Briefs Film Festival 2021

Students from Nayland College and from around the top of the south participated in the annual Brief’s Film Festival on Thursday 4th November. 28 films were viewed on the big screen at State Cinema on an entertaining night. A member of the audience said “The Briefs Film Festival was such a surreal experience. I loved seeing all the creativity from Nelson youth executed in such a mature manner - it was truly inspiring”

We are proud to say that Jet Jones won the Briefs Film Festival Best Animation Award for his film 'Probe' and Ruby Burr was awarded the Proper Crisps X-Factor Award for her film, 'Benjamin,' a film about a young boy who finds that life is not always fair after being trapped in hopeless circumstances. 

Congratulations are also deserved for Samuel Martin who won the Top of the South Filmmakers Best Drama Award as well as the Healthpost Audience Favourite Award for his film, 'The Dilemma,' about a dysfunctional spy who is given information behind the boss he works for and can’t decide who to trust. “It felt very surprising really, I was not expecting to win any, let alone two big awards. Not only did the judges like my film, but the audience's vote really topped it off. I value the audience favorite the most, as the judges can like a film that is quite subjective, but to have the audience all like my film is really quite validating,” says Sam.

The audience experienced a variety of short, five minute films, ranging from documentaries to comedies, horror and more. Every award given was well earned by the group of talented young people who were able to create such masterpieces. “Writing and directing a film can be really challenging, but that isn’t to say it’s not super rewarding," said Ruby. "I’m stoked to have worked with such talented and willing actors, and as someone who usually acts, it was an insightful experience being behind the camera this time."

Briefs Film Festival 2021 Nayland College Award Winners:

• Top of the South Flimmakers Best Drama Award: Sam Martin for The Dilemma
• Briefs Film Festival Best Animation Award: Jet Jones for Probe
• Proper Crisps X Factor Award: Ruby Burr for Benjamin.
• Healthpost Audience Favourite Award: Sam Martin for The Dilemma

Special thanks also goes to Tiaki Sharp for his MC role.

Congratulations everyone!