Finalists for New Zealand’s Best Announced

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday 29 May

Finalists for New Zealand’s Best Announced

Six short films have been selected as the finalists in the inaugural NZIFF New Zealand’s Best Short Film Competition.

Guest selector and international filmmaker Roger Donaldson selected the six finalists from a shortlist of twelve. Festival programmers Bill Gosden and Michael McDonnell viewed 109 submissions to prepare the shortlist.

“All films show a very high standard of cinematography and production values. I am really impressed by the quality of the acting. New Zealand is obviously creating a large pool of very talented people to draw on. I feel honoured to be part of the process of helping choose the final programme.” says Guest Selector Roger Donaldson.

The New Zealand’s Best programme will as part of the 2012 NZIFF and audiences will be asked to choose a winner by rating all six. A jury of three will select the winners of the $5000 Madman Entertainment Jury Prize and the $3000 Friends of the Civic Award. The winner of the Audience vote in Auckland and Wellington takes away 25% of the box office from the Festival screenings.

The finalists are:

43,000 Feet
NZ 2012. Director: Campbell Hooper Producers: Heather Lee, Amber Easby Screenplay: Matthew Harris. 9 mins
With several minutes before he hits the ground, a falling man reflects on his past and his immediate future.
“Great photography. Very original framing and concept.” – Roger Donaldson

Ellen Is Leaving
NZ 2012. Director: Michelle Savill Producers: Michelle Savill, Desray Armstrong Screenplay: Martha Hardy-Ward. 15 mins
Ellen is cool. She is recycling stuff before she heads overseas.
“I love how original it feels. The details of the travel pack put a real smile on my face. ” – Roger Donaldson

Home
NZ 2012. Director: Thomas Gleeson Producers: Thomas Gleeson, Pip Walls. 11 mins
We watch a house take a road trip.
“A beautifully photographed minimalist documentary.” – Roger Donaldson

Lambs
NZ 2012. Director/Screenplay: Sam Kelly Producer: Tom Hern. 15 mins
“Really captures a tough uncompromising world in a very compelling way. I loved the central character’s heroism. It reminded me of Once Were Warriors in the best possible way.” – Roger Donaldson

Milk & Honey
NZ 2012. Director/Screenplay: Marina Alofagia McCartney Producers: Angela Hicks, Marina Alofagia McCartney. 14 mins
This brief drama recalls the notorious dawn raids on Pasifika families.
“I lived in Ponsonby in the 70s and remember the events portrayed in this film. Very poignant.” – Roger Donaldson

Night Shift
NZ 2012. Director/Screenplay: Zia Mandviwalla Producers: Chelsea Winstanley, Matt Noonan. 14 mins
An airport cleaner has reason to keep to herself.
“I love this story – it feels so real and packs a real wallop.” – Roger Donaldson

The Festival will begin in Auckland (19 July – August 5) and open simultaneously in Wellington and Dunedin a week later (27 July – August 12), then in Christchurch (9 - 26 August). Further regional dates are being advised on the website as they are confirmed.

The Festival have already announced nine films including Peter Jackson-produced documentary West of Memphis, Joss Whedon’s The Cabin in the Woods, Bob Marley documentary Marley, and Lynn Sheldon’s Your Sister’s Sister (starring Emily Blunt) for the Festival from July.

Festival programmes will be available online and around town from June 26 in Auckland, and June 29 in Wellington. For Festival updates visit www.nzff.co.nz and register to receive e-newsletters.

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