If you’re involved in any part of filmmaking the place to be this weekend (10th, 11th August) is The Big Screen Symposium, which is being held at the University of Auckland Business School.

If you’re involved in any part of filmmaking the place to be this weekend (10th, 11th August) is The Big Screen Symposium, which is being held at the University of Auckland Business School.

Organised by Script to Screen and hosted by the University of Auckland, the aim of the Symposium is to get New Zealand filmmakers together to debate, discuss, inform and inspire through conversations, workshops, panel discussions and case studies.

The programme is varied and filled with an impressive lineup of local and international guests, with subjects covering everything from screenwriting, directing and acting, to composing for cinema and sound design, and making films on a budget. Attendees will even get the chance to brush up on pitching their ideas with one-on-one sessions with script consultants Kathryn Burnett and Nick Ward.

International speakers include Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga (Amores Perros, 21 Grams, Babel, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada), who will present the keynote address and run a screenwriting workshop. On Sunday Australian actor David Wenham will discuss his approach to acting, and on Sunday afternoon he’ll chat with Robyn Malcolm about his work and career.

Also speaking during the Symposium is international award-winning filmmaker Park, Chan-wook. A Korean film director, screenwriter, producer and former film critic, Park Chan-wook is renowned for Oldboy (2004 Cannes Grand Prix winner), Thirst and Lady Vengeance. More recently though, Park, Chan-wook has completed his first English speaking film, Stoker, staring Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska, and Matthew Goode.

Stoker is releasing in New Zealand next week (15th August) and I’ve been fortunately enough to have a sneak peak. It tells the story of India (Wasikowska), an exceptionally sensitive and observant young woman whose father dies on her 18th birthday in a car accident. India is devastated to lose her father (Mulroney), who understood her better than her unstable mother Evie (Kidman), and surprised to discover he had a brother called Charlie (Goode) who comes to stay after the funeral. Suspicious at first, India becomes fascinated with her mysterious Uncle Charlie, especially when she discovers how alike they are.

As you’d expect from Park Chan-wook, Stoker, written by Prison Break actor Wentworth Miller, is a highly stylised, superbly acted and beautifully filmed drama. It’s a slow burner, but Stoker is drenched in the sort of suspense and suffocating sexual tension that would make Hitchcock proud.

For more information on The Big Screen Symposium, take a look at www.bigscreensymposium.com.