Film Night, our night to shine
Last Thursday, the Media Studies community of Avondale College celebrated the incredible short films made by students this year. With the Performing Arts Centre out of action, we improvised! Turning the staffroom into a cinema for one night only was a huge success, with students, whānau, friends, and teachers gathering to watch a programme of ten films from a range of 2026's Year 12 and 13 students.
The crowd went wild. Every film was a hit and with both psychological thrillers and mockumentaries on offer, there were laughs, gasps, and everything in between. We also screened our entry into the nationwide 48Hours Filmmaking Competition, "A Ring in the Night" - a neo noir which won a 48Hours Audience Favourite Award earlier this year.
2026 Award Winners:
Best Cameo - Mr Moore in "Daylight"
Best Acting in a Supporting Role - Kayla Donaldson in "5 Days with Boy5"
Best Ensemble Performance - "5 Days with Boy5"
Best Action & Stunt Choreography - "Horsing Around with the Ponyboys"
Best Sound - "The Sitter"
Best Costume & Production Design - "Apollo 18"
Best Cinematography - "Taming of the Ocean: Totally Kooked"
Best Editing - "Blue Nurse Busters"
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Izzy Craig in "Daylight"
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Jeram Patel in "The Making of: Romulus & Julia"
Best Original Screenplay - "Absolute Cinema"
Best Directing - "Taming of the Ocean: Totally Kooked"
Best Casting - "Daylight"
Best Picture - "Absolute Cinema"
Audience Favourite Performance - Seb Whelan in "Absolute Cinema"
Audience Favourite Film - "Taming of the Ocean: Totally Kooked"
It was an incredible night and a testament to the unending talent of our Media Studies students. During a time where the arts are under global threat from AI and government defunding, it is more important than ever to honour the effort and passion it takes to create something. Thanks to our amazing students who keep screen arts thriving here at Avondale College!
