The NZFC Board approved three new feature films for production financing totalling over $4.1m, and we're pleased to say, they all have a WIFT member at (or near!) the helm.
Trolgar & Me
Director: Gillian Ashurst
When a Norwegian troll is banished by the Grand Jury of Trolls to the ‘ends of the earth’ – New Zealand – he is found under a bridge in the foothills of the Southern Alps by 12-year-old Maia.
Workmates
Producers: Morgan Leigh Stewart, Writer: Sophie Henderson, Executive Producer: Philippa Campbell
Lucy and Tom are best mates running a tiny theatre. When an accident threatens to close the doors, they’re forced to find out just how far they’ll go for the theatre and each other.
Head South
Executive Producer: Emma Slade
The underground post-punk music scene of 1979 Christchurch draws in Angus, a truth averse sixteen-year-old schoolboy. His growing relationship with guitarist Kirsten enables her to back herself as an artist and him to navigate self-doubt, pointed derision, harmful behaviour and a family tragedy, in order to acquire an appreciation of true character.
The Banshee, directed by Hweiling Ow, was recently approved for Devolved Development International Co-Development Funding (ICF). The ICF aims to support New Zealand producers who are working with an overseas partner on developing feature films and series drama.
The Banshee
Years after a traumatic incident tears her family apart, a sceptical but fiercely loyal sister must embark on a journey to save her brother from an evil force that has haunted their bloodline for generations.
Producers: Grant Bradley, Nick Garrett and Chris Patterson (UK)
Executive Producer: Morgan Leigh Stewart
Writer: Spencer Wright (UK)
Director: Hwelling Ow
And six productions have been funded from the Funds Protection Framework Strand and one from the Alert Level Strand. The WIFT NZ members involved are:
Good Grief S2
Producer: Kerry Warkia
Writer: Grace Palmer
Director: Kiel McNaughton
Black Coast Vanishing
Producer: Cass Avery
Writer: Nicola Smith
Director: Megan Jones
Feature Film
The Mountain
Producers: Desray Armstrong, Morgan Waru and Carthew Neal
Writers: Rachel House and Tom Furniss
Director: Rachel House
Bad Behaviour
Producer: Desray Armstrong
Writer: Alice Englert
Director: Alice Englert