25 Sep 2022

Mark Albiston's short film Datsun goes on the road

From Standing Room Only, 12:33 pm on 25 September 2022

When the old Datsun 120Y that belonged to his late father is about to be sold, a teenage boy takes his younger brother and cousin out for a final road trip.

This is the start of Datsun, the latest short film by Kiwi Mark Albiston.

Things quickly spiral out of control  - drugs, explosions, and a high speed chase.

Datsun has already picked up awards at overseas festivals, and won People's Choice at last year's Covid-affected New Zealand International Film Festival.  Now it's about to be shown as part of the Show Me Shorts Festival.

Mark's previous shorts - Run in 2007 followed by The Six Dollar Fifty Man -  each received a Special Distinction award at Cannes.  His first feature - the well-received Shopping - came out in 2013.

He talks to Lynn Freeman about directing and co-writing the script for Datsun.

Datsun will show in "The Sampler" section of the 17th Show Me Shorts Festival.  It will show at 36 cinemas and community venues nationwide from the 7th of October.