Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the WIFT NZ 2014 Awards.
A special award was presented to our Chair Patsy Reddy for her leadership in achieving the changes necessary to secure a future for filmmaking in New Zealand. Announcing the award, WIFT NZ President Robin Laing said, "Patsy's achievement in ensuring support for the local screen sector in tandem with international production has given us real hope for the future of the industry."
The evening also paid tribute to Keri Kaa, Ella Henry and Katie Wolfe, the recipients of the WIFT NZ Mana Wahine Awards presented since 2011 at the annual Wairoa Māori Film Festival. The Award recognises and supports the achievements of Māori women in film who work tirelessly, diligently and with vision to support and promote Māori Culture, Te Reo Māori, Tikanga Māori and the welfare and stories of Aotearoa wahine.
Here is a list of the award recipients:
The South Pacific Pictures Award for Achievement in Film presented by Chief Executive Officer Kelly Martin was awarded to Catherine Fitzgerald for The Orator.
The Queenstown Camera Company Entrepreneurship Award presented by Managing Director Brett Mills was awarded to Frances Valintine for the establishment and development of Mind Lab, a learning centre to equip children with the skills needed for the digital future.
The Images & Sound Award for Success in Television was presented by Post Producer Lucy Rei to Jane Campion for Top of the Lake.
The Professional Lighting Services Award for Unsung Heroine of the NZ Screen Industry was presented by General Manager Ruthe Kenderdine to Lynne Reed, colour grader, for outstanding work over 20 plus years guiding filmmakers through the colour grading process at the NFU and more recently Park Road Post.
The Fulcrum Media Finance Woman to Watch Award was presented by Managing Director Sharon Menzies to Kerry Warkia for her enterprising work in new media.
The Te Puni Kōkiri Te Reo Māori Champion Award was presented by broadcaster Stacey Morrison to Hineani Melbourne for her significant contribution to the increased use and knowledge of Te Reo Māori me ngā Tikanga.
The Great Southern Film & Television Award for Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand Screen Industry was presented by General Manager Amanda Beckett to Annie Collins, film editor, for her long-term support of filmmakers in and out of the cutting room over 30 years.
(image supplied by Andi Crown Photography)