Forward Thinking: V48 Hours - the final 13

A scene from <i>48 Hours</i>, by Shonky Productions. Photo / Supplied

And so to the most important film event of the week and - to the very many involved - the year.

No, it's not Transformers III and it doesn't involve deciding whether it's worth paying extra for the 3D goggles.

It is the national finals of the V48Hours film contest which comes to the Civic on Saturday after city finals have whittled down the 800 or so team entries to a final 13.

The winner is up for some serious prizes. Plus, there are awards in a long list of categories from acting through to the best use of this year's mandatory prop (a piece of wire), line ("what have you got?") and character (Bobby Young, an ex-bully).

The teams also drew a genre out of the hat at the start of that weekend of madness in May.

Categories included fad movie (yes, lots of planking, none made the final cut), one-room, crime, road, revenge, mystery, musical/dance and horror.

Now only a baker's dozen of films remain - 10 finalists chosen by a judging panel headed by contest organiser Ant Timpson with three wildcards added by Sir Peter Jackson. And it's not all amateur handycam wielders in the final 13.

Among many of the Auckland finalists, you can't move for former or current Shortland Street stars, some playing themselves. As one of the characters in Shonky Productions' very knowing entry entitled 48 Hours tells leading man Ben Boyce: "We've got cameos coming out our arse."

I've been a judge in past years but dodged the draft this year. But I still keenly sat down and watched the final mostly daft, often brilliant, 13. Here's how they stack up ... (photos here).

The Child Jumpers by Grand Cheval: This mockumentary about the fad of "chumping" - jumping over children - won the Auckland finals. It's hilarious. It should win the big prize too.

Headshot by idiotVision: Auckland team and past regular finalists prove you can make a five-minute romantic comedy based on fart jokes. Quite lovely.

Sketch by Couch Kumaras: A road movie from this Wellington outfit doesn't use a whole lot of road but it delivers an imaginative line in a story about an artist and a guy who doesn't want to be drawn into the picture.

Circus Animals by Mo Appreciation Collective: The "best use of prop" prize should go to this Auckland team for their electrifying application of it in this two-handed duel. Bears a curious resemblance to an early Brooke Fraser video though.

Tea Jerker by Cinema in Decline: You'll never hear anyone stir their tea quite the same again after this delightfully crude comedy, sorry, crime movie about one guy's onanism. Set in Levin, which, of course, is always a bonus.

Copy That by Lense Flare: Regular past finalists headed by former Shortland Street serial killer Johnny Barker offer a tense little heist-kidnap, sorry, road movie set in the back of a courier van.

RoboRevenge by Clinky: In which Shavaughn Ruakere repeatedly stabs a giant robot - no, it's not her Transformers audition tape but a quirky revenge flick complete with DVD extras.

Well Strung by Rubber Soul Productions: New Plymouth musical/dance effort about a gal who swings between two blokes in the course of one day. Nice voices, dubious dancing though.

Urban Etikit by $195 Worth: Four friends run around central Auckland flying kites while avoiding the anti-kiting authorities. Strangely involving.

Naughty Man by Suspect TV: From Christhurch, a creepy wee horror starring a toddler who thinks there is something amiss in the loo. Possibly influenced by the city's recent troubles with its plumbing. Hilarious opening titles.

Meanie Pants by Mukpuddy: The pro Auckland animation team are regular finalists and they made the cut care of Jackson's wildcard selection. What this fairytale quest movie lacks in story sense it sure makes up for in silly voices.

Grindin' by Outwits: A Flashdance pastiche set mostly in a Christchurch chimney shop was another wildcard. Wins prize for best use of leotard.

48 Hours by Shonky Productions: And to finish, the aforementioned film about making a 48-hour film in which Ben Boyce doesn't even get out of bed. Sheesh. Telly stars huh?

-TimeOut

*We're giving away double passes to the V48 Hours Grand National Final, this Saturday at the Civic. To enter click here.