Blue takes best short in Cannes

New Zealand short film Blue, made by Aucklander Stephen Kang, has won the Canal Plus’ Grand Prix and Du Meilleur Court Metrage Best Short Film award at the Cannes Film Festival’s 5th Critics’ Week. Financed by the NZ Film Commission and Creative NZ Blue, about an out of work children’s icon working in an Asian restaurant, was one of 1 films chosen to be screened at Cannes from 125 entries from around the world. NZ Film Commission short films spokeswoman Lisa Chatfield said the award was aimed at identifying emerging talent. “It gives [Kang] great international profile,” Chatfield said. “To have your film screened in front of that sort of jury is fairly extraordinary and to be an alumni of Cannes, whether it’s on the main competition of Critic’s Week is always a positive for your career.” Kang has already shot two feature films with the low-budget Desert currently screening in Auckland. Kang was born in Seoul, Korea. He moved to New Zealand in the early 199s.