A gay New Zealand short film has been honoured by an American organisation which seeks to recognise individuals and works that promote inclusion and tolerance. Communication has been named Outstanding Short Film in the 2010 QBliss GLBTIA Creating Change Community Awards. The film, which is showing at the Out Takes film festival in Auckland and Wellington from this week, tells the story of a young gay Jewish student troubled by his feelings for a university mentor, who is nearly three times his age. Featuring actors Rudi Vodanovich, Alexander Campbell and Richard Lambeth, the Number 8 Films production is based on the play by David Blakey. The film's makers join the ranks of Oscar-nominated Precious director Lee Daniels, Tales Of The City author Armistead Maupin and N-Sync member Lance Bass, who have all been recognised by QBliss. Producer Andy Jalfon says receiving international recognition is a great feeling, but to win this award is amazing. "I'm very proud to be part of this production and lucky to have worked with such a great cast and crew. I think New Zealand and international audiences will be touched when they see the amazing performances on screen," he says. Communication has been screening at European and US festivals for the past month. Director Christopher Banks says the film is the only New Zealand narrative screening at Out Takes this year, so the festival is a rare opportunity for audiences to see a locally-made gay film on the big screen. "We're very proud of the kudos the film has received so far and look forward to sharing it with New Zealand audiences," he says. Communication screens in Auckland on Sunday 30 May at 4.10pm at Rialto Cinema, and in Wellington on Monday 7 June at 4.30 at the Paramount. Its producers have today launched a special behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the film. Watch it below.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 24th May 2010 - 5:47pm