There’s a Hole in My Bucket — and a story worth sharing

This June, a powerful new documentary arrives in Aotearoa.

There’s a Hole in My Bucket, directed by Royd Tolkien (great-grandson of J. R. R. Tolkien), has its world premiere in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Thursday 25 June. At its heart is a deeply personal story shaped by love, loss, and what it means to keep going.

Watch the trailer here.

A story that begins with loss

In 2015, Royd lost his brother Mike to motor neurone disease (MND). Before he died, Mike left Royd one final gift: a bucket list of 50 challenges. It wasn’t just a list — it was an act of love, and a nudge forward. A way to pull his comfort-zone-loving brother back into the world, and back into living.

A journey across Aotearoa

What follows is a deeply human journey across Aotearoa. The film moves through grief, connection, humour, and discomfort as Royd takes on each challenge. It’s raw, funny, and full of heart — a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there is still space for meaning, laughter, and growth.

Royd reflects: “My hope for this film is to ignite a passion for life and inspire people to take absolutely nothing for granted. To fully appreciate the family and friends we hold dear and close, and not wait until something terrible happens before realising that.”

Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, the documentary also features Peter Jackson, Billy Boyd, John Rhys-Davies, and special guests from the world of Middle-earth.

Why this matters

For the MND community, this story will feel familiar. MND changes lives quickly and profoundly. It brings loss, uncertainty, and grief — but also moments of connection, strength, and deep love. Stories like this help widen understanding of that experience, while reminding all of us not to take time for granted.

Screenings

As part of MND Action Month, we’ve partnered with Royd Tolkien, Be Hope Films, and Doc Edge Festival to give our community and supporters the opportunity to see the film at special screenings across Aotearoa:

• Auckland — Takapuna Beachside Cinemas | 12 July
• Wellington — The Roxy Cinema | 21 July
• Christchurch — Kōawa Studios (Jack Mann Theatre) | 02 August
• Online – Doc Edge virtual cinema | 27 July to 10 August
  

Giveaways!

We have one double pass for each screening to give away.

👉 To enter: visit our Facebook or Instagram social post, like it, tell us which screening, and tag the person you’d take with you. Entries close Friday 03 July at midnight, and winners will be contacted shortly after.

For more information and tickets:
https://docedge.nz/events/theres-a-hole-in-my-bucket/