We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site, and make your experience better. To find out more read our privacy policy.
Play

00:00

/

00:00

Full screen
Video quality

Low 0 MB

High 0 MB

HD 0 MB

Captions
Volume
Volume
Hero image for Learning Fast

Learning Fast

Film (Full Length) – 1980

This hour-long documentary chronicles the plight of school leavers trying to figure out their next move. Filmed over a two year period, it follows seven school leavers from Masterton's Mākoura College as they attempt to navigate the ins and outs of being an adult; finding work, shipping off to university, or facing pressures from parents to make the 'right decision', as they await their exam results. The students wrestle with the difference between earning a wage and being free — seeking the sweet spot of an ideal work and life balance. Learning Fast was one of director Gaylene Preston's earliest documentaries. 

They are not problem kids, they are faced with real problems. They are coming out of school into a society which isn’t prepared or able to move over for them.
– Director/producer Gaylene Preston, The Evening Post, 2 October 1981

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for Gaylene Preston

Gaylene Preston

Director, Producer

Generic Profile image for Rick Gustavsen

Rick Gustavsen

Sound Recordist

Generic Profile image for Stephanie Beth

Stephanie Beth

Research

Generic Profile image for Gillian Chaplin

Gillian Chaplin

Research

Generic Profile image for Kerry Coe

Kerry Coe

Sound Recordist

Generic Profile image for Guy Phillips

Guy Phillips

Sound Recordist

See all 15 credits