Johnsonville mum takes step to realise dream

WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION, WGTN

Media Release

Johnsonville mum takes brave new step to realise a long held dream
28th March 2006

Local mother of four and proud new grandmother, Carolyn Dekkers has just been awarded this year’s Robin Laing Women In Film & Television Scholarship.

Each year Women In Film & Television Wellington (WIFT) awards the Scholarship to a woman enrolled at The NZ Film & Television School in Newtown who we feel shows the potential to create a long and successful career and significantly contribute to the industry as a whole - lighting the way for other women to come.

For Ms Dekkers, the dream of attending a film program has been a long held one. “I’ve always been drawn to film and media arts. I wanted to take it as my major when at Waikato University years ago but I thought it would be too much. You know, too taxing because of my family obligations” says Ms Dekkers.

“I took small papers in media instead and was really excited by the process. The more that I tried to force myself into areas that would be more suitable or usable in the workforce, the more I kept being pulled towards film” continues Dekkers. Two months at The Film School already and, “I’m loving it. I’ve been really impressed and surprised at what we’ve been doing and what the course provides” Ms Dekkers said.

The award gives $1000 towards the recipient’s tuition and a free year’s membership to WIFT Wellington upon graduation. WIFT is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting women in the screen production industry through workshops, seminars and networking. We will be officially announcing Ms Dekkers’ award at a fabulous Cocktail Party on April 5th at The Establishment Bar.

The function is not only a chance for us to introduce her to the membership and the industry as a whole (a huge career-enhancing benefit) but also celebrate another Wellington success story… Philippa Boyens, Oscar-winning co-writer of Lord of the Rings, and co-producer and writer of King Kong who has just become WIFT Wellington’s Patron.

ENDS

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