Flying Fish director Joe Lonie’s 12 minute film Honk If You’re Horny won big at the annual Show Me Shorts Film Festival, taking out best director, best film and best actor for veteran Andy Anderson’s “gripping, humorous” performance as a lascivious taxi driver telling a filthy story. And, with this festival being New Zealand’s only Academy Award-accredited film event, it means the film is eligible to enter the 2015 Oscar awards in the short film category.
“It was a massive night for Honk,” says Lonie. “We were always trying to make the film as entertaining as possible, hoping that if we did so with heart and total commitment that it would have depth, too. I’m just so happy that the Show Me Shorts judges could see it.”
Along with Lonie, Matt Heath, Anna Geddes and Cass Donaldson were involved in the film and the judges—Kirstin Marcon, Frances Morton and Matt Noonan—said it “surprised us with a wild, sexy ride”.
“Every element and every creative department shines. It’s good to see New Zealand’s broader urban culture in the spotlight, and to give voice to such an instantly identifiable character without resorting to cliché. We hope to see more from this creative team.”
Zombie film Here Be Monsters also took out three award categories. Writer Nic Gorman was acknowledged with the Script to Screen & NZ Writers Guild Best Screenplay Award, John Chrisstoffels received the Panavision Best Cinematographer Award, and Jon Newell, Chris Rudkin and Erin Woolhouse jointly accepted the inaugural RPM Pictures Best Colourist Award.
“Here Be Monsters’ photography made the most of its location and production design, and all elements worked in harmony,” said the judges. “It transported the judges into a post-apocalyptic world.”
In the Best International Film Award category, the judges were so torn they highlighted four finalists. This award went to Austrian drama Abgestempelt (Punched), directed by Michael Rittmannsberger. Judges called it “an engaging, well-acted, completely believable piece of cinema. This taut, contemporary tale of preconceptions features subtle, nuanced performances and economical storytelling.”
The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Thomas Gleeson for Home. Gleeson also took away the SDGNZ Best Editor Award. Home features in the ‘Our Place’ section of the Show Me Shorts programme with other New Zealand stories of what home means to them.
Rush Munro’s Best Film Award
Matt Heath, Anna Geddes, Cass Donaldson and Joe Lonie, Honk If You’re Horny
Best International Film Award
Michael Rittmannsberger and Simon Baumgartner, Abgestempelt (Punched)
SDGNZ Best Director Award
Joe Lonie, Honk If You’re Horny
StarNow Best Actor Award
Andy Anderson, Honk If You’re Horny
Script to Screen & NZ Writers Guild Best Screenplay Award
Nic Gorman, Here Be Monsters
Panavision Best Cinematographer Award
John Chrisstoffels, Here Be Monsters
SDGNZ Best Editor Award
Thomas Gleeson, Home
RPM Pictures Best Colourist Award
Jon Newell, Chris Rudkin and Erin Woolhouse, Here Be Monsters
Mexicali Fresh Best Student Film Award
Walter Lawry, Blind Mice
NZFC Special Jury Prize
Thomas Gleeson, Home
Presented for originality and the emotional effect of the experience.
People’s Choice Award
Announced in December when audience votes are counted.