NZ 'vampire western' film invited to France

A short film, described as New Zealand's "first vampire Western", has been selected to screen at a French short film festival early next year.

Tumanako Springs, to be shown at Festival du Court Metrage de Clermont-Ferrand, was selected by festival organisers to screen as part of four film programmes about "Zombies, Vampires & Other Undead" between January 29 and February 6.

It was partly funded by the Screen Innovation Production Fund and stars Scott Wills, winner of best lead actor in a feature film at the 2009 Qantas Film and TV Awards for his role in 2008 family drama Apron Strings..

He is currently appearing on television as Saul, the troubled head of security in the offbeat thriller The Cult.

Tumako Springs makers Francis Glenday and Dave Slade describe their film as "New Zealand's first vampire Western".

They plan to attend the festival to "fly the flag and get people interested in some of our bigger projects'.