Kiwi killing flick tackles Cannes of short film

February 5, 2008

It's the short film industry's version of Cannes and this year a Kiwi student's film has taken on the world's best short films to be one of ten to screen at the prestigious Kodak Film School Showcase at the Clermont-Ferrand Festival.

Matt Henley’s short film Manslaughter, produced as a student at the New Zealand School of Film and Television, was selected as one of the world’s ten best student films, following victories in both the New Zealand and the Asia Pacific regional rounds of the Kodak Film School Competition.

The screening takes place February 7 at the French town of Clermont-Ferrand, host to the world's biggest festival of short films. Henley was flown to France to attend the Festival for networking and career opportunities.

"To even be part of the top ten is a major achievement for New Zealand film," said Film School director Tommy Honey.

"Eight thousand films apply to Clermont-Ferrand, only a few thousand are selected and only a handful of those actually make an impact. By showing in the Kodak Film School Competition, Manslaughter has been thrust into the limelight in front the world's most influential film makers, buyers and media."

Manslaughter is a 12-minute thriller telling the story of a recently-released ex-con who is blackmailed into committing murder. It drew high praise for its dark, murky cinematography, inspiring Asia Pacific regional judge Peter James to call it among the best he has ever seen on a student film.

"Not only is this a success for our film industry, it's a huge win for film education in New Zealand," said Mr Honey. "We produce the best films, now we can claim to producing some of the best filmmakers.

"Our courses at the Film School are sought after by foreign students so this is one Manslaughter we're delighted to be a part of. Film education is often underrated but the industry realises that the best filmmakers went to film school."

Henley produced Manslaughter in May 2007 with fellow Film School students as part of their graduation requirements.

DVDs, stills, international media contacts and other informational material available for media by contacting publicist Phil Reed

ENDS

© Scoop Media