Winning Films
Wellington UNESCO City of Film Best Overall Film
Tuned Out by Flynn Biara Allan
Two girls are trapped in the midst of a warzone, deprived of the basic essentials. They wait desperately hoping for some sort of escape, a break in the attack, but one never comes. Instead the harrowing sound of a missile approaches, they brace for it, only for the time around them to slow at the last minute, to pause just before impact. Moments later into the house rush an unsympathetic media crew who attempt to sap the very last of their story away from them, capturing it for their own gain and entertainment. The crew, out of time and empty handed, vacate. The two girls left to face the bombardment once again, completely alone.
South Pacific Pictures
Best 15 - 18 Age Group Film
SPACE COWBOY by Emily McVicar
Rivals Space Cowboy and Evil Cowboy race to be the first to steal the elusive Cosmic Cowboy Boots from the high-security Sheriff Headquarters. The Head Sheriff and her team of cowboy security guards, however, are out to get them. Make sure you’re wearing socks because this action/comedy will knock them off!
One New Zealand
Best 19 - 21 Age Group Film
O’live me alone by Beth Davies
O'live me alone is a heart warming comedy on overcoming the anxities of life. Esmond sits under his umbrella as he lets his anxiety dictate the way he experiences every moment. Until one day a curious pedestrian stopsto sit next to him, and he is forced to see a world outside of the safety net he clings to.
Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand Best 22 - 24 Age Group Film
Love is Dead by Dylan Poihipi
An evening drive through The Tunnel forces Yellow to face her relationship with Pink. She’s confronted by Orange, Blue and The Light which help her come to terms with what she already knew.
South Pacific Pictures Best Acting
For Thom by Rafa Yam
Thom is an isolated teenage girl suffering from suicidal thoughts and depression caused by her deteriorating friendship with her best friend Milly. Thom’s only support comes in the form of her caring brother Joe. Through Thom’s journey of trying to heal her mental state does she come face to face with what it means to be a friend and how what appears on the surface is hardly ever the full story.
Canon Best Cinematography
The Colorway Killer by Alex Metaxas
After a wild night four flat mates wake up to chaos and confusion, only to realize one of their own is missing. In a race against fading memories and unexpected twists, they must piece together the events of the night before, unearthing buried secrets and testing the bonds of friendship, all in a desperate quest to find their lost roommate.
Massey University National Academy of Screen Arts Best Directing
In Her Steps by Kit Coira
In Her Steps conveys a relationship where both parties grow with each other, but one that isn't overly saturated on-screen. Our story strives to be authentic, personal, and able to connect with everyone. This isn't just about mothers and daughters, it's everyone who has a meaningful relationship in their life that encourages growth. We want to highlight the simple things that are often overlooked.
What the Actual?! Best Documentary
Big Kids by Tom Field
After years of working in difficult and challenging environments Daniel found himself broken. ‘Big Kids’ is the story of how he rebuilt his life, brick by brick.
Universal Music New Zealand Best Music Video
Deliverance by Melissa Marriott (lissalee)
Deliverance is a mixed media animated music video by lissalee, made for Kimberley Fenton’s original song by the same name. The video follows the story of two angels, and explores the cyclical concept of “hurt people hurt people”. Every frame of this film was printed and animated with a variety of techniques including burning, cutting, indentation, ink and pastels to add effects, transition scenes and combine different shots into the same frame. It uses mark making to emphasise emotion and story. After this process, the frames were scanned and reassembled into image sequences and exported as video.
Wētā FX Best Visual Effects
Men Who Went South by Josh Robertson
Amongst the vast wilderness 19th New Zealand, two men are left stranded to hunt and pelt fur seals. Isolation, violence and their contrasting backgrounds set them on a path of no return in this historical thriller.
“The future of our film industry relies on the support of our younger filmmakers coming through and developing new talent. And that’s what [New Zealand Youth Film Festival] is all about, and that’s why I love it!”