From Cork to Auckland. Ayla Amano brings home directorial sensitivity and grace. 

We couldn't be more delighted to welcome Kiwi/Japanese/British director - Ayla Amano to our filmmaker family.

Returning to New Zealand after three years away, Ayla's filmmaking has taken her to both Canada and Ireland. Her work shows a raw beauty, and an innate sense of connection with people.

Born in Kyoto, Ayla's family immigrated to New Zealand when she was three years old. Ayla spent her childhood mostly barefoot, climbing trees and riding horses in west Auckland. A formative kiwi childhood that allowed freedom and space to dream and explore.

One of those dreams was to study film. Ayla attended South Seas Film & television School, graduating with Best Film and Best Screenplay awards. This success quickly led to work in the industry, where Ayla produced and directed commercials and branded content for a wide slate of New Zealand clients.

With her filmmaking craft well practised and a desire to travel, Ayla packed her bags for Vancouver. Here she freelanced on numerous projects, most notably Ayla wrote and co-directed Tomorrow's Harvest, a television documentary for CBC.

After two years in Canada Ayla set her sights on Ireland. Here she met her now filmmaker Partner Brendan Canty. Cork's film community welcomed her with open arms where her most recent short film, 4x4, was produced. It premiered at the Academy Awards Qualifying Cork International Film Festival 2020, receiving the Special Mention for Best Direction. Was shortlisted for Best Direction and Best Irish Short Film at the 2020 Kinsale Sharks. And awarded Best In Cork at the Fastnet Film Awards 2021.

Ayla is currently in preproduction on a music video for Irish artist Daithi to be shot here in Auckland.

We have completely fallen in love with Ayla, and her beautiful work. And we feel sure you will too.

Written & Directed by Ayla Amano.

Producer - Aisling Malone. Cinematography - Evan Barry. Editor (film) - Allyn Quigley. Editor (trailer) - Nathan Coetzee. Sound Design - Tom Morris. Original Music - Ian Ring & Ruari Lynch. Colourist - Mikey Pehanich, Blacksmith.

Cast: Kate Cullen, Guevara Hughes.