For Immediate Release
14 August 2012
Tropfest NZ Has A New ‘Boy’ On Board!
Tropfest NZ continues to attract the support of key film industry players who are keen to celebrate the Festival’s
arrival to New Zealand shores. Today the Festival proudly welcomes aboard Academy Award nominee, Taika Waititi, as an
official Ambassador of Tropfest NZ.
Waititi achieved international success with his first short film, Two Cars, One Night and drew more critical acclaim with his next short film Tama Tu. He then went on to direct and star in the smash hit Boy, which is still the highest grossing locally made film in New Zealand history.
“Taika is a great example of how a short film can launch a filmmaker’s career. We are thrilled to have Taika join
Tropfest New Zealand and be an inspiration to other Kiwi directors,” says Tropfest Founder and Director, John Polson.
“Short films are an incredible learning ground where aspiring filmmakers can play and make mistakes, things that are key
to becoming a filmic story-teller,” says Waititi.
“To make a film you must have passion and bringing Tropfest to our country can help showcase the work that so many
talented New Zealander’s are capable of,” he adds.
The NZ Film Commission has also offered its support to Tropfest NZ.
“We are excited to see the well-regarded and popular Tropfest extended to New Zealand shores. This Short Film Festival
provides a great opportunity for emerging talent to showcase their work and take advantage of Tropfest's stellar
international connections. We wish Tropfest New Zealand every success,” says Graeme Mason, Chief Executive NZ Film
Commission.
To find out more on how to enter Tropfest NZ and register your interest in making a film visit www.tropfest.com/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 Kiwi
filmmakers from the grassroots level up.
Tropfest NZ ambassadors include actors Sam Neill, Martin Henderson and Robyn Malcolm, Taika Waititi,
director/producer/actor Katie Wolfe 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.com/nz.
A filmmaker’s prize package is offered. The winner will receive 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.
For more information visit www.tropfest.com and Tropfest’s YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/tropfest
ENDS