Rūrangi Returns with Pride

Queer series Rūrangi, directed by Max Currie (DEGANZ), is returning for a second season as Aotearoa celebrates Pride Month! The new season, titled Rūrangi: Rising Light, follows after a highly successful series debut and winning the 2022 International Emmy for best short-form series.

Not only is it New Zealand’s first transgender drama series, but the production also prides itself on having one of the most gender-diverse casts and crews in the industry. It uses the hashtag #byusandaboutus to highlight its authentic storytelling to encourage and enable better representation in front of the camera and behind the scenes. This season even involved fans from the trans community in the making of a set piece. Before production began last year, transgender fans were encouraged to send in photos of themselves or of things that spark joy to decorate a set wall celebrating trans joy.

The highly anticipated sequel season will continue to follow Caz after his return to his hometown but will also turn its focus to his friend Anahera’s story. The trailer offers peaks into what’s to come, underlining themes of love, loss, and LGBTQIA+ joy.

Congratulations to Max and the team! We can’t wait to tune in for the season premiere on 12 February on Sky and Prime TV.

Last updated on 2 February 2023