Paekākāriki Film Wins Award

The short horror film S(p)lash, filmed and produced in Paekākāriki, took the award for Best Sound Design at the recent Te Whanganui-a-Tara finals of the 48 Hour Film Competition. Sam Buchanan, who features in the film, tells us more.

Photo caption: Kathleen Winter on the set of S(p)lash

Directed by Paekākāriki resident Kathleen Winter, S(p)lash was also nominated for two other awards – Best Use of Genre and Best Use of Warning. The award was presented at the Embassy Cinema where the film was screened alongside other city finalists. 

The film explores themes around violence, survival, sea level rise and culinary health and safety. Filmed in lurid black and white, with moody and expressionist styles, reviewers have praised it as “yummy and provocative” and “more David Lynchian than David Lynch”. Another says “This film pulls you into its world and holds you there!”

A number of Paekākāriki landmarks feature in the film, offering a potential boost to the local tourism industry. 

The film was created by the Underwater Dreams production team. Ms Winter is currently in New York and unavailable for comment.

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