Finalists announced for 2009 National Cut! Film Competition

Finalists have been announced for the annual national secondary schools Cut! Film awards run by Wintec’s School of Media Arts.

The ten finalist’s films will screen on Sunday October 18th at which time the winners will also be announced.

Cut! is a nationwide competition challenging students to produce a 4 – 6 minute production. Sixty-six entries were 66 entries were received this year which is the sixth year of the event.

This year’s finalists are :

Without Pay – Brad Griffiths, homeschooled, Hamilton

Whanau – Gisborne Boys High (‘Gissy Boys’), Gisborne

Where Others Sleep – Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School, Christchurch

53 – Middleton Grange School, Christchurch

The Cleaner – Nelson College, Nelson

Die Nacht – Auckland Grammar School, Auckland

Exhuman – Upper Hutt College, Upper Hutt

Dreamland – Hamilton Girls’ High School, Hamilton

Nepal – St Kentigern College, Auckland

Spore – Papatoetoe High School, Papatoetoe

Due to the difficulty in narrowing down the entries this year, the judges will be also be presenting certificates to five films which were considered meritorious but which did not make the final ten. These include:

Be Nice – Nelson College for Girls, Nelson

Happy Head – Whakatane High School, Whakatane

Defying Gravity – Hillcrest High, Hamilton

Got a Light – Gisborne Boys’ High, Gisborne

Thelema – Fairfield College, Hamilton

Media Arts Head of School Margi Moore said that it was very encouraging see such a strong collection.

“It’s another highly successful year of innovative, quality filmmaking from the country’s top young filmmakers. As the top ten demonstrates, the competition provides a great opportunity for individuals to showcase their talents, but is also ideal for students wanting to work in teams to collaborate and combine their skills,” she said.

Ms Moore also complimented the efforts of the students’ teachers and families who have supported the productions.

“With some films involving extensive production design, animation and large casts, the filmmakers have had to be imaginative, drawing on the resources and people around them.”

The Cut! Awards Screenings will begin at 11:00 a.m in the Gallagher Hub on Wintec’s City campus in Hamilton. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

Judging the films this year are Dr Richard Swainson from Auteur House, Central TV producer and Bachelor of Media Arts graduate Tamar Dorfliger, and Renee Casserly from Arts Waikato.

Cut! is organised by Wintec and the School of Media Arts, with the support of Lapshop, A2Z Technologies, Ricoh, Focal Press, Elsevier, Auteur House and Hamilton City Council.