The year’s best New Zealand short films.
A total of 95 films were submitted for this year’s New Zealand’s Best short film competition. NZIFF Head of Programming, Michael McDonnell, Production and Events Manager Matt Bloomfield, and Junior Programmer Amanda Jane Robinson viewed them all to draw up a shortlist of 12, from which Guest Selector Gerard Johnstone selected the five finalists.
A jury of three will select the winner of the $7500 NZIFF Patrons Best Short Film Award, the $4000 Creative New Zealand Emerging Talent Award, and the $4000 Auckland Live Spirit of The Civic Award. The winner of the audience vote takes away the Panavision Audience Award, consisting of a $5000 credit for Panavision equipment hire and 25 percent of the box office from NZIFF screenings in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
The jury awards will be presented following the Auckland screening. The Panavision Audience Award will be announced at the NZIFF 2024 Auckland Closing Night on Sunday 18 August.
I See You
A young mother struggles with her toddler’s delayed development until a chance encounter with a charismatic young man shifts her feelings.
Director, Screenplay: Briar March
Producer: Caroline Hutchison
Editor: Adam-Luka Turjak
First Horse
In pre-colonial Aotearoa a young Māori girl witnesses the best and worst of a rapidly changing world when she encounters a dying man and his horse.
Producers: Puti Simich, Mia Henry-Tierney, Heperi Mita
Screenplay: Awanui Simich-Pene, Heperi Mita
Lea Tupu'anga/Mother Tongue
A young speech therapist who has lied about her language skills must find a new way to communicate when she is assigned to an elderly Tongan patient with aphasia who can no longer speak English.
Director: Vea Mafile’o
Cinematography: Marie Ines Manchego
New Zealand's Best 2024 at NZIFF