NZ Short Film Wins At Berlinale

NZ Short Film Wins At Berlinale

The 61st Berlin International Film Festival has awarded a top prize to New Zealand film Manurewa.

Manurewa, directed by Sam Peacocke, was awarded a Crystal Bear in the Generation 14plus Youth Section of the competition.

The jury awarded the film the prize with these comments on the strength of the project: In a very short time this film synthesises and skilfully compresses independent story lines and characters, merging them together into a single irrevocable, ever-changing moment. Our winning film is not only about perpetrators and victims, but also about human beings

Manurewa explores the tragic murder of Manurewa liquor store owner Navtej Singh and is acclaimed music video director Sam Peacocke’s debut short film. Produced by Kristian Eek, the film is a multi-stranded narrative impression of the real life robbery and fatal shooting that took place in South Auckland, New Zealand. The film premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in July 2010.

The Generation programme receives over 6000 submissions each year and the selection comprises 32 short films and 27 feature length films from 32 countries.

Manurewa was self-funded by the filmmakers and relied on the generous support of sponsors FUJI FILM New Zealand, Panavision New Zealand and Park Road Post.

The film was shot on 35mm with a skeleton crew, utilizing available light as much as possible. It was shot on location in South Auckland and features mostly non actors. The film was made with the blessing of the Sikh community and the family of the victim.

Manurewa received post production funding from the NZ Film Commission who also supported Sam Peacocke to attend the festival. International sales for the film are handled by NZ Film, which is the sales arm of the NZFC.

The 61st Berlin International Film Festival ran from the 10th – 20th February 2011. For more information see http://berlinale.de

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