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DavidRittey

  • Director
  • Writer
David-Rittey-Key-Profile.jpg

Christchurch-raised David Rittey discovered film while studying at Canterbury University's Ilam Arts School. Later he won a place at the Victorian College of Arts in Melbourne. His graduation short Out of Darkness (2000) played in many international festivals, while 2004's Closer — the story of a deaf teenager dealing with his sister’s death — won a NZ Screen Award for Best Short Film. It was also nominated for best short at the Cannes Film Festival. Follow-up We the Living starred Emily Barclay (In My Father's Den). Based in Australia since 2008, Rittey has directed many commercials on both sides of the Tasman.

Screenography

Light the Way - Energy Australia
2018 Director Commercial
Quit: Win - Cancer Council Australia
2017 Director Commercial
Questions - HBF Health Insurance
2016 Director Commercial
Cycle of Life - Medibank
2011 Director Commercial
Art Conservator - AMP
2009 Director Commercial

Awards

2005 NZ Screen Awards
Best Short Film: Closer

2004 Vancouver Film Festival (Canada)
Best Short Film: Closer

“I think it's actually important to engage the viewer's mind. I think a lot of typical Hollywood films don't require a lot of thought from the viewer, whereas I'm interested in films where the viewer has to participate and use their mind and piece things together.”

David Rittey