Australian film ‘Ray’ wins Show Me Shorts Festival

PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
28 November 2006

Australian film ‘Ray’ wins Show Me Shorts Film Fest!

Australian Jannine Barnes took out the major prize of $5,000 at the Jameson Show Me Shorts Film Festival for her film ‘Ray’.

‘Ray’ is a heart warming comedy about a little kid stranded, growing up in a country town he hates. The locals reckon it’s paradise, but as far as he can see, the only interesting stuff happens to a guy the whole town dismisses as crazy, Ray.

The inaugural festival was well attended, with opening night completely sold out. The Academy Cinemas’ John Davies says, ”We’re pleased with the numbers and would be happy to host this event again next year.”

Festival organisers have been approached by cinemas in other centres, web based media and other channels wanting to screen the Show Me Shorts program. Business Director Tamara Liebman confirms plans are already underway for the 2nd annual Jameson Show Me Shorts Film Festival in 2007. “Interest in Jameson Show Me Shorts has been strong from the outset and this reinforces our belief that the public want to see more short films and we can help deliver these. We’ll be exploring all our options for expansion next year.”

“The standard of entries was high,” says Programming Director Katrin Hagen, “and it was great to be able to honour these talented short filmmakers with prizes. Australian shorts have taken out most of the awards this time around so I think the competition will be all the more fierce next year.”

The full list of winners of the inaugural Jameson Show Me Shorts Film Festival, awarded by a prestigious judging panel is:

Jameson Best Film
$5000 cash prize

Winner: ‘Ray’ (Janine Barnes, Australia)
Finalist: ‘A Natural Talent’ (Louise Fox, Australia)
Special Mention: ‘No Ordinary Sun’ (Jonathan Brough, New Zealand)

CityMix Best Student Film Award
Profile story in CityMix Magazine

Winner: ‘Mad Mac and the Flat Ugly Snail’ (Kate Bradbury and Bill Morris, New Zealand)
Finalist: ‘Guy in a Field’ (Miranda Edmonds, Australia)
Special Mentions: ‘Mail Order’ (Zoe McIntosh, New Zealand) and ‘Crooked Mick of the Speewah’ (Luke Eve, Australia)

Technical Achievement Prize
$1,500 worth of film development services from Atlab New Zealand / Australia

Winner: ‘Morning Star’ for animation (Suren Perera, Australia)
Finalist: ‘Crooked Mick of the Speewah’ for visual effects (Luke Eve, Australia)
Special Mention: ‘Photograph’ for cinematography (Andy Commins, Australia)

Panavision Special Jury Prize
Two nights accommodation for two in any Scenic Circle Hotel

Winner: Skye Wansey for acting in ‘A Special Talent’ (Australia)
Finalist: Tony Mahony for script writing in ‘Ray’ (Australia)
Special Mentions: Miki Magasiva for script writing in ‘Uso’ (New Zealand) and Mick Elliot for script writing in ‘After Dolly’ (Australia)

Thanks again to our sponsors and partners Jameson Irish Whiskey, DVDesign, George FM, CityMix Magazine, Panavision New Zealand, Academy Cinemas, Atlab New Zealand, ScreenHub, Alliott Thompson Francis Ltd Chartered Accountants, Star Publicity, the St Kilda Film Festival, Flying Start Catering, pHd3 Design, Scenic Circle Hotels, Wyatt & Wilson Print and Creative Communities.

For further information visit www.showmeshorts.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media