DEGANZ have announced they are to take-over management of MIFF, Melbourne International Film Festival’s Accelerator Lab. This was previously managed by NZFC. The MIFF Accelerator Lab is held for four days during the Melbourne International Film Festival, which this year runs from 8 – 25 August. It is designed to nurture tomorrow’s top screen directors on the journey towards their first long-form works. Previous participants in the MIFF Accelerator Lab include Michelle Savill (Millie Lies Low), Jeremiah Tauamiti (For My Father’s Kingdom), Zoe Macintosh (Stylebender), Sam Kelly (Savage), Matthew J. Saville (Juniper), Jackie van Beek (Nude Tuesdays), Gaysorn Thavat, (The Justice of Bunny King) and Taika Waititi (Hunt For The Wilderpeople).
“Our thanks go to NZFC for putting its trust in DEGANZ to deliver this key talent development initiative for emerging New Zealand filmmakers,” said DEGANZ Executive Director Tui Ruwhiu. “DEGANZ looks forward to working with the MIFF Accelerator Lab to ensure the selected NZ filmmakers get the most out of this highly focused opportunity to help further their careers.”