Lexus Short Films take Kiwis all the way to Cannes

MEDIA RELEASE
21 May 2013

Lexus Short Films take Kiwis all the way to Cannes

Capturing the theme ‘life is amazing’ has led to an amazing life experience for two Auckland-based filmmakers, who debuted their first short film as part of the Lexus Short Films premiere at Cannes Film Festival over the weekend.

Campbell Hooper and Joel Kefali, representing Special Problems studios, were handpicked by Hollywood super-producer Harvey Weinstein to create one of five short films for a new collaboration between The Weinstein Company and luxury car maker Lexus.

Their film Echoes debuted at Cannes when all five of the Lexus Short Films were treated to a red carpet premiere and screening on Sunday evening local time.

Echoes revolves around the disparate stories of five isolated individuals – an expectant father, an executive driving home, an astronaut in space, a young woman going for a late night swim and a singer waiting to go on stage – who are all experiencing a surreal moment of clarity. It is described by producers as warm and mysterious.

The film was shot in New Zealand, and Film Auckland, part of Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development, worked to secure key Auckland locations for Echoes.

“Two busy areas – Parnell and Manukau City – were used for night shoots on the road. Both shoots went incredibly smoothly for the cast and crew and we were delighted that Auckland, as a film friendly city, was able to help them achieve their vision for Echoes,” says Michael Brook, Manager of Film Auckland.

The five films, between three and six minutes each in length, had to encapsulate the theme ‘life is amazing’. In addition to Echoes, there are films from the US, Spain, Hong Kong and Japan that were commissioned after a worldwide hunt by The Weinstein Company to find exciting new creative talent.

Lexus New Zealand General Manager of Marketing Neeraj Lala says Lexus is dedicated to surpassing customers’ expectations with the cars it designs and builds.

“Globally our brand is also moving in a new direction to showcase Lexus’ imagination and innovation by creating not only luxury cars but also amazing experiences through the expression of design,” Mr Lala says. “This is reflected in the beautifully executed Lexus Short Films and the stunning design of the all new Lexus IS.” he says.

Lexus approached The Weinstein Company to produce a series of short films that will offer inspirational experiences to viewers. The short films were designed to feature five innovative directors crafting five deep experiences to reach and engage people from all cultures, each uniquely expressing life as an amazing experience.

Echoes will debut on YouTube on June 4th. To see the trailer for Echoes, please visit http://www.lexus-int.com/lexusshortfilms/ .

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