Pictured above: DOP Buddy Booth from Christchurch team, Herms Heroes and actor Rata Jamieson embrace the punk aesthetic and fun practical effects in their film, Larvae Girl: The Road to Revenge Part 2, captured by Owen Spargo.
The Vista Foundation 48Hours filmmaking competition has been a pillar of Aotearoa cinema for over two decades. Starting life in the early 2000s with just a handful of teams rushing to physically hand in their shorts on DV tape, the annual event has amassed thousands of budding local filmmakers armed with modern tech that has significantly boosted the overall quality of films.
This year, 540 teams from all over the motu (and some overseas participants) concentrated their creative energy into one weekend (15th – 17th August). Abiding by an assigned genre and necessary elements, they had 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit a 1-5min film.
Team Midnight Sunburn shot their film Every Last Bastard in picturesque Queenstown with a crew of fourteen Pictured: Luna Blanco.
The competition attracts local talent from all walks of life, from kitted-up screen pros to ambitious school teams, arm chair animators, and friends and whānau who enjoy making movies together. It’s as much about community as it is about cinema.
And you never know who’ll win the whole thing: a crusty ol’ sea dog who spent half their life with the competition has as much of a shot as a group of bright-eyed talented first-timers who bust out an all-time classic.
Now that the dust has settled, the results are ready to be unveiled. The Vista Foundation 48Hours has announced the dates and venues for its highly anticipated Regional Finals across the country. Teams of filmmakers who battled against the clock will see their creations as the top films from each region are celebrated.
Hannah Taylor from Pastafarian Productions works on her solo VF48Hours animation script for Morgan’s Organs under the watchful eye of her supervisor baby.
Ōtautahi / Christchurch Regional Final
Tuesday 16th September | Hoyts EntX Christchurch
GET TICKETSTe Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington Regional Final
7pm, Thursday 18th September | The Embassy
GET TICKETSAcross Aotearoa Regional Final
7pm, Saturday 27th September | Online: Vista Foundation 48Hours YouTube Channel
WATCH ON YOUTUBETāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Regional Final
7pm, Friday 3rd October | The Hollywood
GET TICKETS
The competition’s largest team Cinetrance shot their film at Raphael House – Rudolf Steiner school, Wellington. Pictured: The Cinetrance cast singing in costume in their film – Everchild
“The Regional Finals are a fantastic opportunity for the public to see the incredible talent that exists right here in their own community,” says National Manager Vanessa Patea. “Every year, we are blown away by the creativity, ingenuity, and sheer determination of these filmmakers. It’s a testament to the resilient filmmaking culture in New Zealand.”
The top 14 films from around the country, plus three Sir Peter Jackson Wildcards will compete for the title of GRAND CHAMPION. This year the Grand National Final will be held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington at The Embassy Theatre—7.30pm, Saturday 25th October (Labour Weekend). The National Best School winner will also play at the Grand Final.
