The NZIFF has announced more features, including one local, all based on classics.
The international offerings are Jean-François Sivadier’s opera rehearsal film Becoming Traviata; Manoel de Oliveira’s Venice-premiered Gebo and the Shadow; David Siegel & Scott McGehee’s adaptation of Henry James’ What Maisie Knew; and Joss Whedon’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
Also from Shakespeare comes the local addition to the programme, Tim van Dammen’s debut feature Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song, about which the festival says:
Shakespeare’s tale of teen love reimagined as a rock opera set in a beachside caravan park. A triumphant blast of style and 21st-century Kiwi trailer trash pop. Classic tragedy probably shouldn’t be quite this much fun.
van Dammen has had a long run at music videos, so the decision to create a musical adaptation shouldn’t surprise. He and longstanding blurandsharpen partner DOP Tim Flower collaborate again here, having made MV’s for a wide selection of local bands including Shihad, Anika Moa, Boh Runga, Sola Rosa, Luger Boa, The Checks, Smashproof and many more.
Jamie Selkirk is on board as EP, a role he filled on last year’s most successful independent local feature, Mike Wallis’ Good For Nothing.
Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song trailer
This year’s NZIFF kicks off in Auckland on 18 July, concluding its run in New Plymouth on 6 September.
