Dynamic Filmmaking Duo Turn Talent to Young Kiwis

Dynamic Filmmaking Duo Turn Talent to Young Kiwis

Wellington, May 21st - Fresh off the success of their first feature film, director duo Louis Sutherland and Mark Albiston are giving a whole lot back to young Kiwis through BeCause.

BeCause is an online media platform initiated by Inspiring Stories Trust. The project is calling for nominations of Kiwis between the ages of 16 and 30 who are doing good in their communities. One top voted and four judged favourites will get their stories told by some of New Zealand’s hottest filmmakers.

Sutherland said the pair are looking forward to donating their time and creative energy to BeCause. “It has a great focus looking toward the next generation of New Zealanders, and the language of film is such a powerful medium to connect,” said Sutherland.

Sutherland and Albiston, who grew up together on the Kapiti Coast, will have a hand in choosing which inspiring young person they make a film about. Their previous work has heavily featured the youth of New Zealand in settings that are uniquely kiwi.

Within BeCause, Sutherland said he would like to tell a story that feels imperative and important to our youth. “When we approach any story, whether in documentary or classic narrative we try not to project our 'thing' or 'idea' onto it. We both always try to find out what makes it click and journey ourselves and the project to that,” said Sutherland.

The pair’s short films Run and The Six Dollar Fifty Man gained widespread accolades and admiration. Their first feature, Shopping, premiered at Sundance festival in Utah earlier this year and won the Grand Prix of the Generation 14plus International section for Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Shopping is set in the hazy small-town world of Willie, a half Samoan teenager coming into his own in 1981 Kapiti. It will have its New Zealand premiere at the Embassy in Wellington on May 29.

Project Manager Liz Willoughby-Martin says that the BeCause team is really excited to have the filmmaking friends’ abundant talent on board the initiative.

“BeCause is about showcasing the amazing stories New Zealanders have to offer. We’re thrilled to have master filmmakers like Mark and Louis giving up their time and energy. Something really special is going to come out of this,” said Willoughby-Martin.

About BeCause
BeCause is an Inspiring Stories initiative designed to change the conversation about young people in Aotearoa. Why? Because there are heaps of Kiwis doing awesome things – big and small – to change their worlds. With support from Vodafone New Zealand Foundation, BeCause is now celebrating our young tall poppies. Anyone can nominate and vote for someone they know between 16-30. The top-voted and four Judge’s Favourites get paired up with some of New Zealand’s hottest filmmakers to tell their story as a short film. Nominations and voting close 21 June. Visit www.because.org.nz for more information.

About Inspiring Stories Trust
Inspiring Stories is a charitable trust based in Wellington, operating nationwide. Since launching in 2011, Inspiring Stories Trust has run more than 80 events, workshops, and competitions nationwide.  Each year the Trust engages thousands of New Zealanders and showcases Kiwi innovation on a global stage. The Trust's’ mission is to be s catalyst for action – to showcase what’s possible, build capability, and celebrate young New Zealanders leading change.

ENDS

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