NZIFF Announce New Zealand's Best Selection

NZIFF Announce New Zealand's Best Selection

For the fourth year in a row, NZIFF will be showcasing a fantastic selection of New Zealand’s Best short films from established and up-and-coming talent alike. Christine Jeffs has selected the short films of six filmmakers to contend for the awards on this year’s programme.

NZIFF programmers Bill Gosden and Michael McDonnell viewed 75 submissions to make a shortlist of 12 from which Christine selected these six finalists. A jury of three will select the winners of the $5,000 Madman Entertainment Jury Prize for Best Film and the $3,000 Wallace Friends of the Civic Award. A separate jury appointed by the New Zealand Cinematographers Society will present the Allen Guilford Cinematography Award of $2,000 and an engraved pan glass.

Attend a screening in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin or Christchurch and you’ll be crowd-funding our Audience Award: 25% of the box office goes to the film ranked top by Auckland and Wellington audiences. NZIFF have been delighted by the popularity of this contest over the last three years, and look forward to some lively screenings in 2015.

Further short films, not least the Ngā Whanaunga programme of Māori and Pasifika shorts, are yet to be announced.

The New Zealand’s Best films for 2015 are:

Tits on a Bull
NZ 2015. Director/Screenplay: Tim Worrall Producers: Piripi Curtis, Lara Northcroft. 16 mins

The star player of a Māori women’s rugby team must choose between loyalty to her coach and love for her teammate. The narrative skillfully takes us to the heart of the relationships. Realistic and full of feeling. Refreshing.

Not Like Her
NZ 2015. Director/Screenplay: Hash Perambalam Producers: Lucy Stonex, Brendan Donovan. 14 mins

A rebellious teenager is forced to spend the day with her estranged mother when she is suspended from school. Edgy performances with perfect moments of solitude. Understated with intensity. Could have seen more.

Ow What!
NZ 2015. Director/Producer/Screenplay: Michael Jonathan.
15 mins

Te Mauri dreams of following in his absent rugby playing father’s footsteps and finds encouragement from an unusual source. A charming story with surprising power. A memorable performance from Timoti Tiakiwai, which places us firmly in his world. Funny and poignant all at once.

The Tide Keeper
NZ 2014. Director/Producer/Screenplay: Alyx Duncan Festivals: Melbourne, Vancouver 2014. 10 mins

An old seaman dreams the ocean into his bed. Gloriously filmed, powerful and provocative, with strength of vision and clarity of tone that resonates beautifully with feeling.

ENDS

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