Local film-maker Welby Ings could be off to the Oscars following the success of his gay-themed short film Boy on the international festival circuit. Boy recently won best narrative short film at the American Cinequest festival, and has also screened at the prestigious New York and Montreal festivals. The film is among those shortlisted for possible inclusion at next year's Oscars. The story involves a young male prostitute in a small town who witnesses a fatal hit and run accident, and must expose the truth behind it. “I like to tell stories about the New Zealand culture that we don't always know or hear about," says Ings. "My aim was to make a quality film." Local film-goers can see Boy at this year's Out Takes gay and lesbian film festival, which will run in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch throughout May and June.