Four short New Zealand films, each with “a local connection”, will be screened at Circus Cinema in Martinborough this month as part of Wairarapa Film Festival’s spring programme.
Each short will be introduced by guest speakers associated with the film.
“The speakers are an amazing collection of directors, producers, scriptwriters and actors,” event organiser Jane Ross said.
The matinee event on Saturday, October 28, features films by Martinborough-based filmmaker Celia Jaspers and Wairarapa-based Derek Sims, both of whom have entered the 48Hours film challenge in the past and who will be at the event.
“48Hours is often the way that New Zealand filmmakers get their first experience. Celia Jaspers entered the 48Hours competition with her first short film, Homeschool in 2020 and she won Best Family Film,” Ross said.
“This win gave her the confidence to go on to make the award-winning short film, Milk, which was shot entirely on location in Martinborough.
“So, it will be really great for anyone who’s emerging, up and coming, and aspiring to enter the screen industry to actually be able to talk to Derek and Celia about their experiences.”
The films Ross has chosen for the event are the critically acclaimed A Girl Called Elvis, Celia Jaspers’ latest film, The Polycees, Victoria University’s Follow the Light – which will be introduced by local academic and actor David O’Donnell – and Derek Sims’ horror-comedy, The Reapers.
Fans of horror have a treat in store this Halloween, with a special free screening of the German silent classic The Cabinet of Dr Caligari at Aratoi’s Wesley Wing this month.
The screening is a collaboration between Masterton District Council, Film Talks and the Goethe-Institut New Zealand, which advocates for understanding between Germany and the world through cultural events and exchange.
The black and white film tells the story of the mysterious Dr Caligari [played by Werner Krauss], who arrives in a rural German village with his companion Cesare [Conrad Veidt], a man in an eternal state of sleep who can be ordered to perform his master’s commands.
A series of gruesome murders leads some to believe that the doctor and his strange ‘assistant’ may be to blame.
“It was made in 1920 and still gets included in film festivals around the world,” said Ross, who is director of Film Talks.
“It’s a film of historical and cultural significance. And so it’s really lovely to be able to present that in an art gallery.”
The Wesley Wing can accommodate up to 100 people and Ross recommends people reserve seats for the screening on Tuesday, October 31, in advance.
The Wairarapa Film Festival spring programme is on Saturday, October 28 and starts at 2pm. Tickets online at www.circus.net.nz/The Cabinet of Dr Caligari screens at the Wesley Wing, Aratoi Museum on Tuesday, October 31. Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. Reservations email: [email protected]
