Noku Te Ao

A series of five lived experience case study films created for Noku Te Ao to help reduce stigma and encourage connection across Aotearoa.

These stories are raw honest and deeply personal. Each participant trusted the process and shared experiences shaped by trauma resilience and hope. The goal was to create a space where their voices could be heard with dignity and care.

The project

Noku Te Ao is a national movement dedicated to reducing mental health related stigma in Aotearoa. These five films were designed to spark understanding and compassion by sharing real lived experiences told in the words of those who lived them.

The emotional weight of these stories required a sensitive filmmaking approach. Each interview was filmed in a calm respectful environment with time and space to allow participants to speak without pressure. Many of these moments were difficult to revisit. Their courage shaped the strength of this project.

The final films were used across online campaigns social channels and community education resources. They remain some of the most impactful and widely engaged pieces created for the organisation.

Credits

• Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Post Production – Diego Opatowski
• Client – Noku Te Ao
• Talent – Sourced by Noku Te Ao
• Five films delivered at approximately 90 seconds each
• Distributed through online platforms, social channels, and paid campaigns