WIFT NZ is pleased to announce the recipients for the seven award categories of the WIFT NZ 2014 Awards, held tonight in the Grand Tearoom of the Heritage Hotel, Auckland.
South Pacific Pictures Award for Achievement in Film
presented by Chief Executive Officer Kelly Martin
> Catherine Fitzgerald - for The Orator
Queenstown Camera Company Entrepreneurship Award
presented by Managing Director Brett Mills
> Frances Valintine - for the establishment and development of Mind Lab, a learning centre to equip children with the skills needed for the digital future.
Images & Sound Award for Success in Television
presented by Post Producer Lucy Rei
> Jane Campion - for Top of the Lake
Professional Lighting Services Award for Unsung Heroine of the NZ Screen Industry
presented by General Manager Ruthe Kenderdine
> 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.
Fulcrum Media Finance Woman to Watch Award
presented by Managing Director Sharon Menzies
> Kerry Warkia - for her enterprising work in new media.
Te Puni Kōkiri Te Reo Māori Champion Award
presented by broadcaster Stacey Morrison
> Hineani Melbourne - for her significant contribution to the increased use and knowledge of Te Reo Māori me ngā Tikanga.
Great Southern Film & Television Award for Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand Screen Industry
presented by General Manager Amanda Beckett
> Annie Collins - film editor for her long-term support of filmmakers in and out of the cutting room over 30 years.
A special award was presented to NZ Film Commission 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 wāhine.