About Rūrangi

Rūrangi is a New Zealand drama series released in 2021. The story explores the life of transgender activist Caz Davis (played by Elz Carrad), who returns to his rural hometown of Rūrangi after a 10-year-absence. Haunted by past traumas, Caz is on a quest to reconcile with his estranged father and reconnect with the community he left behind. The series profoundly delves into topics such as LGBTQ rights, acceptance, mental health, and strong family bonds.

Making / Production

The series is directed by Max Currie and written by Cole Meyers and Oliver Page. It was produced as part of the first-ever New Zealand Web Series competition, expanding from a successful crowdfunding campaign that resonated with the community's support for LGBTQ+ representation and rights.

Actors

• Elz Carrad as Caz Davis: Carrad delivers an incredible performance as the protagonist, portraying his struggles and triumphs as a transgender man.
• Kirk Torrance as Gerald Davis: As Caz's estranged father, Torrance skillfully portrays a hardened farmer grappling with accepting his son's identity.
• Aruna Po-Ching as Jem: Po-Ching brilliantly plays the role of Caz's best friend, showcasing their unwavering loyalty and support for Caz throughout his journey.
• Awhina Rose Ashby as Anahera: Ashby is persuasive as Anahera, the town's hardworking and straight-talking businesswoman.

Interesting Facts

• Rūrangi is a pioneering TV series showcasing a transgender protagonist in New Zealand television.
• The writers, cast, and crew of Rūrangi include several members of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring authenticity and respect in handling the narrative.
• Actor Elz Carrad, who is a transgender man in real life, is actively involved in the trans advocacy.

Quotes

• "You can't expect everyone else to be comfortable with you until you're comfortable with you." - Caz Davis
• "I'm the same person I've always been, I've just got a different name now." - Caz Davis
• "He's your son whether you like it or not, and he's home." - Jem

Music, Soundtrack

• The show's emotive and inspiring soundtrack is a collaborative effort of multiple artists, reflecting the spirit of Rūrangi and its characters.
• The opening theme is haunting yet hopeful, setting the tone for the series.
• The soundtrack complements the storyline beautifully, enhancing the narrative with its depth and variety.