New Zealand short film ‘Meathead’ directed by Sam Holst set to compete in Cannes Film Festival
The Sweet Shop and The New Zealand Film Commission are proud to announce director Sam Holst’s short film ‘Meathead’ has been selected for a worldwide premiere at the 64th Cannes Film Festival to compete for the celebrated Palme d’Or. The only New Zealand film in this category, it will be screened along with eight others from all corners of the globe. This year Robert De Niro heads the main jury, with Michel Gondry judging the short film category.
Australian Sam Holst (pictured left) has been directing films and commercials for several years with ‘Meathead’ being his latest major project. ‘Meathead’ is a tension-fuelled, universally appealing drama set in rural Waikato New Zealand about a 17-year-old boy’s first day on the job at the meat works. Shot entirely on location in a fully operational factory, the combination of real life layered with a dramatic narrative (based on Mike Robinson’s original story) is visceral.
Authenticity is important to Holst, he predominantly cast non-actorsfrom the region and stayed true to the factory’s daily processing. Heattributes much of the film’s success to his team, especially producersDesray Armstrong and Chelsea Winstanley, editor Peter Sciberras fromThe Butchery and funding from NZFC.
The Sweet Shop’s CEO/founding partner, Paul Prince comments “Sam Holstis an extraordinary young film maker. His ambition to tell stories thathold authentic truth to ones context, revealing truths universal, evenin the gritty reality, only confirms him as a filmmaker to watch. Thisis great recognition for Sam and confirms his beliefs. We congratulatehim and his team.”
This accolade marks a positive milestone in Sam’s career as hecontinues to work solidly in both film and commercials. The festivalruns from May 11th until May 22nd.
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13 Comments
well done Sam!
Absolute legend.
Good on you Sam!! Bloody brilliant!
Good Luck!
See that photo, kids? Now that’s the look of a director. You couldn’t cast, style, groom, and pose any better if you tried, and believe me, he did.
Hey Zen, I am here with your mum and she loves to pose….Holsty, great work, smash it brother!
Sadly, James, as she’s gotten a little older, Mum has had to lower her standards, and now she’ll pose for just about anyone. With age not a factor, what excuse would you offer for yourself? Girls in your own year twelve just not interested in the ‘smash it brother’ add a ‘y’ to everyone’s sir name kind of guy? One sympathises, but I suppose that it’s best for a young man like yourself to face his own limitations sooner rather than later. It will save a good deal of disappointment in the end, and the world needs mediocrity as well you know. How else are we to recognise excellence and authenticity?
Speaking of excellence and authenticity – Congratulations Sam! In competition at Cannes! It’s so well deserved. I saw the blood (!), sweat and tears that went into making this film – a true labour of love. Congratulations to you and all the talented people who made it.
Too good Sammy ! Just too good.
Sam,
Best news we’ve heard in a very long time. This is your moment!
World class, congrats Sam!
Ha ha! That’s choice!! Did you use any Meisner?! Break a leg in Cannes!
You’ve made the film, you valued authenticity, your work has been appreciated and wow, now you’re in Cannes…Congratulations and may the judges shine on your film.
So awesome, Sam!!! Big congratulations!