Poppy movie selected for prestigious film festival – New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA)

Writer/director Linda Niccol is delighted to have her feature film Poppy selected for the 28^th edition of Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in January and regrets that COVID travel restrictions will prevent her from donning her snow-boots and attending in person.

Linda joins a range of illustrious Slamdance alumni who had early films selected by the festival including Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), Rian Johnson (Knives Out), Ari Aster (Midsommer), Lena Dunham (Girls), Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) and Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk).

Slamdance self describes as anti-algorithm. It’s a festival “by filmmakers for filmmakers” known for challenging the status quo, for discovering overlooked talent and unique voices.

Poppy was selected from the over 1500 feature films submitted this year. It will feature in the small Unstoppable selection.

Slamdance President and co-founder Peter Baxter identifies a focus this year on “storytellers who are changing the media narrative and elevating the art of independent film “. The Slamdance Unstoppable section is programmed by alumni with visible and non-visible disabilities – an initiative “aiming to eliminate prejudices and gate-keeping that have historically kept disabilities from being represented in the entertainment industry”.

Poppy is played by Libby Hunsdale. Her portrayal of a young woman with Down syndrome who takes control of her life in order to follow her dreams, has been singled out for praise – as has her onscreen chemistry with fellow performers Ari Boyland, Seb Hunter and Kali Kopae.

Poppy was filmed in Kāpiti in 2020 (before and after lockdown) and released in New Zealand cinemas this year where it enjoyed a 14-week release and a 4-week slot in the top 10 at the box office.

It is produced by Robin Laing and Alex Cole-Baker and funded by the New Zealand Film Commission’s 125 Fund (celebrating 125 years of women’s suffrage in NZ), by TVNZ, NZonAir, IHC Foundation and private philanthropic funders.

Poppy has previously screened at three international film festivals – CinefestOz, Cinemagic Belfast, and LAFemme where it was a finalist for Best Feature.