17 July 2012
Bata, the perfect fit for Tropfest NZ
New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of industrial safety gumboots, Bata New Zealand, has slipped in to an exclusive brand
partner association of the inaugural Tropfest NZ to be held on Sunday 27th January, 2013.
Founded twenty years ago in Sydney, Tropfest is the world’s largest short film festival. Each year finalists are
selected from films that have been made specifically for Tropfest and must include the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI).
This year the TSI for New Zealand is “GUMBOOT”.
Bata New Zealand has been manufacturing PVC gumboots since 1965 and this year purchased a new PVC injection machine and
moulds to update their range of industrial gumboots. They currently produce approximately 200,000 pairs of PVC gumboots
a year in New Zealand.
“The timing of our new boot release and the theme for this year’s Tropfest couldn’t be better, so the prospect to show
our product in film and help out New Zealand independent film makers is an exciting prospect,” says Bata’s sales
manager, Francis Hammond.
“There is an obvious synchronicity and we’re thrilled that Bata also recognises this opportunity,” says TAFT CEO,
Suzanne Porter.
Bata, keeping footwear and film production New Zealand made.
For more information visit www.tropfest.co.nz or www.bata.net.nz
About Tropfest NZ
Tropfest NZ will present its first stand-alone short film festival on Sunday 27th January 2013, at the TSB Bowl of
Brooklands in New Plymouth. Open to the public and free to attend, this event has been designed to encourage filmmakers
from the grassroots level up.
Tropfest NZ ambassadors include actor Sam Neill, actor Martin Henderson, director/producer/actor Katie Wolfe, actor
Robyn Malcolm and director/screenwriter Vincent Ward.
Entries are now being accepted. You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident to enter. Films must be no longer than
seven minutes (including titles and credits) and must contain Tropfest’s Signature Item (TSI). Competition details can
be found at www.tropfest.co.nz
A filmmaker’s prize package is offered. The winner receives return economy tickets to Los Angeles, 5 days accommodation
and $500 cash courtesy of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and The New Zealand Federation Against Copyright Theft
(NZFACT).
About Tropfest
Tropfest began twenty years ago when director John Polson showed a six-minute film he made for under $100 at his local
café (‘The Tropicana’) in Sydney for 200 friends and family. Since then Tropfest has become recognised as one of the
world's most exciting launch-pads for emerging filmmakers.
Tropfest is known for securing the support of some of the biggest names in the international film community including
Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Geoffrey Rush and Liev Schreiber
Tropfest recently launched in Arabia and in the USA with Tropfest Las Vegas and Tropfest New York.
ENDS