Rate My Professor Jonathan Molloy

A key accomplishment is his production of the documentary 'Driven by Purpose: Richie Poulton’s Legacy,' released in 2024. Inspired by Emeritus Distinguished Professor Richie Poulton's interview with Kim Hill on National Radio about his life, work with the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, and cancer diagnosis, Molloy proposed the project directly to Poulton, who supported it enthusiastically. The film emphasizes Poulton's sense of purpose through his research and its real-world applications in three interventions informed by Dunedin Study findings: Te Kura Mai i Tawhiti, Kia Tīmata Pai: The Best Start Study, and Just a Thought. Spanning nearly two years, production involved extensive interviews requiring travel to New Plymouth for Dr. Aroaro Tamati of Te Kopae Piripono and to Invercargill for BestStart staff, as well as participants like Shelley Campbell of the Wise Group, Charlie David, and Anna Elders of Just a Thought who traveled to Dunedin. Poulton's daughter Priyanka narrated, sourced family photos, and helped select era-appropriate music with input from his friends, securing rights from three parties. Supported by his team lead, the documentary received praise from Poulton's family and Dr. Sandhya Ramrakha, the Study Research Manager and his wife, for capturing his spirit, passion, and the study's lasting impact on improving lives, including the Marsden Fund-backed Kia Timata Pai project. Molloy aims to create more films showcasing Otago stories.