Auckland, New Zealand - And that’s a wrap! A massive congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the inaugural New Zealand Youth Film Festival (NZYFF). We are so proud of your talent and to have been able to welcome you to our inaugural Gala Screening event.

The event took place on the evening of December 9th in the stunning Sir Paul Reeves Building at Auckland University of Technology, our sponsor and host venue for the year. Short snippets of each nominated film were screened and the full length of winning films were screened for attendees to enjoy. Nearly 200 attendees including Marvel Studios Director of Technology Katie Hinsen, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao General Manager Sector Services Sahinde Pala, Wētā FX Head of Public Relatons Brian Finn, U.S. Embassy Consul General Sarah Nelson, TVNZ Marketing Director Jonathan Symons, Student Volunteer Army Chief Executive Officer Sam Johnson, and TEDxAuckland Producer Elliott Blade were in attendance. The event was also attended by 33 nominated films and their teams.

This year’s winning films include:

• Smoke and Mirrors - Best Overall Film

• Cubephoria - Adobe Best Editing

• Finding the Lighthouse - Canon Best Cinematography

• Zay - Mission Commence - Wētā FX Best Visual Effects

• Him - Best International Student Film

• Because I’m a Teine - Best Acting & Best Auckland Film

• Testament - Best Directing

• Plight of the Gulls - Best Documentary

• This is My Year - Best Music Video

• Turmoil - Best 15-18 Age Group Film & Best Central Film

• Symphony of Possession - Best 19-21 Age Group Film

• Wild Mushroom Fusion - Best 22-24 Age Group Film & Best Wellington Film

• Dungeons & Narcissism - Best Eastern

• The Adventures of Banana Man! - Best Southern Film

• No Fooling Us - Best Tasman Film

You can view the full Gallery of photos taken at the event by clicking here.

Watch the recording of the full event here.