Ōtorohanga Students Take Small-Town Dreams to the Big Screen

Five college students have created a video podcast about identity, ambition and finding your own path, with a free community premiere in Te Awamutu on 21 October.

By Webfit News | 12 October 2026

Five Ōtorohanga College students are preparing to see their filmmaking work on a cinema screen after creating a video podcast exploring what it means to dream big when you grow up in a small town.

The Fade Up 2 will premiere at the Regent Theatre in Te Awamutu on Wednesday, 21 October. The community screening starts at 6pm and will be followed by a panel discussion with the podcast crew.

Tickets are free, but registration is essential.

The project gave the students responsibility on both sides of the camera. They helped develop the concept, prepare questions, host and film the conversation, and edit and produce the finished podcast, working alongside professional filmmakers.

Finding a path of your own

At the centre of the podcast is a conversation between student host Marua Davis and Mel O’Brien, owner of Ōtorohanga Dance Company.

Their discussion explores identity, expectations, life lessons and the possibilities available to young people growing up in rural communities.

O’Brien brings her own experience of building a business, travelling overseas and volunteering. Through her dance company, she now helps young people develop confidence and work through challenges.

For Davis, hosting the conversation offered a lesson in being willing to try something unfamiliar and put herself forward.

Students take charge behind the camera

Alongside Davis, students Nicole Jones, Blair Edwards, Karla Davey and Robert Markey Jones took on production roles including assistant directing, camera operation, behind-the-scenes content, set design and lighting.

The team worked with Sasha McLaren, Fabrice Coquet and Leon Hemara from He Koniahi Story Circle.

The experience connected with different ambitions within the group.

Jones has a longstanding interest in film and hopes to pursue directing and other creative work. Edwards, who is interested in photography and videography, valued the opportunity to use professional equipment.

Davey hopes for a future involving travel and enjoyed developing new skills. Markey Jones hopes the finished podcast will encourage other young people to pursue their own ambitions.

McLaren said watching the students grow in confidence had been rewarding.

“It’s great to see rangatahi talking about what they’re interested in – the themes and stories they want to share with their community.”

A local salon becomes a film set

The podcast was filmed at Soul Salon on Ōtorohanga’s main street, owned by Brooke Kenny.

The setting continues the series’ approach of recording conversations in local businesses. The first Fade Up episode, made last year, was filmed at Ōtorohanga’s Cutthroat Brothers barbershop.

Hosted by Leon Hemara, that episode featured master carver Dan Ormsby and champion surfer Daniel Kereopa discussing Māori identity, finding inspiration and following their dreams.

For the second instalment, students helped shape both the conversation and how it would be presented.

Building confidence through community connections

The project is a partnership between Ōtorohanga College, He Koniahi Story Circle, Ōtorohanga District Council and members of the local community.

The council initiated it to connect rangatahi with positive role models and relatable stories while providing opportunities to develop confidence and leadership skills.

Council community development and wellbeing manager Nicky Deeley said the podcast allowed young people to connect with their community and discover possibilities for their future.

“The project shows the value of giving young people the time and space to ask questions and bring their own perspectives to important conversations.”

Following the premiere, the completed podcast will be shared more widely, including through YouTube and social media.

How to attend the premiere

Detail	Information
Event	The Fade Up 2 community premiere
Date	Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Time	6pm
Venue	Regent Theatre, Te Awamutu
Admission	Free, with registration required
After the screening	Panel discussion with the podcast crew

Register here:
https://www.theregent.nz/movie/the-fade-up

Photo caption: Ōtorohanga Dance Company owner Mel O’Brien, left, speaks with student host Marua Davis during filming of The Fade Up 2 at Soul Salon.

Source: Ōtorohanga District Council media release, 12 October 2026.