The Little Film That Could

- - - Media Release – For Immediate Distribution - - -

17th July 2007

The Little Film That Could

A short film made on a shoestring budget in Dunedin has made it to Hollywood.

Cake Tin, a film by fledgling collective Screen Dunedin, has been selected to screen in competition at the Moondance International Film Festival, described as “The American Cannes”. The festival takes place at Universal Studios City Walk in Hollywood.

A black and white film, shot on the streets of South Dunedin in the depths of winter, Cake Tin stars veteran actor Louise Petherbridge (Starlight Hotel, Pictures) and Mark Nielson (Out of the Blue, Scarfies, The Pretender). It is the tale of an elderly rest home resident who escapes and heads off into the world in search of adventure.

For Director Rosemary Riddell, it was her first venture into film – though she brought to bear her own history in theatre (including directing the hit play Jerusalem, Jerusalem at the Edinburgh Festival).

A dedicated team of Dunedin filmmakers participated in the project, and the low-budget venture had support from local studio NHNZ. The film, written by Bronwyn Tainui, was shot on weekends (a la Peter Jackson’s early work), under the leadership of Director of Photography Scott Mouat.

“It’s a long way from South Dunedin to Hollywood,” said Rosemary Riddell. “I’m delighted that the work of our small team of enthusiasts has been recognised internationally.” Rosemary sees it as a major coup for the creative environment of Dunedin.

She will attend the festival in support of the film when it screens in early September.

ENDS