NZ On Screen: NZ Short Film Collection - Part One

NZ On Screen has today launched a significant selection of classic NZ short films.

The first in a series - in partnership with the NZ Film Commission - it showcases award-winning examples of Kiwi short filmmaking. From the seminal Kitchen Sink to the sleazy charms of The Lounge Bar, from Cannes to Ngawi; this collection makes many films available online for the first time since they won festival acclaim and audiences.

A background piece by Barney McDonald (Sunday Star Times film reviewer and Pavement magazine founder) surveys the short filmscape: "a beautiful medium for nailing an idea to the fence post with a piece of No.8 wire."

Curator and NZ Film Commission Short Film Manager Juliette Veber reflects on the legacy — career spawning and works of art in their own right — of NZ short films. If you scroll the credits of The Lounge Bar (1989) you'll see that special effects were handled by one 'Peter Jackson'.

The collection is the ideal primer for watching the emerging ranks of Kiwi filmmakers — in the 'Homegrown' sections of the 2010 NZ International Film Festival. Watch the trailer, then get along and support the next generation!

The best of 2010's shorts — 'Homegrown works on film' — premiere in: Auckland: Fri 09 July (tomorrow night), 6 15pm, Sky City Theatre. Wellington: Fri 16 July, 6pm, Paramount.

For screening times elsewhere, and the rest of the MIC Toi Rerehiko Homegrown programme (digital and animated shorts), visit the festival website http://www.nzff.co.nz/.

When you're back from the movies, check into NZ On Screen's collection. Other iconic Kiwi shorts onsite include: Jane Campion's Peel; Grant Lahood's Singing Trophy; Taika Waititi's Tama Tū; and Rob Sarkies' Signing Off. Let us know other choice short cuts you'd like to see on NZ On Screen.

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NZ On Screen is fully funded by NZ On Air. All content is free to view.

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