Magma short film festival bubbles with talent

Rotorua will roll out the red carpet next month for film makers from around the world.
The Shambles Theatre is hosting the inaugural Magma Short Film Festival, featuring 54 films from local, national and international film makers. The festival will run from November 8 to 11.
Rotorua District Council's arts officer and festival co-director, Kiri Jarden, said the films covered a wide range of subjects.
"From Rotorua film makers we have a beautiful wee gem which screened at the 2006 International Film Festival, an insider's view of science funding, and an outrageous game of petanque, to name a few."
Documentaries on Wellington's wind, animation created by two brothers from Paekakariki, and explorations of society's underbelly also feature.
Ms Jarden said organisers were pleased with the local response and awards would be bestowed for best drama, comedy, documentary, animation, most promising work and the best overall film.
Although not in the competition, the critically acclaimed Kerosene Creek, which was filmed at the popular attraction near Rotorua, will screen on November 10. It stars Once Were Warriors and No 2 star Taungaroa Emile and Miriama McDowell, who also starred in No 2.
Other high-profile films screening include East Coast film maker Taika Waititi's award-winning shorts Two Cars, One Night and Tama Tu.
"Local and national businesses and funders have been very receptive to the concept of a festival. Spa therapy company Pure Source, as well as Maui Productions, Basement Cinema and Wellington-based Park Road Post are awards and production sponsors while Creative Communities Rotorua and the Civic Arts trust have generously supported as well," Ms Jarden said.
Musicians will play nightly and guest speakers include Auckland producer Bill Gavin, local producer and director Mike Jonathon and Film Volcanic director Kevin Rowell.
Tickets will go on sale at Basement Cinema and McLeod's Booksellers shortly. There will also be door sales, and online bookings are available at www.magmafilm.org.nz.