‘Communication’ wins international award

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 24 May 2010

Kiwi short ‘Communication’ wins international award

New Zealand-made short film “Communication” has this week been named Outstanding Short Film in the 2010 QBliss GLBTIA Creating Change Community Awards; a US-based organisation recognising gay, lesbian and transgender individuals and works that reflect positive images and messages and promote inclusion and tolerance.

“Communication” tells the thought-provoking story of a young gay Jewish student troubled by his feelings for a university mentor – a man nearly three times his age. New Zealand viewers will get to see the film at the Out Takes Film Festival in Auckland and Wellington from May 27, where it screens alongside “An Evening With Richard O’Brien”, a conversation with the Rocky Horror creator.

Other QBliss award-winners include Oscar-nominated “Precious” director Lee Daniels, “Tales Of The City” author Armistead Maupin, and N-Sync star Lance Bass. Works recognised include “Worried About The Boy”, a BBC drama based on the life of Boy George, and “I Love You, Philip Morris”, a prison romance starring Jim Carrey and Ewen McGregor.

“To receive international recognition is a great feeling, but to win this award, amazing!” says ‘Communication’ producer Andy Jalfon. “I’m very proud to be part of this production and lucky to have worked with such a great cast and crew. I think New Zealand and international audiences will be touched when they see the amazing performances on screen.”

“Communication” has been screening in European and US festivals for the past month, where it has gained acclaim from festival directors and film-goers alike. It has been described as “a tender tale on the impossible communication between generations” (Torino GLBT Film Festival, Italy) and “a sensitive film about love discovered too late” (Pink Apple Film Festival, Switzerland).

The producers of “Communication” have today launched a special behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the film on its official website, www.communicationthefilm.com.

“‘Communication’ is the only New Zealand narrative film screening at Out Takes this year, so this is a rare opportunity for audiences to see a locally-made gay film on the big screen,” says ‘Communication’ director Christopher Banks. “We’re very proud of the kudos the film has received so far and look forward to sharing it with New Zealand audiences.”

“Communication” stars Rudi Vodanovich, Alexander Campbell and Richard Lambeth, is produced by Andy Jalfon and directed by Christopher Banks, based on the play by David Blakey. It screens in Auckland on Sunday May 30 at 4:10pm at Rialto Cinema, and in Wellington on Monday June 7 (Queen’s Birthday) at 4:30 at the Paramount.

“Communication” is produced by Number 8 Films, a charitable trust which aims to increase opportunities for New Zealanders to see locally-made stories and provide training, support and assistance to people of all ages interested in performing and screen arts. All revenues earned by its productions are re-invested into future productions.

ENDS

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