Big Questions

A heartbreaking question lies at the centre of this award-winning animated short from Auckland director and animator Liam Maguren. It's bedtime on a school night and a suburban dad struggles to respond to his daughter's anxiety about the rapid pace of climate change. His reply comes in the form of a small but monumental change to their day. Big Questions took out the top prize at the 2022 48Hours film contest. Longtime entrant Maguren, — who is also a critic for website Flicks — was named Best Director, and was nominated for his animation. The dad and daughter roles are voiced by Dan Desmond and Emma Smart. 

I’m flooded with gratitude for the award and the opportunities that lie ahead . . . I’m also humbled by all the people who have contacted me since to say how much the film resonated with them, and, coming out of [climate change conference] COP27, I can only hope Big Questions adds to the collective voices screaming at the powers that be for better change, faster.

– Writer/director Liam Maguren reflects on winning the 2022 48Hours film contest, Flicks, 21 November 2022

Key Cast & Crew

Liam Maguren

Director, Writer, Animator

Emma Smart

As: Daughter

Dan Desmond

As: Dad