NZ film earmarked for Sundance

New Zealand movie No. 2 has been selected to compete in America's top independent film event, the Sundance festival.

Toa Fraser's big screen adaptation of his play has been chosen alongside about 20 other non-US films for the festival's world cinema prize in January.

The festival has been the launching pad for international art-house hits such as Shine and The Motorcycle Diaries.

In 2003 Whale Rider won Sundance's popular vote audience prize, which helped its momentum in the United States.