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Source: Photos.com
The humble gumboot will be the star in the Tropfest New Zealand short film competition launched today.
As the mandatory Tropfest Signature Item Kiwi filmmakers can creatively use the gumboot in any way they like in a short film.
Filmmakers must complete and enter their film by October 31, after which a secret panel of industry experts will judge the films and the finalists will be announced.
The short film must have been made specifically for Tropfest, which will be its first public screening.
The film must be no longer than seven minutes including titles and credits, the entrants must be New Zealand citizens and it must contain the signature Item - a gumboot.
Organised by the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT), Tropfest gives emerging and established filmmakers an opportunity to show off their talent.
"Tropfest is the world's largest short film competition offering entrants exposure to a huge global audience," says TAFT's chief executive, Suzanne Porter.
"Apart from the competition running right across Australia, there are now competitions being held in New York, Las Vegas and in Dubai - with more planned for China, London and Paris."
Tropfest was started in Sydney 20 years ago by Australian director, John Polson and he says he is "incredibly excited" to have a screening in New Zealand.
Support for the New Zealand competition is already growing with film makers Gaylene Preston, Vincent Ward and Catherine Fitzgerald coming on board as patrons, along with Kiwi actors Katie Wolfe, Robyn Malcolm and La-based actor, Martin Henderson.
