The Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand (SDGNZ) has invited New Zealand director Jason Stutter to bring his feature film ‘Predicament’ to Hollywood for a ‘Directors Finders’ screening. This is a unique partnership between SDGNZ and the Directors Guild of America (DGA).

‘Directors Finders’ was established in 1998 by the DGA’s Independent Directors Committee. The purpose of the series is to spotlight undistributed independent feature films and their directors. Since its inception the series has screened over 100 films and more than half of those screened have been picked up for North American distribution.

Kathy Garmezy (Assistant Executive Director for Government and International Affairs) for the DGA says, “It is the goal of the DGA through this series to offer both additional and expanded professional recognition and commercial contacts to New Zealand directors.”

SDGNZ are working closely with the New Zealand Film Commission who is kindly supporting the initiative. “The idea behind the screening is to assist the director to secure North American distribution and to showcase New Zealand directors,” says SDGNZ President Peter Bell, “We are grateful to wine partner Seresin Estate and Film New Zealand for coming on board as key sponsors.”

In 2006 NZ director Toa Fraser had the same opportunity and happily secured North American distribution for his feature film ‘No. 2’.  

“Given the growing prominence of New Zealand filmmakers, many of whom are strong members of both the DGA and SDGNZ, we welcome the opportunity to work together again,” says Kathy Garmezy.

‘Predicament’ is writer/director Jason Stutter’s third feature film. "Having the DGA and SDGNZ support ‘Predicament’ for this opportunity is unbelievably exciting.  The reason I started making films was because I grew up loving movies and many of them from Hollywood, so having my film screen at the DGA feels pretty amazing," says Jason.

The screening will take place on the 5 November 2010 in the prestigious DGA Theater on Sunset Boulevard. It will be followed by a Q&A session with Jason and a cocktail party.

‘Predicament’ premieres in Hawera on the 20 August and opens in New Zealand on the 26 August. 

About ‘Predicament’

‘Predicament’ is a gothic crime comedy, adapted by director Jason Stutter, from the novel of the same name by Ronald Hugh Morrieson. It is produced by Sue Rogers for Midnight Films in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand on Air, Fulcrum Media Finance and South Taranaki District Council. Predicament stars Jemaine Clement, Heath Franklin, Hayden Frost, Tim Finn and Rose McIver.