Homegrown 2004

Homegrown 04:
Works on Film (2004)
89 Minutes
This year’s selection of the best of local 35mm short film showcases four works from the Film Commission’s hotly-contested Short Film Fund programme and two that were funded independently. Full of drama, comedy and visual poetry: all are contenders to represent New Zealand at international festivals. One, Closer, has already been honoured by selection for the prestigious competition at Cannes.
Presented by the
Moving Image Centre

Closer
NZ 2004. Director: David Rittey Screenplay: Therese Lloyd, David Rittey Producer: Amanda Jenkins. AJ Films Ltd in association with the Short Film Fund of the New Zealand Film Commission. 15 mins
A touching story of a deaf teenage boy struggling with the loss of his older sister. Sometimes silence can be the most revealing thing of all. Official Selection, In Competition, Cannes Film Festival 2004

Fleeting Beauty
NZ 2004. Director: Virginia Pitts Screenplay: Shuchi Kothari Producers: Shuchi Kothari, Sarina Pearson. Nomadz Unlimited Ltd. 10 mins
A woman traces the spice routes of antiquity on her lover’s back. The scents of cinnamon, stains of tumeric and the heat of red chilli flavour this visual feast.

Tiga e le Iloa
(Hidden Pain)
NZ 2003. Director/Screenplay: Popo Lilo Producers: Lisa Schulz, Ashley Stuart-Coupland. West Coast Film Club Ltd, in association with the Short Film Fund of the New Zealand Film Commission. 15 mins
On the streets of South Auckland, two Samoan brothers find themselves in a dilemma that neither their family nor their church can get them out of.

My Father’s Shoes
NZ 2003. Director: Samantha Scott Screenplay: William Brandt Producer: Lisa Schulz. West Coast Film Club Ltd, in association with the Short Film Fund of the New Zealand Film Commission. 13 mins
A bittersweet prodigal son story. When Jeremy returns home, he’s greeted less than enthusiastically by his parents – to whom his only tenuous link is a pair of old gardening boots.

Boy
NZ 2004. Director/Producer/Screenplay: Welby Ings. Room8 Ltd, in association with the Short Film Fund of the New Zealand Film Commission. 15 mins
An ambitious, near-silent story of young male prostitute in a small New Zealand town who holds the secret behind a fatal hit-and-run accident.

A Thousand Masks
NZ 2004. Director/Screenplay: Lisa Beedham Producer: Gary Strangman.
11 mins
A young man dies suddenly and a surreal twist gives his young brother the chance to uncover the hidden truth.

Homegrown: Works on Video (2004)
75 Minutes

We’re delighted to highlight some strikingly original short pieces from New Zealand’s buoyant video scene, showcasing established and emerging talents in animation, dance and drama.
Presented by the
Moving Image Centre

Rock
NZ 2003. Director: Brian Challis Screenplay: Matthew Stokoe Producer: Laina Cheung. Magnanimous Productions, in association with the Short Film Fund of the New Zealand Film Commission. 15 mins
Out in the suburban fringe, a young boy befriends a pet rock. Obsession turns to tragedy as the object of his imagination snaps apart.

Man With Issues
NZ 2003. Director: Tom Reilly Screenplay: Tom Reilly, Kristian Mould Producers: Tom Reilly, Barry Innes. Suspended Animations. 3 mins
Alone in his cell, an old man examines his sense of self-worth in a psychotic monologue that reveals a deeply disturbing secret. Quirky claymation classic, from the workshop of Tom Reilly.

Woven
NZ 2004. Director/Choreographer:
Clare Luiten Producer: Ed Davis. coldharbourDANCE. 10 mins
Sometimes friendship can be too close. Two bodies intertwine, tussle and toil. Features seascap

Dead End
NZ 2003. Director/Screenplay: Mark Albiston Producers: Mark Albiston, Ainsley Gardiner. Sticky Pictures, Toi Whakaari in association with the Short Film Fund of the New Zealand Film Commission. 13 mins
A black comedy delivered straight from New Zealand’s rural underbelly that will have you reaching for your seatbelt.

Figures of Speech
NZ 2004. Director/Choreography: Daniel Belton Producer: Piaz Olgazzi. Jacdaniel.net in association with Choreographic Research Residency, a partnership between Creative New Zealand and the University of Otago. 3 mins
Movements in dance segue with language, code and rhythm in a unique, texture-rich dance piece by Daniel Belton – Dunedin’s most prolific dance filmmaker.

Fish
NZ 2004. Director/Producer/Screenplay: Dominic Hannah. Stray Bullet Films. 15 mins
It’s time for Fish to come clean, and in doing so, he’ll have to push the boundaries of his friendships – and his sanity.
A gritty, urban drama – not for the faint of heart.
Generation
NZ 2004. Director/Producer: David Downes. Gumption Films in association with the Screen Innovation Fund, a partnership between Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission. 13 mins
Pulsing rhythms of energy race through power pylons in a journey through space, time and unsettling dreamscapes. A masterpiece of animation based on a short poem by the director.

Homegrown: Documentary (2004)
2004
78 Minutes
New Zealand
Presented by the Moving Image Centre
These are intimate, personal and poetic documentaries that play with both form and narrative.

Notes for a Coastline
NZ 2004. Director/Producer: Zoe Roland Screenplay: Sally Ann McIntyre. In association with the Screen Innovation Fund, a partnership between Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission. 26 mins
A poetic and nostalgic view of holiday childhood. A film that explores the art of storytelling – a semi-scientific portrayal, as well as a personal portrayal of the search for stories. Utilising found footage, layers and an impressionistic viewpoint, the film conveys a sense of loss and mourning.

Peoplesheep
NZ 2004. Director/Producer: Raewyn Turner. 6 mins
A brooding take on the GE issue, a film that examines the relationship of man to nature – and the determination of humans to push aside even biological restrictions in their pursuit of material power.

Friendship is the Harbour of Joy
NZ 2004. Director/Producer: Peter Wells Editor: Malcolm Clarke. 38 mins
Friendship is the story of the remarkable relationship between Maori silent-film star Witarina Harris and film historian Jonathan Dennis during the time Jonathan was facing the end of his life from cancer. Witarina, old and wise, full of aroha, accompanies Jonathan on his last journey. A portrait of wairua – spiritual force.