Kiwi films wow Hollywood

New Zealand films picked up awards at the prestigious Moondance International Film Festival overnight. The low-budget short film made in Dunedin, Cake Tin, picked up the Sandcastle award for Best Short Film at the festival, known as “The American Cannes”. The award was made jointly to director Judge Rosemary Riddell, and her husband and producer of the film, Mike Riddell. Both were in attendance at the awards in Universal Studios City Walk, Hollywood.


Also winning at the awards was the short animation film by Maria-Elena Doyle, Rain; a film inspired by Hone Tuwhare’s poem of the same name. She was awarded Best Foreign Animation for the work, and was also in attendance to receive her prize.


Producer Mike Riddell said the awards were a recognition of the solid foundation of New Zealand film, and its ability to compete internationally. He was especially appreciative of the Dunedin team who made Cake Tin, singling out writer Bronwyn Tainui, Director of Photography Scott Mouat, and the stellar cast. “We accepted the award on their behalf,” he said. The film was made for around $10,000 with lots of assistance from Dunedin companies including NHNZ.


Director Judge Rosemary Riddell was thrilled to receive recognition for her first venture into directing for the screen. “I’m not tempted to give up my day job just yet,” she added. Her background in theatre directing, including the hit play ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem’ stood in her good stead for coaxing good performances for Cake Tin.


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Cake Tin Website: www.caketin.org