PAST TOI FILM

A selection of films from the Toi Film archive: all featuring Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School acting students collaborating with design, costume, entertainment technology, performing arts management and directing students.

Shopping for One

Welcome to the urban dating arena of the late-night metro grocery store, where lonely hearts attempt to decode hidden messages in each other’s baskets. Sometimes you find more than you expect in the frozen-food aisle, and there’s definitely more to shopping for one than finding the perfect pasta and a reasonably priced Chilean red wine. Directed by Lee Jane and starring the second year actors of 2008.

Bad Trip

A 15-minute short film, directed by Louis Sutherland and starring the graduating acting class of 2007. A group of backpackers is called in for questioning after one of the group is found murdered.  All the suspects are suffering the ill-effects of having their drinks spiked.  Tensions erupt as police try to discover the identity of the killer.

White Lie

Directed by Warren Green, starring the second year actors of 2007 and designed by a fourth year designer. A nine-minute “dark and exciting film that seamlessly blends cinematography, music and dance.” Watch it on youtube.

The Garden of Love

A 14-minute short film, directed by Fiona Samuel and nominated for best short film in the 2007 Air NZ Screen Awards. A mystery-ridden drama based at a party where all restraint has been left at the door alongside the mountain of shoes. Fits of messianic violence, ‘redistribution’ of the aforementioned footwear, and worse await the insensible revellers leading to a twist of fate for all. Starring the graduating class of 2006.

Bad Dates

A 15 minute short film written and directed by Grant Lahood and devised by the graduating acting class of 2005. Taking on the dangerous thrills of speed dating, Bad Dates is funny and horribly recognisable for anyone who has ever been desperate and dateless. Winner of the audience award at the Richmond Road Short Film Festival.

The Rules of Dogs and Men

A 45 minute feature on DV directed by Anna and Jim Marbrook and written by Jim Marbrook and starring the graduating acting class of 2004. This thriller is set in the downbeat world of dog racing in Petone.

Dead End

A 15 minute short film written by Louis Sutherland and directed by Mark Albiston of Sticky Pictures and starring the graduating acting class of 2003. Running late, two guys rush to get to the funeral of a friend. Dead End has competed in several international film festivals including the Sydney and Commonwealth Film Festivals.

Spring Flames

A short feature on DV written and directed by Aileen O’Sullivan of Seannachie Pictures and starring the graduating acting class of 2002. Set in Christchurch in the 1940s, Spring Flames takes a look at the workers in a clothing factory and their relationships.

Acting Promo

A DVD with a promotional short film about the Toi Whakaari acting course. Directed by Stuart McKenzie in preparation for Tough Act.

Blue Willow

A five minute animated short, written and directed by Veialu Aila-Unsworth, who graduated from the directing course in 2004. Blue Willow was accepted to the prestigious Berlin Film Festival in 2006. One of Toi Whakaari’s many success stories…