Outstanding Peace Awards Films To Screen

December 9, 2004

Outstanding Media Peace Award films showcase on Triangle over Christmas

Inspiring films that tackle subjects as diverse as autism and organ donation are among the Media Peace Awards finalists and winners soon to be screened on Triangle Television.

Triangle Television will screen seven of the eight programmes judged finalists and winners in this year's Media Peace Awards. They are scheduled to screen from December 23 to 29.

The winner and finalists in the Film and Television Professionals Section covered life in street gangs, the Palestine/Israeli conflict through the lens of international law, the story of a New Zealander who provided artificial limbs to people in India, racial stereotyping and mental health. The winner and finalists in the Rangatahi (Student) Film and Television Section chose autism, organ donation and problem youth as their focus.

The Media Peace Awards, organised annually by The Peace Foundation, are in their 21st year and are categorised into television/film, radio, print, internet and public relations. There are special television and film, radio and print categories for students - the Rangatahi section.

This year the awards attracted 89 entries, and judges indicated that the overall standard had improved with complex subjects being handled well. Stories covered in the Rangatahi Section were illuminating, thought-provoking and often not covered by mainstream media. Triangle Television Chief Executive Officer Jim Blackman says the finalists in these Awards generally deal with controversial issues that pose challenging situations and questions to Triangle's diverse range of viewers.

"These are films that make a very special contribution to people's understanding and perception of a wide range of problems and circumstances. We reach a wide cross section of Aucklanders and it is an honour to be able to give them the opportunity to see programmes like these which often do not screen on mainstream television. They are just the sort of films we love to screen on Triangle."

The following list indicates when each of the seven films will screen on Triangle and gives a brief description.

Finalist: Professional: Film & Television
Thursday, December 23, 9.30pm: Culture Crash - by Mark Scott
A look at the prejudice in New Zealand toward Asian immigrants by getting the perspective of Asian drivers.

Winner: Rangatahi (student) Film & Television
Friday, December 24, 9.30pm: Alexander - by Janna Sicely
The powerful story about a family coping with their autistic child, Alexander. The film draws viewers into his isolated world.

Joint Highly Commended: Rangatahi (student) Film & Television
Saturday, December 25, 9.30pm: Choices and Consequences - by Melissa Crowley
Looks at the 'Turn Your Life Around Programme' for problem youth and the committed teachers and role models who make a difference in young people's lives.

Joint Highly Commended: Rangatahi (student) Film & Television
Sunday, December 26, 9.30pm: The Ultimate Gift - by Sara Martin
Tackles the subject of organ donation by talking to both recipients and donors.

Joint Highly Commended: Professional: Film & Television
Monday, December 27, 9.00pm: Out on a Limb - by Bryan Williams
The story about New Zealander Nikki Butler who arranged for artificial limbs to be provided to the victims of an earthquake in Bhuj, a town in India.

Winner: Professional: Film & Television
Monday, December 27, 9.45pm: Gang Kids - by Charlotte Reeves and Jane Purdy
Four young people who have grown up among street gangs talk about how this has shaped their lives and the choices they make daily.

Joint Highly Commended: Professional: Film & Television
Wednesday, December 29, 8.30pm: Reframe - by Jo Luping, Mark Derby,
Herman Luping and Georgia Stephenson

A look at the Palestinian/Israeli conflict through the lens of international law. The film follows human rights lawyer Dianne Luping as she works in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

Awards organiser and Peace Foundation director Marion Hancock says the Awards recognise and reward journalists for examining difficult and controversial issues in an enlightening way.

"It's vital that people working in the media recognise the crucial role the media plays in shaping the public's understanding of issues and events. It's been so pleasing to see the mana and prestige of the Media Peace Awards grow steadily each year."

She says that both this year and last year a third of the entries were from students.

"It's very encouraging to see the value that is placed on theses Awards now by media professionals and students. It's important to recognise and encourage the excellent work being done by many people working in the media."

Screening times in date order:
Thursday, December 23, 9.30pm: Culture Crash
Friday, December 24, 9.30pm: Alexander
Saturday, December 25, 9.30pm: Choices & Consequences
Sunday, December 26, 9.30pm: The Ultimate Gift
Monday, December 27, 9.00pm: Out on a Limb
Mon, December 27, 9.45pm: Gang Kids
Wednesday, December 29, 8.30pm: Reframe

Triangle Television is Auckland's only regional, non-commercial television station and has operated as a public broadcaster to Greater Auckland since August 1, 1998. The channel screens a mix of regional-access television with international news and information programmes. It is non-profit making and operates with no funding from NZ on Air. Triangle broadcasts 24 hours daily from UHF channel 41 and, in Remuera and surrounding suburbs, from UHF channel 52. ENDS

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