New Zealand filmmaker Lee Tamahori (Mahana, Once Were Warriors) has selected his pick of finalists for the New Zealand International Film Festival's annual New Zealand's Best Short Film Competition.

The six finalists are Spring Jam (dir: Ned Wenlock), Cradle (dir: Damon Duncan), Wait (dir: Yamin Tun), Shmeat (dir: Matasila Freshwater), Judgment Tavern (dir: Dean Hewison), and The King (dir: Ursula Grace Williams).

"It's always tricky choosing finalists," says Tamahori. "Excellence in filmmaking comes in many forms. Sometimes the simplest of films triumphs, one can never tell. I look for the most engaging elements in a film, be it animation, documentary or drama. Narrative is important, though not imperative. Imagination and visual stimulation are just as vital. The shortlist I have chosen makes me appreciate why I got into this medium in the first place."

The New Zealand's Best programme will screen as part of NZIFF 2016.

The King

Director/Screenplay/Producer: Ursula Grace Williams Meet Andy Stankovich, scrap metal merchant by day and sweet-voiced performer by night.

"Likeable documentary with a warm heart. A classic New Zealand character, with a touching bunch of associates" - Tamahori

Article originally appeared on: http://www.newshub.co.nz/entertainment/tamahori-selects-short-films-for-nziff-2016-2016060714#axzz4ArkXBCIE