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Three finalists for the prestigious SPADA New Filmmaker of the Year Award 2004 have been selected. The Award is the primary recognition in New Zealand for emerging filmmakers who have displayed special talent, excellence and creativity in their filmmaking to date. The winner, who will walk away with over $28,000 worth of prizes, will be announced during the TVNZ Black Tie Dinner on Friday 19November at Small Country, Big Picture, the New Zealand film and television industry conference taking place in Auckland .

The industry judges this year were Greg Page, Trevor Haysom and Vanessa Alexander. Entries were received from a diverse range of filmmakers, “all of which illustrate that the New Zealand screen industry is alive and kicking with talented and innovative filmmakers” said Greg Page. Judges were impressed with the levels of energy, self-motivation and vision expressed in the applications, in particular the three finalists. The finalists are:

Patrick Gillies: Is a Christchurch filmmaker, working in both film and television. His most recent work, the digital feature Offensive Behaviour, has had an offer of distribution from a New York based distributor. Patrick has had international success with two short films, Admit One and Kitty, both of which were selected for official competition at the Montreal Film Festival. Kitty has screened at numerous international film festivals, including London and Sydney . Patrick is a determined and passionate filmmaker with a penchant for comedy.

Briar March: Is a recent graduate of Elam Fine Art School and based in Auckland . Briar has quickly developed a substantial filmography as a producer, director and editor. Her most recent work, the documentary film Allie Eagle and Me, premiered at the New Zealand International Film Festival this year. Briar is currently working towards the production of her next project, a documentary called Night to Day: a pause between action and reaction.

Florian Habicht: An Auckland filmmaker, Florian has a unique body of work consisting of several short films and three feature length digital films which have been exhibited extensively throughout New Zealand and in film festivals internationally. His third film, the documentary Kaikohe Demolition, was a highlight at this year’s New Zealand International Film Festival. Florian’s films combine a unique sense of humour and odd-ball narratives with seductive and lush imagery.

“This Award is a great opportunity for new filmmakers to make their mark and along with The Award sponsors: Park Road Post, Panavision, CineFinance, Kodak, and Stage and Screen Travel, SPADA is honoured to support New Zealand ’s emerging filmmakers” said SPADA chief executive Penelope Borland.

Other previous winners include Jason Stutter, Karl Zohrab, Gregory King, Tom Reilly.

For more information contact Kim Baker T: 04-939 6934 E: info@spada.co.nz

Made possible by the generous support of Award Sponsors: