Could well-known Christchurch vicar John McLister be the next Peter Jackson or Taika Waititi? John McLister supports residents and sailors as the vicar at Holy Trinity Anglican Church and the chaplain at the seafarers’ centre. Photo: Supplied But the vicar’s film career got off to a good start after he was nominated for two awards last week. McLister was a Christchurch finalist in the Vista Foundation 48 Hours short film competition and a nominee for best tertiary film at the Doc Edge Festival 2024 awards night .
Both awards were presented at separate ceremonies on Thursday night. McLister didn't win either but was happy just to be nominated. “For me, as a first-time person having a crack at it, it’s nice to see two films as finalists.
It’s quite rewarding to get that level of approval,” he said. McLister’s short film for the 48 Hour competition, The Reserve , is about a mother and son who get separated while walking in the woods. Following competition rules, the 5-minute film was produced over two days in May and has horror and psychological themes.
It was produced by McLister, with Jae Hulbert directing and Clint Thambi on cinematography. McLister is deeply involved in the Lyttelton community as the vicar at Holy Trinity Anglican Church and the chaplain at the seafarers’ centre. “Everyone’s been pretty supportive (of my film-making).
I think when people see you’re really enjoying something, they’ll tell you to go for it.” A year ago, McLister decid.