Ara videographer Grae Meek wins top film honours for Homecoming

Ara Institute of Canterbury’s senior videographer, Grae Meek (she/her), has taken home top honours at the Top of the South Film Festival. Her short film Homecoming swept multiple national awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Actress for Shortland Street’s Awa Puna.

The win marks a remarkable achievement for the Christchurch-based filmmaker, whose authentic storytelling and creative vision are gaining international recognition. Homecoming had its world premiere at the festival and had its UK premiere last week in London at the British Urban Film Festival.

Written and directed by Meek, Homecoming is a tense and deeply personal psychological drama about a transgender woman returning home to come out to her parents - only for the evening to unravel as her anxieties take a dark, sinister turn.

“The story explores the fear and vulnerability that can come with being truly seen by those you love,” said Meek. “It’s an authentic portrayal of the transgender experience; it’s visceral, heartfelt and real.”

The film stars Awa Puna in the lead role of Charlotte, alongside Lara Macgregor and Te Wharerangi Mihinui as her parents, and was produced by former Ara kaimahi (staff member) Anna Canton for Annakey Productions. It was shot in Ōtautahi Christchurch with a crew made up entirely of local practitioners, including award-winning cinematographer Julian Vares and editor Emma Smart.

Homecoming is part of the New Zealand Film Commission and Script to Screen Fresh Shorts programmes, received support from the Ara Foundation, along with a crowdfunding campaign that raised funds to complete the film.

The film aims to spark empathy and understanding around the transgender experience while showcasing local filmmaking talent.

“At a time of divisive commentary and misinformation, it’s vital to tell stories that promote conversation and compassion,” said Meek. “I love telling trans stories because they’re not often told - and when they are, they’re rarely told by us.”

I knew from the start that this story was something special,” said producer Anna Canton. "Grae’s vision is unique and emotive, and this film is one of the very few trans writer/director projects funded by the New Zealand Film Commission. To see the film recognised on this scale is incredibly rewarding.”

Looking ahead, Meek is happy focusing on her work at Ara. “I’m really enjoying my mahi (work) here, collaborating with creative people and telling stories that make a difference. It’s a pretty special place to be". She added she has “a few ideas percolating”, including another short film and a web series.

You can read more about Homecoming’s journey in Stuff’s profile on the film, or get news on future screenings on the film's Facebook and Instagram pages.