4 Member Films to Look Foward to at NZIFF
There’s something magical about experiencing a movie as part of a film festival that beats visits to your local multiplex. It’s one of the reasons why the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), now celebrating it’s 50th year in Auckland, induces many fond memories and is still an annual highlight on people’s calendars.
For me, it’s also my chance to “binge-watch” some of the best films curated from around the world. But what makes NZIFF particularly special is that it also brings together some of the best feature and short films made right here in Aotearoa.
We know how exciting and rewarding it is for local filmmakers to have their films chosen to premiere at NZIFF and be enjoyed by a New Zealand audience. Here, we celebrate four NZ feature films made by our members – directors and editors – that have already been announced in the festival’s Early Announcements.
The full NZIFF programme launches on June 25.
Angie – Director/Editor Costa Botes
World Premiere
ANGIE / Photo credit: Costa Botes, Lone Pine Films
The compelling new documentary by DEGNZ member Costa Botes (Candyman), who served on the board of DEGNZ between 2013 and 2016. Angie Meiklejohn, prominent and articulate Centrepoint survivor, is joined by her siblings in this lucid exploration of the legacy of sexual abuse, directed without a hint of sensationalism.
“Funny, smart, big hearted, unflinchingly honest, a steadfast friend – whatever her past hurts, Angie is an engaging and loveable human being.” – Costa Botes
The Heart Dances – Director Rebecca Tansley
World Premiere
RNZB dancers Abigail Boyle and Alexandre de Oliviera Ferreira rehearse in their roles as Ada and Baines in the RNZB studio. / Photo: Ken Downie
The Heart Dances promises to immerse audiences in a unique creative experience. The new documentary by DEGNZ member Rebecca Tansley (Crossing Rachmaninoff) tracks the collective and cross-cultural journey involved in creating The Piano: the ballet, inspired by Jane Campion’s 1993 film.
“Dance is an inherently ephemeral art form and most of us only ever observe it as a finished – and fleeting – performance.” – Rebecca Tansley
Stray – Director Dustin Feneley, Editor Dione Chard
NZ Premiere
STRAY / Courtesy of Dustin Feneley
Two damaged strangers fall into a complex intimate relationship in DEGNZ member Dustin Feneley’s beautiful and rigorous debut feature film, shot in Otago against the breathtaking Southern Alps.
Stray will premiere at NZIFF after its successful world premiere at Moscow International Film Festival where it collected a best actor win for lead Kieran Charnock. The film also marks a great achievement for DEGNZ member Dione Chard as editor of her first feature film.
Paul Callaghan: Dancing with Atoms – Director Shirley Horrocks
Auckland Premiere
Dancing with Atoms / Point of View Productions
In her latest work, DEGNZ member Shirley Horrocks (Tom Who? The Enigma of Tom Kreisler) discovers the world of atoms and molecules that so entranced Sir Paul Callaghan, one of New Zealand’s most exceptional scientists and public figures.
The Auckland premiere will be a special Cancer Society fundraiser screening. Ticket details will be available when the full NZIFF programme launches.
Tema Pua
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Last updated on 4 July 2018
