Kiwi Shorts At Cannes

13 May 2011
KIWI SHORTS AT CANNES

From Jane Campion’s Peel and Alison Maclean’s Kitchen Sink to Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland’s Six Dollar Fifty Man, NZ short films have been exceptionally successful at Europe’s most prestigious film festival.
This collection of 27 films showcases Kiwi shorts that have graced the famous Grand Palais red carpet — the largest tally from any country outside of France.
It’s a striking celebration of NZ filmmaking. Many of the directors who first made their mark at Cannes have gone onto successful feature filmmaking careers (Campion, Maclean, Caro, Jeffs, Standring); but more than calling cards, the films are compelling works of art in their own right.
2011 sees two Kiwi shorts join the alumni celebrated here: Sam Holst’s Meathead (Official Competition) and Stephen Kang’s Blue, (Critics' Week). This collection of striking ‘Stubbies’ is the perfect primer as the duo compete next week.
In written background pieces, double Cannes award-winner Louis Sutherland gives his insider's guide to Cannes and reflects on his and collaborator Mark Albiston ’s journey from the Kapiti Coast to the Cote d'Azur (including falling asleep next to U2). And he and producer/NZ Film Commission Short Film Manager Lisa Chatfield, give their takes on why Kiwi shorts have done so well on arguably world cinema’s biggest stage
And for more short’n’sweet goodness check out Jason Stutter’s simply brilliant two-minute short Careful with that Crossbow. This week’s entry in the Stuff.co.nz Short Film Festival is only available to watch today and over this weekend, so don’t miss your chance to see a Kiwi comic gem. “A Boy. A Girl. A Crossbow.” Try not to cover your eyes!

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