When the Aurora Australis appears above the southern lakes, a dedicated community of Aurora fanatics drop everything in pursuit of a glimpse of one of nature's most spectacular displays.

Set against the remote landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand, Don't Whistle At The Aurora follows a handful of eager Aurora chasers, hoping for a chance to see the magic of the Southern Lights.  

A local family piles into the car after receiving an alert, turning a late night mission into an adventure for the whole whānau. A solo photographer hikes deep into the hills, seeking solitude and the perfect shot beneath the stars. Meanwhile, a couple of first time Aurora hopefuls gather on the Wānaka lakefront, guided by experienced locals, as they attempt to witness the elusive lights for themselves, and learn a few unwritten rules along the way.

As these stories unfold, the film explores not only the science behind the Aurora, and the techniques used to predict and photograph it, but also the myths, legends and personal meanings woven around the dancing lights. Cultures both north and south of the equator have shared tales as old as time around the celestial phenomenon but what do we really know? Through Māori traditions, international folklore and the stories of those who spend sleepless nights searching the horizon, we learn how the Aurora isn’t just a natural phenomenon, but a source of wonder, connection and hope.

Blending astrophotography with the energy and unpredictability of a real time chase, Don't Whistle At The Aurora is a visually stunning and deeply human and character-centric story about our enduring fascination with the night sky, and the lengths we will go to experience a moment of magic. As the heart warming journeys of our quirky Aurora chasers unfold, so too do the deeper stories of ritual, isolation, purpose, and connection to something beyond ourselves. 

Production   Bunker Street Film Co.

Broadcast   TBC

Role/s   Director of Photography

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In Production