Call for women film-makers

Blenheim’s film society is on a mission to find more diversity, with men outnumbering women in the group.

Top of the South Film Production Society president Aaron Falvey says the group is seeking more members who are interested in film-making, from cinematographers to actors.

The gender ratio of the group makes it a bit unbalanced, so women are particularly encouraged to join, Aaron says.

Renwick-based director and script-writer Claudia Dallarosa says the group is ‘‘a lot of fun’’ for anyone interested in film. ‘‘It would be so nice to see more girls around,’’ she says.

Although she has been writing for as long as she can remember, Claudia only started making films last year when she joined the society.

Her short film Dead End Road, which aims to reduce the stigma around suicide, appeared in the Top of the South Film Production Society’s annual film festival.

The film attracted the attention of the New Zealand Film Commission, who encouraged her to apply for funding to create another project.

The film society gives film- makers ‘‘the chance of a stepping stone’’ and the chance to explore different aspects of film, Claudia says,

People do not necessarily have to have technical skills to join, as the society also needs actors and writers.

The group is very collaborative and supportive, she says.

‘‘We do whatever we can to contribute to a project.’’

Aaron says anyone interested in joining the Top of the South Film Society can come along to the Blenheim group’s next meeting on January 16, at Fairweather’s on Scott St, at 7.30pm.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED Director and writer Claudia Dallarosa, centre, at the premiere of her short film Dead End Road. She is pictured with Jose Walters Rangitihi, left, and Daniel Wye, right.