Everchild

Absolutely gutted that this was disqualified. Really pronounced production design, and precise narrative structure that plays effectively with tone and pacing.

EVERCHILD looked and sounded absolutely phenomenal, and it was genuinely jaw dropping when I realised how Cinetrance had coordinated such a large scale production into rhythmic harmony as the fruits of their labour burst and contorted on screen.

Loved this one, a true blue Aoteroa film with little nods here and there that root the film in its home yet flourished through an ethereal tone. Carving is such an important cultural forte of NZ but having it work as a full circle plot device and metaphorical carving of destiny at the same time was seriously clever in my book.

Really strong world building in general. The desolation and post apocalyptic vibe piqued my interest immediately, whilst the hints of an OLIVER style orphanage had me on the edge of my seat. With some of the loveliest sound I've heard in the comp I was hooked.

Coupled with the analogue weaponry and kiwi nods such as netball courts and Wellington school uniforms it felt like I was transported to another time and place where technology didn't matter and people did.

The balance was so good in the film, with soundtrack choices indicating the tone of the film with aplomb. Tension is raised via more heavy string and bass notes before whistling piques our curiousity as viewers.

That location was phenomenal but I love that you also went big with your outdoor shots. It looked absolutely lush with wonderful framing and an absolutely perfect grade. Costuming was always absolutely on point throughout as well giving contrast where required and uniformity when you needed characters to work together as a movement.

And on that note large musical numbers when pulled off well are one of my favourite things ever as a cinema fan. Busby Berkley is genuinely one of my heroes and so to see you get groups working together where music was not just the breaker of silence but the driver of the central plot development was seriously special.

I wouldn't have changed a thing about this film. Such a shame about the DQ.

Absolutely insane! One of the most well produced 48hours films I've ever seen, in all years of the comp. I can only imagine the weight of choosing to DQ this yourselves, because I genuinely think this could have gone all the way this year.

Massive effort! Cinetrance again always raising the bar for Wellington filmmakers. Big ups

I've watched this film four times so far! The musical number was incredible and the significance of the carved leaf is quite cryptic and leaves you thinking.