Show Me Shorts Q&A with director Gina Dellabarca

Ahead of the Auckland leg of the Show Me Shorts Festival, which kicks off on October 7, festival director Gina Dellabarca spoke about the festival's 20th year.

Congrats on making it to 20 - how does that feel?

My team and I are proud that Show Me Shorts has been part of the journey for so many local and international filmmakers. One of our alumna, Jackie van Beek, has had seven short films in our programme over the years. We are celebrating her and other much-loved shorts with our 20 th Anniversary Retrospective collection this year.

How did you get involved with the festival and why?

We set the festival up because we kept hearing about NZ short films winning awards overseas, but it was difficult to see them on the big screen here. We figured there were other film fans like us out there who would also enjoy watching them.

What have been the joys of doing this?

Even after 20 years, we still get excited about the new short films every year. This year I’m especially loving the Lucid Dreams collection of films. We had a lot of interesting magical realism shorts entered this year, and there are some wonderfully imaginative stories and worlds on display here.

Does it get harder every year to select for the programme?

The number of films we receive increases each year, so the job expands. We are now atalmost 2,500 submissions annually. It’s a privilege though, not a chore.

What's been your favourite short of all time and why?

It changes all the time. This year I’m loving Mirumiru (Bubble) directed by Allan George. It’s a heart-warming story about an elderly koro taking care of his much-loved wife. So inspiring to see Kiwi animation that is this visually rich.

Which filmmaker surprised you the most during the years and why?

There used to be a trend for actors becoming directors, but this year I’m loving seeing a cinematographer turning director - Raymond Edwards delivers a rollicking coming-of-age fable, with Ace. A story of a boy on an adventure with his imaginary daredevil friend.

What's the key to a really good short film?

Telling a great story through short film is like attending a party. You make the most impactful impression if you come in late, and leave early.

What don't you want people to miss this year?

Vista Foundation Industry Day is the place to be for anyone interested in making films or hearing more about what goes on behind the scenes. It offers an inspiring day of filmmaker talks, panel discussions and networking opportunities.

Which country has the best short filmmakers and why?

We’re really happy to be spotlighting the incredible creativity of Chinese Filmmakers this year, with our Chinese Focus. Many of the filmmakers will be joining us at events, and sharing their stories during the festival too.

Have you ever been tempted to make a short film?

It’s not really my skill set. I’m more of an organiser, cheer leader and bringer together of people. I prefer to stay in my lane!

What's in store for your big birthday next year?

We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary this year with three big opening night parties. At The Civic in Auckland, The Embassy in Wellington, and Alice Cinemas in Christchurch. We hope many of our community will come out to join us in marking the occasion, walk the red carpet, and watch some world premieres.

For more on Show Me Shorts, visit showmeshorts.co.nz The festival runs from October 7 to October 27 around New Zealand.