Local Filmmakers honoured in Red Carpet Ceremony

Local Filmmakers honoured in Red Carpet Ceremony

Saturday night’s Red Carpet gala evening was a fitting celebration to conclude Raglan’s 10 day Film Festival.

Guests and celebrities enjoyed a festive evening held at the Old School Arts Centre. The spotlight was on Whaingaroa’s own filmmakers in a night to get together and celebrate local talent. A delicious buffet dinner provided by the Raglan soccer mums preceded a screening of the short films and highlights of the nominated features which thoroughly engaged all those present.

The awards ceremony itself was a real showcase of the talent in our own creative community. The recipients will cherish their striking RAFFA awards. Designed and created by local steel artists Phil and Emily Meek, an ‘old school’ movie reel is captured in the unique design of this year’s award.

The 2012 RAFFA Awards went to:
• Best Editor: Turanga Kereopa for the music video ‘Skinny’ by Ariana
• Best Soundtrack: Aroha Yates-Smith for ‘Sky Whisperers Ranginui’
• Best Music Video: ‘Silent Tears’ by Little Lapin and Indie Productions
• Best Documentary: Tuihana Bosch on behalf of Te Mauri Tau for ‘Te Kumara’
• Best Environmental Film: ‘KASM’ by Kiwis Against Seabed Mining
• Best Producer: Brian Ruawai for ‘Journey: Cornerstone Roots’
• Best Director: Micah Puklowski for ‘Monochromacy’
• Best Actress: Athene Jensen in ‘Whiff Drawers’
• Best Actor: Reiki Ruawai for ‘The Dump’
• Best Cinematography: Juan Duazo for ‘Art to Wear 2012’

This year’s special awards included:
• Newcomer Award: Billy Lee-Pope for filming ‘Raglan’s 1st Grom Skateboard Competition’
• Creative Force Award: Maryann Tuao of Groundswell Media for both a productive 2012 year and for providing support, encouragement and mentoring to many local talents.
• International Film Award: ‘The Most Fun You Can Have Dying’, directed by Kirsten Marcon, filmed partly in Raglan. The award acknowledges the accomplishment of producing a highly regarded feature length film on a controversial subject, filmed internationally, on a very tight budget.
• Special Grand Prize Award for Best Picture: 'Whiff Drawers’ by Groundswell Media in acknowledgement of the tremendous effort to produce something of this quality in the 48 hours competition.

The fourth annual Red Carpet ceremony was organised by the Raglan Community Arts Council. Many local people volunteered their expertise to make this event a great success. Ruth Port’s leadership skills as MC for the Awards Ceremony guided all guests through an evening to remember. Rodger Gallagher, Jacqueline Anderson and Aaron Mooar devoted much time to planning and organising the whole ten day programme. Aaron also contributed his skills as a projectionist and was the voice of the festival on Raglan Radio. Susan Guenther was the photographer as the guests walked the red carpet. Thanks goes to the Raglan Soccer Mums for the excellent catering and to Vicky Crosby for serving refreshments.

Valued sponsors of the Film Festival include Creative Communities Waikato District, V48Hours Furious Filmmaking Competition, Flux Animation Studios, the Raglan Club and the Raglan Operational Support Unit.

And of course, a huge thank you goes to Whaingaroa’s stars and film makers.

http://raglanartscentre.co.nz

ENDS

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