Press release from New Zealand Film Commission
The New Zealand short film – NIGHT SHIFT, written and directed by Zia Mandviwalla has been chosen to compete for the 2012 Short Film Palme d’or at the top film festival on the international calendar. Night Shift has been selected out of 4,500 films to be in the final 10 competing for the prestigious prize.
Night Shift is an incredibly moving tale of an airport cleaner trying to make it through another long shift. She does her job, tries not to draw attention to herself and gleans her survival from what others leave behind.
It is the latest offering from writer/director Zia Mandviwalla whose previous work has earned her a host of prominent international selections at film festivals in Pusan, Melbourne and London. This is her fourth short film.
“The news that we were selected to screen in competition at Cannes took me completely by surprise” said Zia Mandviwalla. “I am so very honoured and excited to represent New Zealand this year at this prestigious film festival.”
“Night Shift wouldn't be the film that it is without the support and hard work of an exceptional cast and crew. This achievement is something I share with everyone who worked on the film” she said.
Night Shift was funded through the New Zealand Film Commission’s (NZFC) Premiere Shorts scheme/programme. It was produced by Chelsea Winstanley and Matt Noonan through Curious Films in Auckland. Executive Producers are Maile Daugherty and Michael Bennett from A Collective Intake of Breath.
“Selection for Cannes is an incredible achievement for any filmmaker” says NZFC Short Film Manager Lisa Chatfield. “Zia’s film is utterly compelling and will be a strong contender for the main short film award”.
This selection follows a long line of achievements for New Zealand short films. Last year Blue, directed by Stephen Kang won the Critics’ Week Canal Plus Grand Prix in Cannes.
“New Zealand shorts continue to punch above their weight” says Chatfield “New Zealand is second only to France when it comes to the number of shorts being selected for competition at Cannes.”
The winner of the Short Film Palme d’or will be announced on the 27th of May.