GERMANY, Wednesday: Finch Auckland director Zia Mandviwalla presented her episode of Netflix hit The Chef’s Table at the Berlin Festival last week alongside London-based showcased chef Asma Khan. The episode ran in the festival’s Culinary Cinema section to an international audience.
Mandviwalla is the first New Zealander to direct an episode of the Netflix original and is one of two female directors for the series. Mandviwalla’s episode was filmed in London, India and Los Angeles and will be available on Netflix NZ from tomorrow (Friday 22 February).
“The episode was so well received at Berlin,” Mandviwalla said. “I am honoured to be the first New Zealand director on the show. It was a privilege to tell Asma’s inspiring story – I hope it resonates everywhere.”
“Mandviwalla made her name as a commercial and short-film director. She has worked with Google, Vodafone, NZTA and Sky TV.”
The Chef’s Table was created by David Gelb and first released in 2015, Chef’s Table in an Emmy nominated show.
Finch Sydney’s Michael Hilliard produced the Asma Khan episode, with Finch NZ producer Jimena Murray as line producer.
Mandviwalla made her career as a commercial and short-film director. She has worked with Google, Vodafone, NZTA and Sky TV. She has also directed three short films, including Night Shift, which screened at the Festival de Cannes, Sundance and Melbourne.
The film won Best Short Film, Best Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Cinematography at the Show Me Shorts Film Festival NZ.
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