‘The Moon is Upside Down’ Named One of the Online Film Critics Society’s Best Non-U.S. Releases of 2024

The Moon is Upside Down, written and directed by DEGANZ member Loren Taylor, was selected as one of ten international films for the Best Non-U.S. Release at this year’s Online Film Critics Society Awards.

While the awards tend to focus on films with wide releases in America, this category recognises a slate of ten international films as the best releases outside the U.S. in 2024. Others on the list include Acting by Sophie Fiennes, Berlinale Silver Bear winner Dying, and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud. Amongst the award winners are Hollywood heavyweights Anora and The Substance.

This is the third international nod for The Moon is Upside Down which won Best First Feature at the A-list festival Tallinn Black Nights and the Special Jury Award at the Santa Fe International Film Festival. 

If you missed the film in theatres last year, you can stream it on Aro Vision.

 

Last updated on 13 February 2025

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‘n00b’ on Netflix Australia

Local dramedy series n00b, directed by DEGANZ members Victoria Boult and Josh Frizzell, is available to stream on Netflix in Australia.

The show, created by Victoria and producer Rachel Fawcett, is set in 2005 Gore, Aotearoa. It follows the social downfall of Nikau Bennett, a popular teenager whose world is turned upside down when he is outed to the whole school. As Nikau plummets from cool guy to social outcast, the series explores his struggle to navigate the complicated dynamics of high school and find the confidence to embrace his true self.

Congrats to the n00b team on the continued success!

For those based in Aotearoa, you can still catch the series for free on Three Now.

 

Last updated on 13 February 2025

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DEGANZ Members Amongst the 2025 Day One Shorts

Day One has announced the eight commissioned teams for this year’s round of short films, including two projects featuring DEGANZ members Giselle Ilaoa, Lee Li, and Tyler Redmond.

The competition was tough this year, with 109 applications narrowed down to a short list of 16 before the final projects were selected.

Day One Shorts is a series of short films by rangatahi emerging filmmakers from across the motu. They explore cultural, social and political issues by taking story risks, pushing the envelope, and looking to the future. Supported by NZ On Air, RNZ, and Wakaata Māori, the initiative provides scripted projects with $20k and documentaries with $15k to produce their films. In addition to funding, Day One offers the filmmakers wrap-around talent development support, including workshops, professional script consultancy, and mentorships for the directors and producers.

Congratulations to all the selected teams! Check out the projects from DEGANZ members below.

Aolfa Mai, Alofa Atu

Scripted Drama

Writer/Director: Giselle Ilaoa

A young woman grapples with her repressed sexuality when she reconnects with her childhood friend and must navigate her growing affections.

Fearlessli

Documentary

Writer/Director: Lee Li

Producer: Tyler Redmond

Amidst the uncertainty of her future as a transgender asylum seeker, Lee Li navigates unseen struggles and relentlessly advocates for her community, fighting for a future where others like her can call Aotearoa home.

 

Last updated on 13 February 2025

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