Socks
Director: Todd Karehana
Cast:Monty Walker, Indy Urban, Billy Cox, Katy Thomas
Crew:Writer: Todd Karehana. Producer: Samantha Dutton. Executive Producer: Jane Campion, Philippa Campbell; Cinematographer: Tim Flower; Editor: Julian Karehana
Email:samantha_dutton@yahoo.com
Synopsis
In small-town New Zealand, a young boy feels an unexpected bond with a Mormon missionary.
A twelve-year-old boy named Pop grapples with his growing fascination as a Mormon missionary begins visiting his home. As Pop observes and learns more about the missionary, he struggles to conceal his developing feelings. After months
of spending time together, Pop is unexpectedly informed that the missionary is being transferred away. During the missionary’s final visit, Pop impulsively steals one of his socks, a memento of their friendship.
About the director
Todd Karehana (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana) is an emerging director with a passion for making bold, innovative work for underserved communities. He has worked in various roles at Kura Productions, Pango Productions and Piki Films. He was a storyliner, writer and script editor on Māori Television’s premium dramaseries ‘Ahikāroa’. He was also a storyliner and co-writer on children’s animated series ‘The Exceptional Squad’ for Hei Hei and provided writing support on the indigenous anthology feature film ‘Nga Pouwhenua’. Most recently, he directed an episode of the ‘Young And...’ series for TVNZ.
Filmmaker's note
Socks is based on a 10-year-old me searching for connection with other males.
I grew up poor in a smalltown in New Zealand. I was bullied a lot because I was gentle, my parents were separated so my dad wasn’t around, and although it’s not in the film, my older brother died. At the same time, I was suppressing thoughts and feelings for men that confused me. The interactions with males in my life impacted me in different ways, some of which I’m still coming to recognise.
When I think back to the Mormon missionaries that visited, they spoke with care, made eye contact, listened to me, remembered the stories I shared, and prayed with me. They were some of the most positive male-to-male interactions I had at that point in my life. Socks touches on all of these elements and lets the audience make their own interpretations.