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Flat Rat

Based on a true story, Flat Rat is a 11min dark comedy about three flatmates who have their bond tested when they’re pressured into killing a rat.

  • Oscar Smit
    Director
  • Oscar Smit
    Writer
  • Oscar Smit
    Producer
  • Olivia Johnston
    Producer
  • Jackson Burling
    Key Cast
    "George"
  • Tom Smith
    Key Cast
    "Henry"
  • Jimmy Williamson
    Key Cast
    "Joe"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 27 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 13, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 NZD
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Massey University Wellington
Director Biography - Oscar Smit

I’m Oscar and I’m a writer, director, and editor working and living in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, New Zealand. Coming from a toilet-stop-small-town, I like to make fun and honest movies that give you a chuckle.

Some of my work includes: short doco Life is the Pits which won third place at the 2018 Uni Shorts film festival. Race Against the Horny, a regional finalist at the 48 Hours Film Festival 2021. Sound editor credit on doco series Our Aotearoa, the Doc Edge 2021 Best NZ Short Winner. And, my graduate film Flat Rat which is currently being submitted to film festivals.

Having completed my Bachelor of Screen Arts at Massey University, I’m looking for freelance work and to collaborate on entertaining and meaningful content with peers across the industry.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This is a story about friendship, social responsibility, and growing up. It’s also a story that actually happened. The film is based on a ridiculous chain of events that me and my flatmates dragged ourselves through one dark and stormy night. It was embarrassing, horrific, and darkly funny.

When I’ve told people about it they’ve cringed, laughed, and sometimes confessed their own grisly tale of rodent euthanasia. It’s told me there’s an awkward truth to the story that people find relatable and liberating. Sometimes they’re older, but usually they’ve been students. That’s who this movie is for - students living in shitty old flats. They've shivered in a sub-zero living room, bickered with flatmates, coexisted with mouldy stench, and dealt with a poor rodent or two. They’re entering the exciting and daunting beginnings of adult life and all the fun and mess that encompasses.

This film, with its exaggerated characters and outrageous situation, highlights the absurdity of social pressure and the lengths it can drive you to. Through the laughs, we want to make you squirm, provide a sense of perspective, and remind everybody to find joy amidst the rat’s nest.