Auckland - “Whisker”, a New Zealand short film about a
man trying to win a beard-growing contest, has been awarded the prestigious
Future Filmmaker Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival
ShortFest, from a competition of 330 films. Written by Saatchi & Saatchi CD
Corey Chalmers and directed/produced by Steve Saussey & Yolande Dewey of
Stuff and Nonsense Ltd, “Whisker” is a NZ Film Commission-funded premiere
short, and is the debut film from all three of the team.
Chalmers said: “We’re pretty chuffed to get
an award at the film’s international premiere, in a major show just down the
road from Hollywood. It’s been a labour of love for Steve, Yolande and myself
for over a year and it’s great to see some major recognition for the hard work
and skill our crew, performers and post-production guys put into this very Kiwi
tale.”
Director Steve Saussey said: ''For a New
Zealand short film to be recognised by a major US festival jury is fantastic,
given the amazingly high standards of the films in competition. For the
film to get this kind of attention at its world premiere is especially
encouraging.”
Producer Yolande Dewey added: "To
be invited to Palm Springs and tap into the network of film makers and industry
from all over the world has been fantastic, and the jury prize is a real honour
for Whisker at its first outing. Stuff and Nonsense is coming home invigorated
and inspired to do what we do best - making funny stuff that people like to
watch.”
“Whisker” was executive produced by Short
& Sharp via the NZ Film Commission.
See the trailer above or at http://www.whiskershortfilm.com/