Media Studies Film Festival

Last Wednesday, we celebrated the talent, effort, and exceptional filmmaking skills of our Media Studies students at the Avondale College Film Festival! After many years, Film Night is officially a tradition, allowing us to showcase the short films made by Year 12 and 13 Media Studies ākonga to the Avondale College community. 

The students, friends, and whānau in attendance were an amazing crowd. Laughing and gasping in all the right moments, the audience enjoyed gritty noir crime films, hilarious mockumentaries, and unsettling psychological thrillers, alongside our 2025 entry into the 48Hour Film Festival, "A Spanner in the Works" which was shortlisted for Best School Team in the Tāmaki Makaurau region. 

The calibre of this year's films was incredible, and a testament to the passion and resilience of this phenomenal Media Studies cohort. Congratulations to our amazing students, to the winners on the night, and to all who supported them along the way. Year 13s, we'll miss you, and Year 12s, we can't wait to see what you create next year! 

2025 Award Winners: 

• Best Cameo - Taiko Campbell as Bigfoot/Andrew in "Sasquatch Hunter: A Documentary" by Isla Hanlan and Jed O'Brien

• Best Acting in a Supporting Role - Isla Hanlan as Vanessa Flowers in "The Buzz" by Finn Hall and James Johnston

• Best Ensemble - the cast of "New Zealand Tomorrow" by Lewys Evans, Finley Hooper, and Liam Presling

• Best Action & Stunt Choreography - "Sasquatch Hunter: A Documentary" by Isla Hanlan and Jed O'Brien

• Best Sound - "Jazz Hands" by Harris Gall, Aaron Prasad, and Joshua Tohi

• Best Costume & Production Design - "To Be Or Not To Be" by Alys Edlin, Sammie Morgan, and Gabrielle Orinia

• Best Cinematography - "Fork In the Road" by Theo Dann, Fred Hamilton, and Saphire Maney

• Best Editing - "Smoke And Mirrors" by Joachim Cleator, Dave Sadaraka, and Ranuga Udugala

• Best Actress in a Leading Role - Bella Brown as Deevaugh Bootz in "Brance New World, Same Old Bootz!" by Bella Brown and Arlo Lorien-King

• Best Actor in a Leading Role - Arlo Lorien-King as Beef in "24 Hours With Beef" by Catalina Baird and Florence Rowland

• Best Original Screenplay - "Fork In the Road" by Theo Dann, Fred Hamilton, and Saphire Maney

• Best Directing - "Sasquatch Hunter: A Documentary" by Isla Hanlan and Jed O'Brien

• Best Picture - "24 Hours With Beef" by Catalina Baird and Florence Rowland 

• People's Choice Film - "24 Hours With Beef" by Catalina Baird and Florence Rowland

• People's Choice Acting - Arlo Lorien-King as Beef in "24 Hours With Beef" by Catalina Baird and Florence Rowland