‘Night Freaks’ to Stream on Rialto Channel

Night Freaks, directed by David Blyth (DEGANZ), is set to stream on Rialto from November 8th to December 12th.

During the COVID pandemic, ordinary citizens Jules and Lucy are abducted by grey aliens and taken onboard a UFO where they’re given a message of hope for the world in these fractured times. Back on Earth, both Jules and Lucy go on a journey of discovery, grappling with the tear in the fabric of their everyday reality from being abducted in the COVID lockdown.

Check out the screening times on Rialto here.

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‘The Office’ Australia Streaming now on Prime Video

DEGANZ members Jackie Van Beek and Jesse Griffin are at the helm of The Office Australia, now streaming on Prime Video.

Van Beek, who co-developed the series, directed four episodes, holds writing credits on three and serves as an Executive Producer. Griffin directed two episodes and shares writing credits on three as well. The duo brings a fresh, Kiwi-influenced touch to the beloved mockumentary format.

Set in a suburban packaging company, The Office Australia follows the chaotic antics of Hannah Howard, the company’s hilariously misguided CEO, portrayed by comedian Felicity Ward. The series reimagines the classic workplace satire with local humour, relatable office dynamics, and new characters, giving the franchise a uniquely Australian flavour.

Fans of the original The Office will enjoy the familiar blend of cringe-worthy humor and heartfelt moments, with the new series offering a modern twist on office life. All episodes of The Office Australia are available to stream now on Prime Video.

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DEGANZ Members are Show Me Shorts Winners!

Show Me Shorts had a wonderful Awards Night on Sunday 13 October, with multiple DEGANZ members nominated for and receiving awards.

Lea Tupu’anga (Mother Tongue) directed by Vea Mafile’o (DEGANZ) took home the Oscar-qualifying Department of Post Best New Zealand Film award, with the jury commenting “[We selected the film] For its emotional impact, artistic excellence, and cultural significance. The director has guided a talented cast and crew who delivered an authentic and emotionally rich story with themes that resonate widely.”

Ian Sweeney (pictured above, left) took home the DEGANZ Best Director award for his short, Figment. The jury commented on the film saying,

The film’s impact on the audience is profound, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the credits roll. The themes explored in the film resonate with audiences on a deep level, sparking thought-provoking discussions and emotional connections. The film’s message is powerful and relevant, making it a must-see for all moviegoers.

DEGANZ Best Editor went to Meg Trotter (pictured above, right) for Hitchhiking is Safe, with the jurying commenting,

The editing rhythm is engaging and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The pacing of the film is well-executed, with a perfect balance of action, drama, and suspense. The plot twists and turns are unexpected and add to the overall excitement of the film.

The Toi Whakaari Best Actor award went to Kura Turuwhenua for Honey Kaha, directed by DEGANZ member Te Waiarangi Ratana.

 

Congratulations to all the members nominated, and those who received awards! Check out the full list of winners here.

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NZTV Awards Finalists Announced

The finalists for the 2024 New Zealand Television Awards have been announced, with 21 members having worked on the selected projects! Check out the list of members nominated below:

 

Miles From Nowhere

A young Muslim songwriter in New Zealand forms a risky friendship with the intelligence agent monitoring him, jeopardizing his community as he chases his dreams. Based on the real world experience of reporter Mohamed Hassan.

Director: Ghazaleh Golbakhsh

Co-editors: Ben Powdrell & Raewyn Humphries

Nominated for: Best Comedy, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume Design

 

Kid Sister

Loveable train wreck Lulu goes on a wild ride as she tries to balance her love of her family and culture with finding her own path.

Director: Aidee Walker (Incubator 2016)

Editor: Margot Francis

Assistant Editor: Shailesh Prajapati

Nominated for: Best Comedy

 

The Motherhood Anthology – Give Me Babies

Follow the wild ride of a young MMA fighter battling in an illicit underground match for cash to flee New Zealand, all to dodge her mother’s relentless baby demands.

Writer: Ankita Singh

Director: Calvin Sang

Nominated for: Best Comedy, Screen Auckland Best Director: Drama/Comedy Drama, Best Post Production Design, Best Production Design, Best Makeup Design

 

Black Coast Vanishings

An investigation into the disappearance of six people in the small town of Piha Beach, which divides the locals and gives rise to fear and suspicion.

Co-Director: Megan Jones

Dramatisation Director: Alyx Duncan

Co-Editor: Margot Francis

Nominated for: Best Factual Series, Best Director: Documentary/Factual, Best Editing: Documentary or Factual, Images & Sound Best Original Score,

 

Family Faith Footy: A Pasifika Rugby Story

Celebrating Pasifika rugby players and their communities. A story about small islands, big dreams and the sacrifices made by many to produce some of the world’s greatest players.

Director: Jeremiah Tauamiti

Nominated for: New Zealand On Air Best Documentary, New Zealand On Air Best Pasifika Programme

 

Still Here

Celebrate the small but mighty Pasifika community in inner-city Auckland who have remained despite decades of gentrification, as told through the eyes of Pacific youth and their families.

Director & Co-producer: Litia Tuiburelevu

Supervising Producer, Executive Producer, Editor & Additional Editing: Josh Yong

Nominated for: New Zealand On Air Best Pasifika Programme

 

Kāinga

This anthology film brings in underrepresented Asian filmmakers to craft eight unique stories chronicling the diverse, ever-changing, yet familiar experiences of Asians trying to make Aotearoa New Zealand their home through five decades.

Director: Michelle Ang

Writer/Director: Ghazaleh Golbaksh

Director: Julie Zhu

Writer/Director: Nahyeon Lee

Writer: Mia Maramara

Nominated for: Screen Auckland Best Director: Drama/Comedy Drama, Best Production Design

 

After The Party

Penny loses everything when she accuses her husband of a sex crime against her daughter’s teenage friend, and no one believes her.

Director: Peter Salmon

DEGANZ Directors Attachment: Stella Reid

Nominated for: Screen Auckland Best Director: Drama/Comedy Drama, Best Actress. Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor. Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing: Drama/Comedy Drama, Images & Sound Best Cinematography: Drama/Comedy Drama, Best Production Design, Best Script: Drama

 

Creamerie

Lex, Jamie, Pip and male survivor Bobby flee rural Hiro Valley and go on a road trip to bring Wellness cult leader Lane to justice; but to save humankind, they first have to save their friendship.

Director: Roseanne Liang

Nominated for: Best Supporting Actor

 

Congratulations for everyone nominated! Check out the full list of nominees here.

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Don’t be a ‘n00b’, Watch it on ThreeNow

DEGANZ Members are at the helm of the new comedy-drama n00b, now available to stream on ThreeNow.

n00b is set in Gore, New Zealand, in 2005. It follows the social downfall of Nikau Bennett, a popular teenager whose world is turned upside down when he is outed as gay. 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.

The show was co-created and co-written by DEGANZ member Victoria Boult (Incubator 2023) who also directed episodes 3, 4 and 5. Fellow member Josh Frizell (DEGANZ) is an Executive Producer and directed episodes 1, 2 and 6.

n00b offers a nostalgic glimpse into small-town life in mid-2000s New Zealand, wrapped in a coming-of-age story that resonates across generations. The series is now streaming on ThreeNow.

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