Robert Sarkies’ latest feature film, Two Little Boys, has been selected in competition at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, which will run for its 62nd year through February 9th – 19th this year.

The film will screen in the Generation section of the Festival and will be judged by two juries: a young person’s jury which awards the prestigious Crystal Bear to the best feature film in the programme, and an international expert jury which awards a cash prize to the best feature film in the programme. Other NZ films which have recently screened in this programme include local box office hit Boy as well as This Way of Life and The Strength of Water.

New Zealand Film Commission CEO, Graeme Mason, said “It’s wonderful to start the New Year with further international A-list festival endorsement of our filmmaking talent. The Generation selection compliments the film’s youthful energy and recognises the fresh perspective Rob offers with this film. I congratulate Rob, Vicky, Tim and all the cast and crew on the film’s selection.”

Two Little Boys is Sarkies’ third feature (Out of the Blue, Scarfies), and is based on the novel of the same name by brother Duncan Sarkies. The film was produced by Vicky Pope (Trouble is My Business, Choice Night, The Graffiti of Mr Tupaia) and Tim White (Out of the Blue, No. 2, The Boys are Back, Sleeping Beauty).

The film is an irreverent comedy about Nige (Bret McKenzie - Flight of the Conchords) and his recently estranged best mate Deano (Hamish Blake - Hamish and Andy). The film follows Nige and Deano’s riotous misadventures as they struggle with their imploding long-term friendship which has been put under pressure by an unfortunate incident involving a hot meat pie, a ginger cat and the untimely death of a Scandinavian soccer star.

Two Little Boys was made with the support of the New Zealand Film Production Fund Trust (The Film Fund), New Zealand On Air, Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill City Council, Community Trust of Southland, Invercargill Licensing Trust, Film Otago Southland, Fulcrum Media Finance and the NZ Film Commission. NZ Film, the sales arm of the NZFC, is handling world sales of the film.

The film is scheduled for a New Zealand release on March 15th and is being distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Hopscotch Films.