Robert Sarkies’ latest feature film, Two Little Boys, has been selected in competition at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, which will run February 9^th – 19th this year. 

The film will screen in the Generation section of the Festival and will be judged by two juries: a young person’s jury which awards the prestigious Crystal Bear to the best feature film in the programme, and an international expert jury which awards a cash prize to the best feature film in the programme. 

New Zealand Film Commission CEO, Graeme Mason, said today “It’s wonderful to start the New Year with further international A-list festival endorsement of our filmmaking talent.  The Generation selection compliments the film’s youthful energy and recognises the fresh perspective Rob offers with this film.  I congratulate Rob, Vicky, Tim and all the cast and crew on the film’s selection.”

Two Little Boys is Sarkies’ third feature (Out of the Blue, Scarfies), and is based on the novel of the same name by brother Duncan Sarkies.  The film was produced by Vicky Pope (Trouble is My Business, Choice Night, The Graffiti of Mr Tupaia) and Tim White (Out of the Blue, No. 2, The Boys are Back, Sleeping Beauty).

The film is an irreverent comedy about Nige (Bret McKenzie - Flight of the Conchords) and his recently estranged best mate Deano (Hamish Blake - Hamish and Andy).  The film follows Nige and Deano’s riotous misadventures as they struggle with their imploding long-term friendship which has been put under pressure by an unfortunate incident involving a hot meat pie, a ginger cat and the untimely death of a Scandinavian soccer star.

Two Little Boys was made with the support of the New Zealand Film Production Fund Trust (The Film Fund), New Zealand On Air, Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill City Council, Community Trust of Southland, Invercargill Licensing Trust, Film Otago Southland, Fulcrum Media Finance and the NZ Film Commission.   NZ Film, the sales arm of the NZFC, is handling world sales of the film.  

The film is scheduled for a New Zealand release on March 15^th and is being distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Hopscotch Films. 

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES:  Jasmin McSweeney, NZ Film (Jasmin@nzfilm.co.nz or +64 4 382 7682)

NEW ZEALAND MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Adria Buckton, Trigger Marketing & Publicity on behalf of Hopscotch Films (adria_trigger@orcon.net.nzor 09 834 3348)

INTERNATIONAL SALES ENQUIRIES:  James Thompson, Head of Sales and Marketing, NZ Film (james@nzfilm.co.nz or +64 4 382 7695)

Debut writer/director Tusi Tamasese’s Samoan language film, The Orator (O Le Tulafale), has been selected to screen in the Spotlight section of the 2012 Sundance International Film Festival.   The 2012 Sundance Film Festival runs from 19th – 29th January in and around Park City, Utah.  The Festival is widely regarded as the premiere US showcase for American and international independent film.

The Orator (O Le Tulafale) is New Zealand’s first ever submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 2012 Academy Awards.  The film premiered in the Orizzonti section of the Venice International Film Festival receiving a Special Mention from the Orizzonti jury; the Art Cinema Award from the CICAE jury of the Festival and the CinemAvvenire Best Film Award from the jury of the Associazione Centro Internazionle CinemAvvenire.

More recently, The Orator (O Le Tulafale) script was shortlisted for the Best Feature Film Script Award of the Script Writers Awards of NZ, and lead actor F’afiaula Sanote was a finalist for the Best Performance by an Actor Award at the 5^th Asia Pacific Screen Awards. The film was honoured with the Audience Award at the Brisbane International Film Festival.

Introduced in 2010, the Spotlight section is described by the Festival as a tribute to the cinema we love, “Regardless of where these impressive films have played throughout the world, the Sundance Film Festival is thrilled to light a marquee for them.”

The Orator (O Le Tulafale) has been financed by the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) with assistance from the Government of Samoa.  It is currently in theatrical release in New Zealand and Australia with Transmission Films.   NZ Film, the sales arm of the NZFC, is handling world sales for the film.

For more about the Sundance Film Festival go here: http://www.sundance.org/festival/

The Adventures of Tintin has launched in Europe and there have been loads of reviews and articles in international media – The Daily Mail described it as “Spellbinding”. See the best bits at the Weta website and on Facebook.

The Art of The Adventures of Tintin book has also been released alongside the film. The book is signed by Weta Workshop lead conceptual designer on the movie, Chris Guise, and also comes with the exclusive Weta gift of Red Rackham’s Treasure Map.

Weta has announced that the World Premiere of An Unexpected Journey (The Hobbit Part 1) will have its world premiere in Wellington in late November next year!

For now you can get your own taste of Hobbiton with a Bag End Collector’s Edition from The Lord of the Rings – worth $US 250, visit wetanz.com to go in the draw.

Stephen Fry recently interviewed Peter Jackson about J.R.R. Tolkien and his use of language. Check out the Youtube clip here

Inspired by the Nelson Trolley Derby and shot entirely in Nelson KIWI FLYER is a feel-good movie for the whole family.

Twelve year old Edward Hall stars as Ben who sets out to win the derby in memory of his father. Tandi Wright is his mother Karen, trying to keep that memory real, while fending off the advances of Ben’s teacher Mr Lumsden (Dai Henwood).

Jazz Crooner and Beaurepair’s front man Vince Martin heads the opposition, with Nelson talents Doug Colling and Myer Van Gosliga as his sons Shane and Shannon and Jane Winter of Soundstage, as wife Shirelle.“It’s hard to single out any one performer in the film – it’s been a terrific ensemble cast and the kids have been real pros,” says Simpson.  “Vince and Dai’s presence added so much humour that came across superbly on screen, while Tandi’s motherly instincts really shone.”

Following four weeks of shooting on location in Nelson, KIWI FLYER has wrapped, with many of the cast and crew making a sad departure.

“Filming in Nelson has been just fantastic,” says Christchurch-based director and co-writer Tony Simpson.  “The weather has been stunning – clear blue skies almost continuously and the people have been marvellous – so generous and supportive.”

“It couldn’t have been as successful without the help of so many local organisations and individuals,” agrees Producer Tim Sanders.  “From Nelson Intermediate, the Trolley Derby Club, the Hot Rod Club, Scouts and many others. ]]> http://newzealandfilmtv.co.nz/2011/09/kiwi-flyer-wraps-up-filming-in-nelson/feed/ 0 http://newzealandfilmtv.co.nz/2011/08/maori-television-launches-pakipumeka-aotearoa-documentary-series/ http://newzealandfilmtv.co.nz/2011/08/maori-television-launches-pakipumeka-aotearoa-documentary-series/#comments Sun, 14 Aug 2011 20:49:00 +0000 admin2 http://newzealandfilmtv.co.nz/?p=1751 [ Read More ] ]]>

Maori Television will be showcasing a range of New Zealand documentaries in the Pakipumeka Aotearoa series. The one-hour documentaries will air on Saturday nights at 8.30-9.30pm.

This week, Saturday 20 August, meet New Zealand’s own version of Erin Brockovich in The Green Chain. Whakatane man Joe Harawira fought the powers of industry and government and won.

The former sawmill worker believes his exposure to poison in the workplace led to him becoming seriously ill, so he fought to seek the truth behind the death and sickness that afflicted his community. The Green Chain tells his story.

On Saturday 27 August check out a new movement coming out of Hawke’s Bay that is encouraging Maori people to get fit and healthy in IronMaori: Movement of the People.

The first IronMaori half-ironman was born in December 2009 with 288 competitors after event founder Heather Skipworth, a health professional from Pakipaki – the rural predominantly Maori settlement south of Hastings – had an epiphany to do something to reverse the negative health statistics prevailing in the Maori community.

She viewed a half-ironman (2km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run) as a challenge that would force a significant lifestyle change that could be continued – “one that would lengthen the time to get to your grave”, she says.

Finally, one week out from Rugby World Cup 2011 kick off, we explore the history of New Zealand rugby culture and the world cup and its affect on our psyche in The Wait of the Nation on Saturday 3 September.

The Wait of the Nation tells the story of the All Black’s inaugural world cup triumph on home soil in 1987, where the Men In Black helped heal the wounds of the disastrous Springbok Tour of 1981 and reunite Kiwis behind their national game.

As the tournament returns to New Zealand this year, only one thing matters: winning that elusive World Cup. For this rugby-mad nation, it’s a question of national pride.

So sit back and relax whanau and look in with Maori Television for these essential Saturday night viewing of some great home-grown documentaries.

John Key and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signed an official film co-production treaty in India during his visit this week.

The pact allows approved film and television projects to gain the status of official co-productions, which gives them the benefits of domestic films in each of the co-producers’ countries.

“We already know of a couple of projects in the early stages of development which could take advantage of the new arrangement” says New Zealand Film Commission Chief Executive Graeme Mason.

The agreement requires a producer from each country to be attached to a qualifying film.  Benefits may include access to funding and incentives and may help with temporary immigration and equipment importing.

“A project bringing together the economic and cultural strengths of both the New Zealand film industry and Bollywood is something to look forward to”, Mr Mason says.

The New Zealand Film Commission says the signing of a Film Co-Production Agreement is great news for the local industry.

A number of recent  Bollywood films such as I Hate Luv Stories and The Players, have been filmed partly around Queenstown in New Zealand.

“The influence of these films, with an audience of millions, has been instrumental in stimulating Indian interest in New Zealand as a tourism destination. This Agreement will also offer greater certainty to investors looking to fund New Zealand-India film co-productions,” John Key said.

The New Zealand Film Commission has released its Statement of Intent for 2011- 2013 outlining plans to continue its focus of getting New Zealand films made to be seen and by both local and international audiences.

The priorities for the near future will see the Commission adopt an integrated approach to meeting cultural requirements while helping build the film economy; find more innovative and cost effective ways of delivering within existing and declining funding; encourage private sector funding; and implement recommendations from the David Court and Sir Peter Jackson review of the Film Commission.

The Commission’s projected income for 2011/2012 is down almost 15% on the 2010/2011 year, and based on current projections there will be minimal reserves available to bolster funding by 2013/2014.  That could likely lead to a reduction in the number of feature films which the Commission can support and means the need for value for money is more important than ever.

Since its inception, the Film Commission has invested more than $200 million in 148 New Zealand made feature films and has fully funded almost 300 short films.

The Commission has an extensive support programme for film-makers covering everything from low budget short films, script and production development, and sales and marketing services for feature films of all budgets.  It also runs the Escalator scheme for first feature film-makers, while administering the Screen Production Investment Fund and Large Budget Screen Production Grant at the other end of the scale.  These initiatives allow the Commission to help film makers make their first film, support them for subsequent films and ensure those who are successful continue to make their films right here in New Zealand.

For more information the Statement of Intent can be read at www.nzfilm.co.nz

The New Zealand International Film Festival 2011 (NZIFF) will screen 20 short works as part of the MIC Homegrown Short Film Programme.

2011 has been a successful year for NZ short films and many of the films selected have screened to acclaim at international film festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Berlin and Tribeca in New York.

Deborah Lawler-Dormer, the Short Film Programme curator said “This year it’s great to support such a diversity of voices. Alongside the NZFC funded films we have independent films that have been created purely by passion and commitment to the art form.”

NZIFF has also expanded its support of emerging film-makers this year through a new initiative in Auckland at the Wintergarden (under The Civic Theatre) which will be utilised as The Film Café. Additional historic short film collections, film maker discussions and panels are all being programmed to give local film makers a chance to get even more out of the International Festival.

The New Zealand International Film Festival opens in Auckland on July 14^th, for more information see www.nzff.co.nz. The MIC Homegrown programme will run in Auckland on July 15^th and 16^th before travelling with the festival nationwide.

Twelve of the films selected have been funded through the NZ Film Commission – details below:

KORO’S MEDAL, directed by James Barr, travels to Edinburgh International Film Festival next week for its International Premiere. As a film made for children it will screen at the NZIFF in front of a (currently secret) children’s feature film.

BLUE, directed by Stephen Kang, has just won the Best Short Film Prize at the Semaine de la Critique in Cannes. Stephen is travelling to Shanghai International Film Festival on Friday to raise interest in his next feature film.

MEATHEAD, directed by Sam Holst, was one of nine films selected to compete at Festival du Cannes this year. Meathead has also been selected for the Melbourne International Film Festival.

EBONY SOCIETY, directed by Tammy Davis, has screened at Sundance, Berlin and Message Sticks in Australia. Tammy has attended all three festivals and has been funded for his next short film which is in pre-production now.

GO THE DOGS, directed by Jackie van Beek, had its World Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. Jackie is currently in post-production on two more short films and developing a feature film to be shot in the Mackenzie country.

PREFERABLY BLUE, directed by Alan Dickson, has screened at SXSW, Tribeca and Stuttgart Film Festivals. Alan has been short listed with the NZFC low Budget scheme ‘Escalator’ with an animated feature film he is developing.

HAURAKI, directed by Kirsten Green, had its World Premiere at Tribeca earlier this year. The film stars Kirsten’s daughter Coco Lovatt and was initially self-funded.

MENISCUS, directed by Maria-Elena Doyle, is about to have its World Premiere at Annecy International Animated Film Festival. It’s the first NZ film to be selected for this prestigious festival. Elena has also been funded to produce her next short film entitled ‘INORGANIC’ this year.

EELING, directed by Peter McCully, has recently been selected to screen at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in Korea, Asia’s largest genre film gala.

BIRD, directed by Jane Shearer and Steve Ayson, has been selected by Sydney International Film Festival and Palm Springs in the US. This film is the third in a highly successful collaboration between the directors which started with The French Doors in 2001 and was followed by NATURE’S WAY which was selected for Cannes in 2006.

MONIFA, directed by Luke Savage, is hot off the press and has been completed just in time for the NZIFF so this screening will mark the film’s World Premiere.

ELAINE RIDES AGAIN is directed by Michelle Savill, who has just completed a 3 month internship with leading independent film company Killer Films in New York.

And the winners are…

Best Actor – Short Film (Aotearoa Audience Award)

HARLEN HOANI THOMPSON IN “KORO’S MEDAL” DIRECTED BY JAMES BARR

Best Male Actor – Feature Film (2011 Aotearoa Drama)

RANGIMOANA TAYLOR IN “HOOK LINE AND SINKER” DIRECTED BY ANDREA BOSSHARD & SHANE LOADER

Best Female Actor – Feature Film (2011 Aotearoa Drama)

MABEL WHAREKAWA-BURT IN “MATARIKI” DIRECTED BY MICHAEL BENNETT

Best Short Film (2011 Aotearoa Audience Award)

“TAKU RAKU E” DIRECTOR KARARAINA RANGIHAU PRODUCER MERATA MITA

Best International Indigenous Entry (2011 Festival)

“LANI’S STORY” DIRECTOR GENEVIEVE GRIEVES (AUSTRALIA)

Best Aotearoa Feature Drama or Documentary (2011 Festival)

“MATARIKI” DIRECTOR MICHAEL BENNETT

Mana Wairoa Festival Prize (Best Overall Entry Festival 2011)

“OCTOBER 15″ DIRECTOR KIM WEBBY PRODUCER PIETRA BRETKELLY

WIFT Mana Wahine Award 2011

KATIE WOLFE

Katie Wolfe (Ngati Tama, Ngati Mutunga, Pakeha) is a film maker, actor and director, having completed two short films (“THIS IS HER” and “REDEMPTION”) and most recently directed her first feature “NIGHTS IN THE GARDEN OF SPAIN” which is screening next month at Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco.

International Indigenous Entry

“LANI’S STORY” is the true story of a young woman surviving abuse and addiction. Lani Brennan, the subject of the film, is of both Aboriginal and Maori descent.

Mana Wairoa Festival Prize

“OCTOBER 15.” The film profiles the day, October 15, 2007, that New Zealand Police launched anti-terrorism raids on the people of Tuhoe, in Ruatoki Valley and beyond. The Mana Wairoa Festival Prize recognises the most outstanding entry to the year’s festival and also has a kaupapa of supporting film makers whose work contributes to the advancement of the human rights of indigenous peoples.

The Wairoa Maori Film Festival is a non-political not-for-profit community event presented annually by Te Roopu Whakaata Maori Inc. Parts of the programme are travelling on to screenings in Auckland, Invercargill and Raglan.

Go to www.manawairoa.com for more information.