Sarah Cowhey, a production assistant at multi-award winning television production company NHNZ and Louise Davidson, an assistant director at Wellington's Red Sky TV, made the film in 2007 while students at Otago University's Natural History Filmmaking course.
Their 24 minute documentary A Moment of Clarity... has been nominated as the Jury's Special Selection for screening at the international wildlife and environmental film festival which will be held in Bristol from October 19-24.
The film depicting the dying moments of a rat's life was one of a record number of entries received for the festival's prestigious Panda Awards. Organisers say entries have increased dramatically this year with a wide range of films submitted from 44 countries.
Ms Cowhey said the nomination was "amazing" for the filmmakers and their supporters including fellow NHNZ filmmaker Alison Ballance who was the film's executive producer.
"It's great to be able to put the spotlight on New Zealand's environmental issues with international audiences. Having moved to New Zealand from Ireland, I didn't fully realise the devastating impacts that introduced species had on native birds until I walked into an almost silent forest on the first day of the shoot.
"A Moment of Clarity... was a huge learning curve for us but an experience that prepared us well for the world of television production and, one that we will never forget," she said.
The nomination means the film is also eligible for the highly sought after Judge's Choice Award.
Ms Davidson said it was a bonus to have a "New Zealand specific" film make the final selection.
"Taking the risk of going slightly off the beaten track for a natural history film paid off for us in the end. I am still in disbelief about the nomination and have my fingers crossed that we will be able to head over and meet other filmmakers."
The pair are now attempting to raise the funds needed to attend the festival.
Background on Wildscreen Festival:
The Wildscreen Festival was founded by Sir Peter Scott in 1982 and has been organised every other year for the past 25 years. It attracts hundreds of delegates from around the globe who work in film, television and the press, as well as those actively involved in working to conserve the environment.
The main components of the Festival are the Panda Awards and a trade show. The Festival is organised by UK-based charity Wildscreen, which runs a number of initiatives that use the power of film and photography to inspire conservation.