A Statement from DEGANZ, AANZ, PASC, SMSG on the Subject of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

22 March, 2022

Since February 24th, the Actors Agents Association of New Zealand, the Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pan-Asian Screen Collective and the Screen Music and Sound Guild of New Zealand have watched with intense dismay the events unfolding in Ukraine. We add our voice to calls for this unprovoked war, perpetuated by Russian Federation forces on the citizens of a neighbouring sovereign nation, to be brought to an immediate end.

We stand in solidarity with the artists and filmmakers of Ukraine – including former Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand member, documentary director Valeriya Golovina. Until recently, Ms Golovina studied and worked in Wellington. She is now back in her homeland, in the occupied territory of South-East Ukraine.

We guilds and associations support a ban on engagement with artists, businesses and cultural agencies loyal to the Russian Federation.

We also recognise the extraordinary bravery of those who have voiced opposition from within Russia.

We applaud particularly the immense courage displayed by Channel One editor Marina Ovsyannikova who, during a live broadcast, placed herself in front of TV cameras with an anti-war, anti-propaganda message.

The thoughts of our boards and members are with victims of this injustice, and with those practitioners who – while operating under the thumb of corrupt regimes – courageously exercise their voices within media and the arts to protest war and to advocate for peace.

For further information, please contact:

Tui Ruwhiu, Executive Director, DEGANZ
E-mail: tui@degnz.co.nz
Phone: 021 659 950

Last updated on 24 March 2022

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DEGANZ Partners with CLIPPED Music Video Festival

A panel of speakers in front of a festival audience.

We are excited to have partnered with CLIPPED Music Video Festival to support directing and editing talent behind New Zealand’s top music videos!

As its name suggests, CLIPPED Music Video Festival is the only festival in Australia and NZ dedicated to celebrating the music video art-form and the creators behind them.

A one night only event this year, the Festival is set to showcase the high calibre works in the Music Video Awards Competition, award over AU$20,000 worth of prizes, and feature artist and filmmaker Q&As.

DEGANZ is putting its support behind the NZ awards categories for Best Directing and Best Editing. We would like to congratulate all of the awesome Top 10 New Zealand finalists! The winning directors and editors will be chosen from among the Top 10.

 

 

On Friday 25 March, CLIPPED 2021-22 will be taking place at Ritz Cinemas in Randwick, Sydney. But for folks in Aotearoa, you can tune into the live streamed event with the NZ finalists screening at 9pm NZDT.

DEGANZ members can also attend the live stream for free! Check out the Industry Events in our member newsletter out Thursday for a link to VIP tickets.

Last updated on 22 March 2022

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Charlotte Evans Joins Eight’s Roster of Directors

Production company Eight has welcomed Charlotte Evans (DEGANZ) to its list of directors.

A recent top finalist at the 2022 Clipped Music Video Awards with her MV for Benee’s Happen To Me, Charlotte is continuing her commercial work with Eight. Outlined on the mad-daily website, she spoke of her move to the production house:

“I’m looking forward to pushing my creative boundaries on commercial projects with them and creating a body of work that we can all be proud of.”

Charlotte started her career in London working as an assistant editor. After 14 years in editing, she moved into the directorial space. She has since gone on to make several award-winning projects both overseas and here in New Zealand.

She joins other DEGANZ members Jamie Lawrence and Josh Frizzell at Eight.

Congratulations Charlotte, we are looking forward to seeing your future work.

Last updated on 22 March 2022

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Member Arka Gupta Launches Campaign for Next Project

The team behind Dirty Dishes, a heartfelt short drama, is seeking support for their boosted crowdfunding campaign. 

Written, directed and produced by Palmerston North member Arka Gupta, this short film follows teenager Max who begins re-evaluating the relationship with his single mother after he has a sudden encounter with his estranged father.  

Arka’s previous short, Distancing, was recognised internationally at various film festivals. After moving to Palmerston North to undertake a PhD at Massey University, Arka became heavily involved in the theatre community. Speaking to Stuff, he outlined his decision to take on a sole director role following Distancing. 

“Because I…was doing 20 different things at once, I couldn’t direct my actors as much as I wanted to. The director should be the one just to collaborate, he or she should be open to collaboration.”

Dirty Dishes aims to bring attention to the film and wider art community of Palmerston North as it features a local crew. 

There will be a public fundraiser at the Hancock Community House, Palmerston North, from 4 to 6 pm on Mar 26 where the cast will perform a scene from the script.

Help bring Arka’s vision to life. Learn more about the project and donate here.

Last updated on 18 March 2022

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Letter to Dame Kerry Prendergast – 5 April 2022

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