By Caitlin Lester
The New New collective grab a moment to relax on the set of their short film Instant Film. From left to right: Sarah Penny, Robin Merlaine, Goose, Esther Schubert, Guy Van Egmond and Stevie Goodwin (in front). Photo: Supplied
A new Wellington queer film collective has a mission - to completely take down the film hierarchy.
The New New film collective was formed in November last year.
It was co-created by Stevie Goodwin who had just completed his master's in film at Massey University.
His thesis was on queer film production processes.
Goodwin said that certain practices in the mainstream film industry did not sit right with him.
"I'm sick of the tyrannical cis white man director who tells everyone what to do," he said.
"Film should be a creative and collaborative experience."
Goodwin said The New New film collective was formed out of the frustration of being emerging film maker and having to fit in a certain kind of box.
The collective's goal was not only to create authentic queer representations onscreen, but also to explore a more "queer" way of working behind the camera.
This meant less hierarchical and "more circular and holistic".
There was an emphasis on lifting each other up as creatives and making sure everyone had a voice, Goodwin said.
He said the collective was more mindful than mainstream filmmakers of all the processes behind the finished product.
In particular, a lot of care was taken to ensure the script was perfect.
"Filmmakers often rush the script writing process and projects end up not having as much authenticity or heart as they could."
A shot from The New New's short film Fingerdance, with actors Zia Ravenscroft and Kermit. Photo: Supplied
The New New film collective was heavily influenced by the New Queer Cinema movement of the 1980s.
Like this movement, The New New embraced low-budget production and put an emphasis on DIY techniques like hand-held camera work.
They have made two short films so far - Fingerdance and Instant Film - both of which are thoughtful explorations of queer romance, Goodwin said.
He wanted viewers of these films to come away feeling like they had seen something new in the "absolute queer heart" of the films.
"You don't get this heart in mainstream queer productions."
Student and drag king Zia Ravenscroft said being part of The New New was the most fulfilling thing they had ever done.
They play a lead role in Fingerdance, contribute to script writing and running the collective's social media.
"What I like most is that we are all equals, we're a true collective in every sense of the word."
Goodwin said that The New New want to make a completely different type of film next, more similar to those of The New Queer Cinema movement.
"Nothing to do with romance or desire, something campy, surreal and fun."
He said The New New were building a portfolio of films which would screen at the collective's yet to be confirmed debut event in November.
They also planned to submit their short films to film festivals.
The collective were still learning which practices work best and "what it all means", he said.