HP48HOURS 2017: looking for female directors

Posted Saturday 24 Jun 2017

Earlybird registrations are now open for New Zealand's speediest filmmaking competition - HP48HOURS - and there's an extra reason for WIFT directors to take up the challenge.

The Gaylene Preston/WIFT Award is a $1000 cash prize (plus free WIFT membership) for the Best Female Director winner.

Last year, a record number of women and girls directed films in the HP48HOURS Filmmaking Competition. This year, organisers are looking to attract even more.

Event organiser Ant Timpson says: "There's been a noticeable shift within the competition, a positive reflection of the recent focus on gender equality in the director's chair. Last year we had 200 women and girls directing films in the competition, which is a massive improvement over previous years."

Preston says: "I first offered this award 10 years ago in the Wellington City Final and now I'm happy that it's part of the National Grand Final. It is for a dedicated, committed female director who is already working on forging her own path."

Making a film in 48 hours is a serious challenge, but always a memorable weekend! Taika Waititi's advice to entrants: "You need to embrace the chance to take risks and make huge mistakes. It's one of the only times, as a filmmaker, that you'll get to screw things up and not get fired or have your career ended."

Earlybird registration is $40 cheaper until July 11: find out more at 48hours.co.nz, and start getting your team together!

Filming weekend is set for August 25-27, 2017.