Filmmaker Statement

Jessica Apanui’s methamphetamine addiction began as an escape from the trauma of a violent childhood. But after years of chronic abuse, she made the decision to break the cycle for her own tamariki. Now Jess must look deep into her past and embrace the power of Māoritanga to help guide her future. Director Holly Beckham is three years clean. With her lived experience of addiction, she is determined to be the voice for so many wāhine who are still suffering from meth addiction. ‘It’s time to raise our wāhine up and show them their true potential’.