http://www.wiftnz.org.nz/news/2011/11/15/kiwi-snark-wins-best-film-in-brussels.aspx

NZ feature film Russian Snark has won the top prize at the 38th International Festival of Independent Film in Brussels. The award is doubly thrilling for writer/director Stephen Sinclair and producer Liz DiFiore (congratulations to WIFT member Liz) because the film was only invited to screen in competition at the festival two weeks ago. The late inclusion was thanks to a glowing recommendation from Bernard Bories, director of the St Tropez Film Festival, whereRussian Snark screened in mid-October.
Two other NZ features - Matariki and Predicament - screened in competition at the Belgium fest, with a third - My Wedding and Other Secrets - screening outside the competition.
Also playing at the festival were five NZ shorts: Blue, Ebony Society, Hauraki, Munted, andPreferably Blue.
Russian Snark, which enjoyed a critically acclaimed NZ cinema release earlier this year, has just been released on DVD.

Russian Snark – the independently produced and financed feature film written and directed by Stephen Sinclair, and produced by Liz DiFiore of Godzone Pictures Ltd. has picked up the top prize at the Brussels International Film Festival.

The festival was an amazing triumph for New Zealand Films with Matariki also picking up two awards for Best Director for Michael Bennett and Best Actor for Iaheto Ah Hi.

This has been a great opportunity to raise NZ’s profile in the Belgium capital.

Russian Snark’s award follows on from the October screening at the St Tropez Film Festival, and selection for the 2012 Cannes Cinephiles Film Festival in May 2012.

If you missed the NZ theatrical release, it is out on DVD in NZ only and available at www.russiansnark.com

http://www.nzembassy.com/belgium/news/new-zealand-films-to-feature-in-brussels-international-film-festival

Exciting news for Russian Snark at the Maverick Movie Awards in the USA. Stephen was nominated for Best Actor, and Elena was up against Joan Rivers as Best Supporting Actress!

The Maverick is an interesting stop on the film festival circuit, celebrating great storytelling, filmmaking craft, and cinematic style and championing all movie genres and filmmaking forms from screwball comedies to experimental video art. The stated goal is to help talented moviemakers achieve the recognition they deserve by awarding movies with unique style, exceptional craft, and the power to communicate. We’re proud to represent NZ film at these awards and find ourselves in such great company.

You can find out more about the Maverick Movie Awards here and view the list of 2010 feature film nominees.

September 2010 – 6 x Nominations for Russian Snark at the Qantas NZ Film and TV Awards!

(Check it out!)

And the nominations were:

Best Director – Stephen Sinclair
Best Actor – Stephen Papps
Best Actress – Elena Stejko
Best Supporting Actress – Stephanie Tauevihi (WINNER)
Best Music – David Long and Stephen Gallagher
Best VFX – Park Road Post

Congratulations Everyone!

We had a great weekend. Friday was the Craft Award section with an awards lunch at the Town Hall, and Stephan Gallagher and David Long were up for best Music, as well as Park Road Post who were up for Best VFX.

Saturday Night was the Big Gala, and we hired a limo for the night, arriving on the red carpet in style to the wonderful Civic Theatre. I never imagined when I was on the Save the Civic committee way back in the day that one day one of my films would have such a great reception there.  It was thrilling to have so many nominations for our film and recognition from the selection panel.

When the lovely Stephanie Tauevihi’s name was called as winner in her category, none of us were prepared, and Steph, who had kicked off her shoes did a great acceptance speech barefoot!