Outrageous Fortune actor Tammy Davis is one step closer to working in Hollywood after his short film was picked as a semi-finalist for the first international Your Film Festival.

The competition is described as a global hunt to find the world's best storytellers, and Davis' film Ebony Society has beaten more than 15,000 entries from 160 countries to make the competition's Top 50 shortlist.

Filmmakers were asked to submit a 15-minute, story-driven video of any format and genre.

After a public vote, the top ten finalists will then screen at the Venice Film Festival and the winner will get to work with the competition's organiser, director Ridley Scott and Prometheus star Michael Fassbender, and a US$500,000 production grant.

Davis, who played Munter in the hit TV3 series, says it would be a dream to win the competition.

"It would be amazing to win and incredible to work with Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender."

Two films from Auckland's Media Design School, Das Tub and Dr Grordborts Presents: The Deadliest Game, have also made the Top 50.  

Both films were created by advanced 3D students during the final stages of their course, and the school's senior lecturer James Cunningham says the achievement is a testament to the students involved.

"I am very proud of the work the students were able to pull off in such a short time span. Now we need to get the country behind us and get us into Venice!"

The New Zealand Film Commission chief executive Graeme Mason says having three films do so well is a great achievement for local filmmaking.

"It's fantastic to have three New Zealand films selected as semi-finalists in this prestigious and innovative competition."

Voting is open until July 16 at www.youtube.com/yourfilmfestival

- © Fairfax NZ News

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