becoming a Military Policeman with 2 MP Coy. He received the awards for ‘Most Outstanding Soldier’ and was awarded a ‘Provost Marshall-Army’ Certificate of Merit. Brent attended the University of Western Sydney (Bankstown); where he studied a Bachelor of Arts from 2005-7, and a Master of Teaching (Primary) from 2008-9. Brent is currently teaching in primary schools, within the Sydney South West Region. He is committed to assisting and developing the youth, and has undertaken a variety of volunteer positions within his local community. Brent is currently writing a book titled Born for War. www.tumatauenga.webs.com
The author captured in time, as he describes his personal journey, in relation to his project Born for War. This interview was conducted by Producer, Andrew Scarano, at the Australian Film Television & Radio School (AFTRS), Moore Park, Sydney, in August 2010. Business and commercial outcomes In the Field: Re-tracing a Soldier has scope for commercial and business focused outcomes; 1. The copyright and ownership of the film property remains fully within the ACT to Producer Kris Kerehona who is based in the ACT. 2. Re-enactments will be filmed using locations in the ACT region; employing local film industry professionals. 3. We also intend to commission further research and scriptwriting by an ACT screenwriter. 4. For post-production services, we will be using a leading ACT post-production facility. 5. Opportunity for co-production between ACT and New Zealand businesses.
Pictured is Brent Kerehona studying New Zealand History, at the University of Western Sydney (UWS) Bankstown Library. Research began here in April 2005. Photo was taken March 5, 2010. Photo courtesy of Sammy Y. Attracting additional investment In the Field: Re-tracing a Soldier has scope in attracting additional investment in the following areas; 1. The film project should be most suitable for coinciding with 100 – year commemorations of ANZAC day, consequently, television broadcasters both in Australia and New Zealand will be looking for unique, new and relevant content. To this end, opportunities for this project could attract additional investment from Australia and New Zealand public and private benefactors, government agencies and cultural institutions.
This lead ball was used with the 'Brown Bess' Musket; which the Maori warriors used during the Musket Wars in the early 1800s. This lead ball was 18mm (.75 calibre) and did quite a lot of damage Good value for money An initial investment of $5,000 from ScreenACT represents good value for money in the following ways; 1.
Investment funds will be seeding the scriptwriting component of a substantial documentary project – the source of the information of which is an adaptation of the book containing 12 chapters. Once a quality first draft script is produced, we envisage an increased level of quality to the story as a professional product and an opportunity to leverage the story to attract an ACT-based executive producer.
The economic benefit that this project benefits the ACT We believe that producing a six-part documentary series will stimulate the local film production industry by; 1. 2. 3.
Engaging local independent screen and media practitioners Engaging local production companies Funding and investment from outside the ACT will be spent in the ACT whilst developing the project in the ACT
Originality and strength is demonstrated in the following ways; 1.
2. 3. 4.
The premise of the documentary features a man on a journey to discover his ancestral roots; where he came from and their experiences on the front lines of battle. But what Brent Kerehona discovers is a continuum of the warrior theme; from the colonial days to today, all ancestors were warriors and soldiers and all share heroic and tragic experiences of war. The scope of the project is original in the sense that this is a true story from the perspective of one man’s own bi-cultural family, throughout modern history. A characteristic we’d like to introduce to the narrative is how an audience viewer can learn the tools and skills to research their own family history- to discover their family’s unique history. We acknowledge the project contains similar themes to the forthcoming television series Following in their Footsteps produced by Shine Australia – this also indicates that the concept is very strong and relevant with the current trends in what broadcasters are looking in projects to develop.
Brent Kerehona, writer, developer and producer.
The author's father, Taawhi Kerehona, a Vietnam veteran, greets Cpl Apiata VC, at a Maori service at Te Wairua Tapu Church, Redfern in March 2011. Standing directly behind him is Cpl Roberts-Smith VC, whom the author served with at 3 RAR in the late 1990s, as well as being team-mates in the rugby team. Photo courtesy of Greg Makutu 2011.
Statement of Copyright In the field; re-tracing a Soldier is an original concept by Kris Kerehona and Brent Kerehona. The book Born for War is copyright of Brent Kerehona. An agreement is made between Kris Kerehona and Brent Kerehona that the property of the documentary known as In the Field: Re-tracing a Soldier is directly based on the book Born for War and that both Kris Kerehona and Brent Kerehona are both producers of the documentary, under the name Tribal Films. Tribal Films is a filmmaking entity in name only, not currently registered as a trading business; but is beneficial for the purposes of the documentary.
Contact: Kris Kerehona Address: 20 Burkitt St Page, ACT 2614 Telephone: 0411 675 306 Email: info@tribalfilms.com.au Website: www.tribalfilms.com.au