Caz Davis left his home in the small town of Rūrangi, abandoning everyone, and moved to Auckland to start his new life where he transitions. Years later, he returns to the town where he grew up for the first time as an out trans man. He now must face the people whom he abandoned and start to rebuild those relationships. His father is upset with him for missing his mother's funeral, and is also trying to process his transition from being his daughter to now being a trans man. Anahera, his best friend growing up, who is now trying to re-connect with her Maori Heritage, is also confused and hurt by his sudden decision to leave without saying good-bye. When he finally faces his ex-boyfriend Jem, who had already made life plans for the two of them to be together, he must explain his reasons for leaving him behind. Meanwhile, Jem is questioning his uncertain feelings, because he is still attracted to Caz, but unsure if it's old feelings coming to the surface, or whether he is now attracted to Caz's masculinity.
Winner of the Frameline Audience Award, Max Currie’s critically acclaimed RŪRANGI is a powerful and authentic story interweaving themes of environmentalism, identity, and the strength of finding acceptance. This film exemplifies why more trans representation is needed in cinema.
Rūrangi DVD Extras: