‘A night at the movies’ took on its own unique Saint Kentigern flavour last night at The Kents 2017; an awards evening to showcase the filmmaking talents of our Year 12 and 13 Media Studies students. This year, the top seven films were shown, drawn from the best work of our NCEA students, along with the group that entered the Auckland 48 Hour Film Festival. 

The students were being assessed on their ability to write, plan, shoot and edit short films of no more than ten minutes in length. Following a narrative study of Netflix hit, Stranger Things, Year 12s were tasked with creating a character specific prequel for a new TV series – Darkness Falls. For the mainstream Year 13s, they took inspiration from the thought-provoking series, Black Mirror, where students developed films focusing on our collective unease regarding technology. The Liberal Arts Year 13 Media students focused on Film Noir, weaving together the themes, conventions, and grime that is ‘Noir’ (black). 

To be successful, they needed to combine creative ideas with practical application, artistic flair with audience engagement, as well possess the technical and organisational skills to run their own production from concept to broadcast. Most of this year’s films had a dark, gritty element with an undercurrent of tension that the students had mastered to the greatest effect. It was noted that, technically, this year’s films were of the highest calibre in the history of The Kents. 

On the judging panel, we were pleased to welcome back Old Collegians and previous Media Studies students, Jason Hoon (2012), Calvin Sang (2012), Cameron McColl (2013), Charlotte Parker (2013), Maddie Fenn (2014) and Jake Latham (2014). Each of these former students have all had their own personal involvement with The Kents during their time at the College and are all now currently studying or working within the media industry. 

The ‘Judges Choice’ awards went to James Matson, Alexander Murray, Hunter Williams for ‘Past Mistakes,’ a film that explored correcting bad decisions in typical noir fashion. The film also won a further three awards for Best Music, Best Script by James Matson and Best Actor for Mark Charles. The judges said, ‘Past Mistakes’ showed not only storytelling techniques found at the highest level of high school media, but an exceptional technical skill. This was an outstanding production and an amazing testament to the calibre of Media Studies at Saint Kentigern.’

As always, there was a great turnout for the evening, with the largely student audience taking the opportunity to vote for a ‘People’s Choice’ award.   This year the award went to 48 Hour Film team for ‘Can you run in heels?’ an incredibly well-made comedy, offering a fresh take on the well-worn superhero genre. 

Two special prizes were also awarded to ‘Future Film Maker,’ Hunter Williams who has been making films most of his life already, including award winning documentaries, and looks set to become a significant figure in the film industry. The ‘Soaring Talent Award’ was awarded to Stella Taylor who has made her mark as a talented actress this year, most notably for her earlier role in the larger than life Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. An exceptionally talented emerging filmmaker, Stella has a natural talent for editing, understanding rhythm, tone, and pace within her films. 

In concluding, Head of Media Studies, Mr Ian Thomas said that there is a point during the course of Year 13 that his Media Studies students move from being ‘students’ to becoming ‘film makers.’ We were privileged to witness this last night. We sincerely thank the judges for giving their time to both pre-judging and spending time with the students on the night, and to MCs Isabella Denholm and Sid Chand for hosting with style! 

SPECIAL AWARDS

Future Filmmaker Award: Hunter Williams

Soaring Talent Award: Stella Taylor

THE KENTS WINNERS 2017

Best Script: James Matson for ‘Past Mistakes’

Best Cinematography: Alyssa Hatton, Isabella Bostock, Sid Chand for ‘La Rose Mortelle’

Best Sound: Alasdair Carmichael-Lowe, Calum Davies, Brett Edwards for ‘Blink’

Best Music: James Matson, Alexander Murray, Hunter Williams for ‘Past Mistakes’

Best Editing:  48 Hours Team for ‘Can You Run In Heels?’

Best Actor: Mark Charles for ‘Past Mistakes’

Best Actress: Sabina de Lange for ‘Can You Run in Heels?’

Judges’ Choice: James Matson, Alexander Murray, Hunter Williams for Past Mistakes

Peoples’ Choice: 48 Hour Film Team for ‘Can you run in heels?’

48 Hour Film Team: Alexander Murray, Hunter Williams, Alyssa Hatton, Calum Davies, Brett Edwards, James Matson, Stella Taylor, Michaela Ansell, Erin Meek, Travis Conway

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