Young Film Maker Finalists Announced

October 26 2007

Young Film Maker Finalists Announced

Record entries and exceptional talent for the Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology) annual short film & video awards meant a tough choice for judges, Head of Wintec's School of Media Arts said when announcing the finalists today.

From documentary to drama, the top ten films shot by secondary schools students throughout New Zealand produced some fantastic work according to judges. 'Cut' judges this year are Gaylene Preston one of New Zealand's leading filmmakers, television, mixed media theatre director and documentary maker Lala Rolls, Paula Allen is Head of Media Studies at Hamilton's Hillcrest High School and Matt Chappell recent Wintec School of Media Arts Moving Image graduate and cinematographer for the winning 48 hour film 'Lease'.

Dozens of talented secondary school groups throughout the country are putting their creative talents to the test in preparation for the annual competition which has produced exceptional work since its inception.

The process of making and showing work that is challenging to produce, provides stimulating viewing and succeeds as a film is well worth while, with prizes worth more than $10,000.

In addition to having their films screened at the Hamilton Rialto Cinemas, the ten finalists will have the chance to win prizes including Lenovo Laptop, Ricoh Digital Cameras, iPod Nanos, Panasonic Digital Video Camera and Apple eMac Computers.

Prizes will be awarded for Best Director, Best Editor, Best Cinematographer, Best Original Score, Best Script and Best Performance. Ms. Moore said "Cut '07" was the event's fourth highly successful year and one which had encouraged, challenged and tested every individual involved to put their creative and technical talents on the line in what is probably the first time in a public arena. "The schools and students involved can feel extremely proud of themselves," she said. The films will be screened at a free showing which is open to the public in on Sunday November 4 and 11.00am Rialto Cinema, Centre Place, Hamilton. Admission is free with complimentary popcorn during the screenings and drinks and nibbles afterwards.

The finalists of "Cut '07" are:

School

Supervising Teacher

Student(s)

Hillcrest High, Hamilton

'Killing With Kindness'

Paula Allen

Directors Keely Park Anna Haines

Karamu High, Hastings

'Revenge'

Tom Hunter

Director Chloe McLean

Pakuranga College, Auckland

'Does it Matter?'

G Lawrence

Director Eileen Gallagher

Gisborne Boys' High School

'The Teredo Worm'

Mrs Callaghan

Director Desmond Tutauha

Gisborne Boys' High School 'Tumatauenga: Te Hokinga mai'

'

Mrs Callaghan

Producer Harley Roberts

Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School

'Elliot'

Richard Bullock

Director Isaac Strati

Producer Jerome Reil

Feilding High School

'sMashed Potatoes'

Sandra Freeman

Director David Osten-Gifford

Nelson College for Girls

'In Good Company: An Interview with Maurice Gee'

Anna Hickman

Director Yanapun Brewster

Middleton Grange School, Christchurch

'Bounce It, Bounce It, Bounce It'

Michael McCormack

Director Ben Childs

Nelson College

'When the Teacher Leaves the Classroom'

Mrs Leigh Riley

Directors Ollie Neas Jack Tippler

ENDS