‘O’Town Dreaming’ - Docuseries About Talented ŌTara Youth Begins Streaming On TVNZ Ondemand From 14 April

In December 1995, OMC (formerly Ōtara Millionaires Club), a Polynesian band from South Auckland released ‘How Bizarre’ and went to the top of the global music charts. The late Pauly Fuemana took Ōtara music to the world stage. Today, some houses in Ōtara are selling for close to six-figures but negative stereotypes about the area persist. For the talented youth growing up in Ōtara, including Pauly’s teenage son Salvador Fuemana, Ōtara represents home, community and family.

O’Town Dreaming is an inspirational new docuseries that begins streaming on TVNZ OnDemand from Thursday, April 14th. It features Ōtara youth telling their stories and living their dreams through the life changing tenets of music.

“Forget what you think you know about Ōtara’s youth,” says series narrator and upcoming Samoan hip-hop creative, Jessie Gibson. “Telling our own stories, we represent a part of Ōtara's next generation of musicians and we want to bring you along with us on our journey.”

We follow the budding artists as they climb their own musical mountains. Each is informed by their life experiences and supported by deep family and community roots. Local mentors guide our stars as they prepare to fulfil their destiny.

Salvador Fuemana (Niuean/Māori) realises he has his dad’s legacy to uphold but he also wants to make his own way in the musical world. “Do I feel the pressure of having Pauly as my father? Yes. I want to carry his legacy on.”

Making her way in the classical music world, 17-year-old Samoan cello player and opera singer Eve Tiatia aims high. “The dream for me is to be the first islander in the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.”

This series introduces us to new faces and voices from a proud community. The promising young people use music as their outlet to express themselves. They have endured challenges and overcome barriers to share their talents and realise their potential. O’Town Dreaming celebrates this spirit.

After two years of uncertainty in Aotearoa New Zealand and especially in South Auckland, this hopeful, vibrant series is perfect for now. Co-directed by Ngāti Uekaha director Eugene Carnachan (Beyond the Darklands) and Rupert Mackenzie (The Darklands), the series was produced by Alex Reed (The Women of Pike River) and consists of 8 x 15-minute episodes.

O’Town Dreaming is made with the support of NZ On Air.

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