Homeward Bound

AUCKLAND, Tuesday: Film Construction has signed Kiwi/Japanese/British writer & director Ayla Amano to its roster. Amano is now returning to NZ after three years in Canada and Ireland.

Film Construction executive producer Belinda Bradley said: “Ayla’s work shows grace, style, and an innate sense of connection with people.

“When a filmmaker of this calibre comes our way, we get very excited about the possibilities. We took one look at Ayla’s work and immediately fell in love.”

From 2018 Ayla spent two years in Vancouver, where she wrote and codirected Tomorrow’s Harvest, a television documentary for CBC.

“Ayla spent her childhood mostly barefoot, climbing trees and riding horses in West Auckland.”

Her most recent short film, 4×4, was filmed in Ireland. It premiered at the Cork International Film Festival in November 2020, receiving the Special Mention for Best Direction. It went on to win Best In Cork at the Fastnet Film Awards 2021, and made the Best Direction and Best Irish Short Film shortlists at the 2020 Kinsale Sharks.

Born in Kyoto, her family migrated to New Zealand when she was three years old.

Badley: “Ayla spent her childhood mostly barefoot, climbing trees and riding horses in west Auckland.

“Before leaving New Zealand, she graduated with Best Film and Best Screenplay awards from South Seas Film & Television School.

“Ayla’s travels and experience has her primed to be one to work with. And we can’t wait to get going.”

• www.filmconstruction.com