First New Zealand, then the world! New Zealand filmmakers now have a chance to qualify for entry to the Academy Awards® without going offshore – by winning the coveted Best Film Award at Show Me Shorts Film Festival. Entries for the 2015 festival are open from now until 1 July 2015.
Show Me Shorts is now calling for local and international submissions to the 10th edition of this growing festival, which celebrates short films and the people who make them. Last year saw a record increase in box office numbers of 27%, entry numbers grew by more than 33% and the festival spread to 20 cinema locations nationwide. Show Me Shorts shared the very best short films with thousands of New Zealanders, who took part as audience members, workshop participants and by voting for their favourite films.
The top award went to Julia Parnell and Matthew Saville for their fantasy drama, Dive. These filmmakers took away cash and other great prizes from a total prize pool valued at more than $25,000. They were also awarded qualifying status for the 2016 Academy Awards®.
Another film that was selected for the international section of the Show Me Shorts 2014 programme has been shortlisted for the Oscars® this year. The Phone Call is a UK drama starring Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent. The film also has a local connection – director Mat Kirkby and writer/producer James Lucas say: “We were greatly honoured to screen at Show Me Shorts in NZ. Not only is it an outstanding, comprehensive film festival but it had a special resonance for James Lucas, having grown up in Christchurch. It is no doubt Show Me Shorts was an integral part of The Phone Call’s extraordinary journey to the Oscars”. Show Me Shorts is also calling for New Zealand music videos again this year, with a special reduced-price submission category.
Here are the 2015 deadlines and submission fees:
– Earlybird deadline: 15 April 2015 (shorts US$25 / music videos US$10)
– Regular deadline: 15 May 2015 (shorts US$30 / music videos US$15)
– Late deadline: 15 June 2015 (shorts US$35 / music videos US$20)
– Extended deadline: 1 July 2015 (shorts US$40 / music videos US$25)
“Show Me Shorts is looking for well-crafted cinematic stories that resonate with audiences and stay with them after the curtains have closed,” says Festival Director Gina Dellabarca.
Full submission details are available at www.showmeshorts.co.nz
