Wellington film-maker in last 11 for Oscar race

Wellington film-maker Taika Waititi could be the next New Zealander to strut down the red carpet at the Oscars next year.

His short film Two Cars, One Night is one of 11 from around the world to make the semi-final round for the Academy Awards short film live action category.

From the 11 short films, between three and five will be nominated for an Oscar. The nominees are announced on January 25.

The 11-minute film, which tells the story of two children who meet in the carpark of a rural pub, has won 10 awards at international film festivals, making it one of the most awarded short films in New Zealand history.

Waititi -- best known under his acting name Taika Cohen in Scarfies and role in comedy duo Humourbeasts -- said he was rapt.

"I'm very chuffed that it's got this far on the short list. If it goes any further, then we'll deal with it accordingly," he joked.

Waititi's second short film Tama Tu, about the Maori Battalion in World War 2, has been selected to screen at the Sundance Film Festival in the United States later this month.

He has also been invited to take part in the festival's screenwriters lab.

- NZPA