The Te Teko community is in for a treat, with a free preview screening of ‘The Pā Boys’ to be held in the town this weekend.

The Pā Boys is Whenua Film’s and producer Ainsley Gardiner’s first major release since the international hit movie ‘Boy’ and was filmed on location in Ruatoria, Tolaga Bay, Te Teko, Whangarei and the Far North.

Ms Gardiner describes the film as a “bromance drama”, with the requisite number of laughs and good vibes. “It’s about life, death and music – a contemporary story about a group of young Māori men who form a reggae band and in the process, discover what each wants out of their lives,” she says.

Written and directed by Himiona Grace, son of the acclaimed author Patricia Grace and Ngāti Porou Kaumatua Dick Grace, The Pā Boys stars Fran Kora (of KORA-fame) in the lead role.

The Te Teko screening will be held at the Te Teko Rugby Club rooms on Tahuna Road on Sunday, 2 February, starting at 5:30 pm, and will be followed by socialisation with the cast, food and music. Entry will be restricted to people 18 years old and over.

“We see this as a way of thanking the community for all of the help and support provided while we were shooting in the area,” Ms Gardiner says. “The screening has been made possible by some key sponsorships, and we’re particularly appreciative of the help provided by the Whakatāne District Council events team. Space will be a limitation, so anyone who does want to be involved in this whakawhanaungatanga celebration should get in early.”