2024 Award Winners announced
The winners of New Zealand’s most prestigious short film awards were announced at a prize ceremony on Sunday 13 October. The Show Me Shorts awards were presented to nine filmmakers and craftspeople.
Vea Mafile'o, Eldon Booth and Alex Lovell took home the coveted Department of Post Best NZ Film Award for Lea Tupu'anga (Mother Tongue) – a dramatic short about a young speech therapist disconnected from her Tongan heritage. The jury chose this film: ”For its emotional impact, artistic excellence, and cultural significance. The director has guided a talented cast and crew who delivered an authentic and emotionally rich story with themes that resonate widely.
The Best International Film Award went to Mahdiye Ghotbedinmohamadi and Mohadeseh Pirhadi for The Brother. The jury called this moving and uplifting Iranian fable about human connection within a revolution: ”Shockingly good; Transcendent in its theme of empathy; A perfect short story. Beautiful performance from the lead, and an effective naturalistic style.
Both of the Best NZ Film and Best International Film awards are both Oscar-qualifying categories, meaning that the two films are now eligible to enter the Academy Awards.
In awarding DEGANZ Best Director to Ian Sweeney for his science-fiction short Figment, the jury said: “The film's impact on the audience is profound, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the credits roll.”
The Studio Butter Best Cinematographer prize was awarded to Ryan Heron for Rochelle. With judges saying: “The film delivered a visual experience that conveyed emotion, tension, and depth with breathtaking clarity and intention. Every shot demonstrated a command of the visual language, enhancing the narrative and drawing us deeper into the story.”
Here is the list of short film award winners:
· Department of Post Best New Zealand Film: Vea Mafile'o, Eldon Booth, Alex Lovell for Lea Tupu'anga (Mother Tongue)
· Best International Film: Mahdiye Ghotbedinmohamadi, Mohadeseh Pirhadi for The Brother
· NZ on Air Best Music Video: Hattie Adams, Ryan Bradley, Summer Vaha'akolo for Tōtara
· Toi Whakaari Best Actor: Kura Turuwhenua for Honey Kaha
· DEGANZ Best Director: Ian Sweeney for Figment
· DEGANZ Best Editor: Meg Trotter for Hitchhiking is Safe
· Studio Butter Best Cinematographer: Ryan Heron for Rochelle
· Best Screenplay: Lucy Suess for Pack Rat
The Short Film Spirit Award was presented to Associate Professor Shuchi Kothari who is an award winning short and feature filmmaker, and an academic teaching Screen Production at the University of Auckland. This award is presented in recognition of Professor Kothari’s support of short film makers over many years as a mentor, coach, teacher, script advisor and friend. Festival Director Gina Dellabarca commented: “Professor Kothari has contributed her time, expertise and mauri to a huge number of New Zealand short film makers, resulting in vastly more professional and successful films. We acknowledge and honour her contribution to the New Zealand screen industry with this award.”
Jury members were generous in their praise of all the nominated films, saying: “The finalists demonstrate the range of stories that can be showcased in the short film format. A reflection of the diversity and richness of our culture here in Aotearoa.”
The winning films are available as one Award Winners collection that can be watched in Auckland, Matakana, Katikati, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as On Demand. Book here.
Audience members can vote for their favourite short to win the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented at the conclusion to the festival. Voting is via www.showmeshorts.co.nz.
