New Zealand short film Das Tub has won Best Short Short at the Aspen Shortsfest in Colorado - considered one of the world's top 50 leading film festivals. The win comes close on the heels of the film winning Best Director at the Honolulu Film Awards in Hawaii.
Das Tub was directed by Media Design School's 3D course leader James Cunningham and animated by Advanced 3D students Rupert Ashton, Priyan Jayamaha, Jonathan Hagan, Andrew Junying Xu and Kirsten Dale Pretorius. The film features Kiwi actor Craig Hall and was written by acclaimed NZ screenwriter Nick Ward. The win means that Das Tub now qualifies to be considered for the Oscars.
Judges at the festival said the film won because of its "creativity, humour and ability to surprise".
"Student film-making is not easy - it requires commitment, stamina and lots of optimism," says Graeme Mason, CEO of the NZ Film Commission. "Receiving this award is a great achievement and the NZ Film Commission congratulates everyone involved with Das Tub. We look forward to seeing what you each create next."
Das Tub is a tongue-in-cheek homage to submarine films and tells the story of the crew of a German U-boat as they navigate the vessel through uncharted waters. It has received several international accolades including a finalist nomination at the prestigious Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards in Hollywood in January.