MY FRIEND MICHAEL JONES

A high school misfit with severe OCD forms an unlikely bond with a popular classmate through a shared passion for music and dance. An inspiring story of friendship that connects Pasifika culture, LGBTQIA+ awareness, overcoming bullying and anxiety disorder.

MJ is the ridicule of his high school peers. His obsessive-compulsive need to avoid cracks in the pavement and finger-tap doorframes before entering make him a target for relentless bullying.

Chief among his tormentors is Selena. When MJ discovers a secret that threatens Selena’s standing within her devout Samoan family and popular school clique, the two teenagers form an unlikely bond through a shared passion for music and dance.

When a series of events reveals Selena’s true persona to the entire school, MJ must try and overcome his own affliction to stand up for his new friend.

Directors: Ian Leaupepe & Samson Rambo

Producers: Alex Lovell & Eldon Booth

Writers: Eldon Booth, Ian Leaupepe & Samson Rambo

Cinematography: Ian McCarroll

Art Directors: Vea Mafile’o & Emily Mafile’o

Editors: Luke Haigh & Eldon Booth

Composer: Soraya LaPread

Choreography: Tony Pati

Made in association with the New Zealand Film Commission

Featuring:

Villa Junior Lemanu

Luciane Buchanan