NZ film selected for showing in China

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Media Release

Wet West Film Festival, Hokitika, New Zealand

5 October 2006

NZ film selected for showing in China

Sand Dancer, a ten minute documentary directed by Christchurch Film maker Valerie Ried, has just been selected to screen in the Golden Horse International Short Film Competition in Taipei. A showcase of the work of sand artist Peter Donnelly, the film follows him as he creates his vast masterpiece, using the beach at low tide as his stage. The film began as a three minute documentary, a taster that was first shown at the Wet West Film Festival in Hokitika last January. The positive response from the audience and judges encouraged Reid to complete the project, building the film up to a ten minute documentary. Reid says “The Wet West Film Festival 2006 was the very first public screening and this support got the film out there. The Hokitika Festival is a massive boost for filmmakers. Because many of the films shown are international, you can get an idea of what to aim for.”

Reid comments “There is a massive link between the film 'Sand Dancer ' and Hokitika simply because it brings together two coasts and the culture of beach artists. I am entering the full length documentary in the Wet West Film Festival for January 2007, and I’ll be there to see the audience reaction, that’s really important.”

Wet West Film Festival organiser Jo Kearns is excited, “this is what we aimed for in setting up the Wet West Film Festival. We wanted to support New Zealand film makers and give them an opportunity to see their film alongside others, in doing so build the capacity of film making. To be selected in Taipei is great for Valerie, we look forward to being part of her film making future.”

The Golden Horse International Film Festival received over 700 films for selection, and chose just 47 to screen. Those finalists compete for eight awards at this prestegious Chinese event. Producer Force Five Films of Christchurch sees the sand art attracting world wide attention weekly at the New Brighton Beach in Christchurch, and now see the film Sand Dancer enjoying that same international appeal. A positive film that leaves audiences happy in their seats, Sand Dancer is showing at a number of festivals around New Zealand, having already shown at the Short Film Festival in Cannes in June.

ENDS

Wet West Film Festival still open for entries for January 2007 event until 31 October. All details on www.wetwestfilmfest.com

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