The Orator. Photo/ Supplied
New Zealand feature film The Orator (O Le Tulafale) has been selected to premiere in competition in the Orizzonti (New Horizons) section of the 68th Venice International Film Festival.
Founded in 1932, the Venice Film Festival is one of world's the oldest and most prestigious film festivals, and is part
of the Venice Biennale.
New Zealand Film Commission chief executive Graeme Mason said The Orator's selection was outstanding and an important endorsement of New Zealand as a significant and relevant part of the global film industry.
"To have a film from New Zealand selected to compete against feature films by industry greats like Jonathan Demme, and for that film to also premiere alongside new works by world renowned directors, is an incredible honour," he said today.
Written and directed by debut feature film-maker Tusi Tamasese, The Orator's selection will place Tamasese in an illustrious group of New Zealand filmmakers - including Sir Peter Jackson and Jane Campion - whose films have screened at the Venice festival.
