Short Films That Are Your Cup Of Tea

MEDIA RELEASE 31 MARCH 2010

Short Films That Are Your Cup Of Tea

Twinings, current sponsor of the Rialto Cinemas Autumn Season, has today launched an exciting new short film competition. It lets any budding filmmaker enter an ultra-short film between 90 seconds and five minutes long, with the only mandatory being that they must include a box of Twinings tea anywhere and anyhow in the film. All films will be judged by the public online to find the best short film for New Zealand’s taste.

People from all over New Zealand will have two months to shoot and upload their film online by 14 May 2010. After a week of judging, four winners from public vote and one chosen by Twinings will be announced a week later.

Kate Rodger from TV3’s Nightline & Film 3 will choose the overall winner, to be announced 4 June. The winner will enjoy a VIP screening at one of New Zealand’s Rialto Cinemas screens (in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, or at the Embassy in Wellington) of a new release movie with a special viewing of their winning flick – all screened over a cup of tea and a box of popcorn.

“Tea has long been an obsession in films, from whole documentaries to prominent scenes. What would the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party be without a fresh pot, or Marie Antoinette extolling the virtues of the exquisite tea she was sent from the emperor in China?” says Jessica Bailey, Marketing Manager for Twinings.

“Films are often responsible for cultural shifts in behaviour and we wanted to recognise the forward-thinking nature of New Zealand’s film business,” says Bailey. “When Thomas Twining started selling tea to London society in 1706, a major new lifestyle trend took off . . . back then, most people drank ale for breakfast! We wanted to encourage film’s independent spirit by helping newcomers get noticed.”

Twinings produces nearly 200 blends of tea and is constantly innovating its range to adapt to changing tastes. “Our tea is the result of passion and creativity just as film making is. We look forward to seeing the entries online and spotlighting some of the best,” summarises Bailey.

"I hope next time when we meet, we won't be fighting each other. Instead we will be drinking tea together." Jackie Chan, Rumble in the Bronx. Upload a short film now… www.twinings.co.nz www.twiningsfilmfestival.co.nz For more information on the Twinings Autumn Season visit… www.rialto.co.nz

ENDS

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