Six short films have been selected by director Christine Jeffs to contend for the awards in this year's New Zealand's Best short film programme.
The competition is running as part of the forthcoming The New Zealand International Festival for the fourth year.
NZIFF programmers Bill Gosden and Michael McDonnell viewed 75 shorts to whittle contenders down to a shortlist of 12 from which Jeffs, the director of Rain, Sylvia and Sunshine Cleaning selected six finalists.
A jury of three will select the winners of the $5,000 Madman Entertainment Jury Prize for Best Film and the $3,000 Friends of the Civic Award.
The New Zealand Cinematographers Society will present the Allen Guilford Cinematography Award of $2,000.
Festival audiences will be crowd-funding the Audience Award with 25% of the box office going to the film most popular film voted by attendees.
The six finalists are:
Tits on a Bull
What: The star player of a Maori women's rugby team must choose between loyalty to her coach and love for her teammate.
Says Jeffs: "The narrative skillfully takes us to the heart of the relationships. Realistic and full of feeling. Refreshing."
Director/screenplay: Tim Worrall Producers: Piripi Curtis, Lara Northcroft.
Not Like Her
What:
A rebellious teenager is forced to spend the day with her estranged mother when she is suspended from school.
Jeffs:
"Edgy performances with perfect moments of solitude. Understated with intensity. Could have seen more."
Director/Screenplay:
Hash Perambalam
Producers:
Lucy Stonex, Brendan Donovan.
Ow What!
What:
Te Mauri dreams of following in his absent rugby playing father's footsteps and finds encouragement from an unusual source.
Jeffs:
"A charming story with surprising power. A memorable performance from Timoti Tiakiwai, which places us firmly in his world. Funny and poignant all at once."
Director/Producer/Screenplay:
Michael Jonathan.
The Tide Keeper
What:
An old seaman dreams the ocean into his bed.
Jeffs
: "Gloriously filmed, powerful and provocative, with strength of vision and clarity of tone that resonates beautifully with feeling."
Director/Producer/Screenplay:
Alyx Duncan
Feeder
What:
A down-on-his-luck musician finds inspiration when he moves into a creepy derelict flat, but success comes at a cost ...
Jeffs:
"Dark narrative with a twist. Surprises keep coming to the end."
Director:
Christian Rivers Producer: Mhairead Connor Screenplay:Guy McDouall
Madam Black
What:
An errant photographer must concoct an elaborate story when he runs over a beloved pet.
Jeffs:
"The tricky situations we get ourselves into. Sweet and quirky tale, which abounds with charm and humour."
Director/Producer:
Ivan Barge
Screenplay:
Matthew Harris
The NZ International Film Festival starts in Auckland on July 16. You can find more information on the NZIFF website.