Wellington Filmmaker forced overseas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17th 2010

Wellington Filmmaker forced overseas to fund film

Loud and proud Wellingtonian filmmaker Kylie Plunkett is unhappy she was forced to seek funding for her latest short film, Evelyn Everyone from Screen Australia rather than support from home.

The film starring fellow Wellingtonian, Loren Horsley, is just one of the many shorts featured as part of this year’s Out Takes Reel Queer Film Festival.

”I had wanted it to be a co-production, but Screen Australia gave me more money because New Zealand didn’t give me any! It is still a very New Zealand story as my culture is Kiwi – that comes out wherever I am” says Kylie.

Now based in Melbourne, Kylie completed a Bachelor of Arts in Film at Victoria University before working for TVNZ at Avalon and as camera assistant on Lord of the Rings and King Kong.

Evelyn Everyone is the story of Eve – stuck, single and lonely. In a final bid for love she immerses herself into a cyber world where she finds a side of herself she didn’t know. The film mixes live action with animation, allowing Kylie unlimited choice in shots that a small budget film could only dream of.

“I wanted to create for people who haven’t experienced ‘coming out,’ an emotionally true account, so that there could be a greater understanding between all people, no matter what their sexuality might be.”

Wellington connections abound, including the use of music from Wellington band, Charlie Ash.

Out Takes chief programmer, Simon Fulton says it’s a sad indictment on New Zealand filmmaking when New Zealand stories are forced overseas to be told.

“There are only three New Zealand films in this year’s Festival programme. Given the recession and belt tightening by government, it is the arts that really suffer,” says Simon.

Evelyn Everyone screens at the Paramount Theatre on Monday 7th June at 6:30pm.

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