Auckland-based production company Film Construction has announced that “exceptional talent” Ayla Amano is joining the family of filmmakers.
A Kiwi/Japanese/British writer and director returning to New Zealand after three years away, Amano’s filmmaking has taken her to Canada and Ireland.
Film Construction says the company took one look at Ayla’s work and immediately fell in love. Her work shows grace, style and an innate sense of connection with people.
Film Construction Executive Producer, Belinda Bradley says: “When a filmmaker of this calibre comes our way, we get very excited about the possibilities.”
From 2018, Amano spent two years in Vancouver, Canada, where she wrote and co-directed Tomorrow’s Harvest, a television documentary for CBC.
Amano’s most recent and award winning short film, 4×4, was filmed in Ireland. It premiered at the Academy Awards Qualifying Cork International Film Festival in November 2020, receiving the Special Mention for Best Direction and going on to win Best In Cork at the ‘Fastnet Film Awards’ 2021. It was also shortlisted for Best Direction and Best Irish Short Film at the 2020 Kinsale Sharks.
Born in Kyoto, Amano’s family immigrated to New Zealand when she was three and she spent her childhood in West Auckland. Before leaving New Zealand, Amano graduated with Best Film and Best Screenplay awards from South Seas Film & Television School.
Amano’s travels and experience has her primed to be one to work with, and Film Construction say they can’t wait to get going.
