Pacific Dreams: Only Kiwi Short Film at Shanghai Film Fest

25 May 2011

New Zealand independent short film Pacific Dreams is one of only 60 international short films and the only New Zealand short film to be selected to compete in the Mobile SIFF Competition at the prestigious 2011 Shanghai International Film Festival, the largest film festival in Asia.

Filmed in Wellington, New Zealand, Pacific Dreams is a self-funded, independent film. Its cast includes acclaimed Kiwi actress Dame Kate Harcourt, as well as seasoned actors Don Landridge and Tina Cleary. The film was produced by Catherine Juniot of Inspire Films and David Strong of Morepork Films, with Waka Attewell as Director of Photography and Paul Sutorius as Editor. All the cast and crew donated their time to the project.

Wellington debut film director David Strong will travel to Shanghai as a guest of the festival which will be held from 11 June to 19 June 2011. He said the film’s selection was testament to the collaborative effort and creative skill of everyone involved.

“It’s a great honour for Pacific Dreams to be selected as a finalist. With over 4000 films submitted it’s the largest in Asia, so the competition is intense.”

“To be a finalist is testament to the amazing work of everyone involved in bringing Pacific Dreams to life,” David said.

China is now one of the largest film markets in the world. Box office receipts topped $1.5 billion last year and at its current rate of growth sales could reach $7 billion by 2015.

Pacific Dreams, which was completed in March 2011, has also been selected for the Rhode Island International Film Festival (9-14 August) - a 'top 10' festival in the United States and one of the few accredited to the Academy of Motion Pictures.

Catherine Juniot, the Producer of Inspire Films based in Wellington said, “It’s one of those film projects that is quintessentially New Zealand. Its production was the result of the passion and commitment of many people who gave their time and creativity because they saw potential in the story. I can’t thank everyone enough. It takes a lot of hard work to put a film together so hopefully these two accolades will serve as thanks.”

Mr Strong also thanked film and entertainment lawyer and New Zealand International Delegate for the Shanghai Film Festival Michael Stephens for his commitment and support in representing New Zealand films in Asia.

“It is excellent to see Pacific Dreams competing with the very best Short Films in Asia in the Mobile SIFF Competition. Congratulations to all the Cast and Crew involved for their well deserved nomination as a finalist. Well done!” Michael Stephens said.

ENDS

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