Living big on the small screen
A documentary film crew visited Dargaville last week to speak to a local resident with an impressive list of accomplishments. National cricket representative, painter, musician, powerlifter and multi-sport competitor; it’s the definition of a life lived to the full. The fact that Ming Ming Edgar is legally blind has not slowed him down for a second.
Attitude TV travelled to Dargaville to share his story as part of their long-running inspirational series of New Zealand short factual films. Attitude is a long-running Kiwi television series documenting the successes of people living with being differently-abled. It’s followed our sporting champions to the Special Olympics, interviewed the Wheel Blacks, and also won awards for promoting inclusion and empowerment. Running since 2005 the series has provided an insight into the courage and determination of many Kiwis who have overcome great obstacles to achieve life satisfaction and success.
Mr Edgar and his mum, Gaynor, welcomed a three-person film crew into their Dargaville home to help chronicle his achievements, which stack up as an impressive CV. Many locals will know of his skill on the piano keys, as he’s been a regular sight busking on the main street, outside Countdown or performing in variety concerts during the years. Gaynor adopted Ming Ming from his original homeland of China at the age of seven. He has lived in Dargaville ever since, taking full opportunity of the outdoors and cultural life of the town.
A talented artist, his works have graced exhibitions at Dargaville’s Muddy Waters Gallery. On the opening of his first solo exhibition in 2019, aptly titled My View of the World, he was typically humble and humorous.
“I would just say well … have a look and see what you can do, just have a go, some things you might not have tried before, and you never know you might be good at it, you might be Picasso.”
Additionally, Ming Ming participates in a list of sporting codes, which includes rugby, hockey, discus, shot put, running, swimming and long jump, not to mention primary passions for cricket and powerlifting.
When asked if it was hard to balance all of these interests, Mr Edgar was adamant that there’s always time to learn and experience more. As for being on television; the hardest part was not being shy of the camera, but working with the crew on a frosty winter morning.The completed documentary will screen in August after editing. It will also be featured online at attitudelive.com alongside an archive of other inspirational stories from around the nation.