Bond University film students won the award for Best Overall Film at the Warner Roadshow Studios 19th Queensland New Filmmakers Awards (QNFA) last night (April 19). But the accolades did not stop there.
The awards showcase the work of up and coming talent in the Queensland film and television industries and Bond’s staff and students took out a total of five prizes. These included the Kinetone Award for contribution to the Queensland Film Industry, Best Tertiary Drama Award, Best Tertiary Other Award, and the Australian Cinematographers Society Encouragement Award. Students also received two highly commended acknowledgements.
Bond University Professor Bruce Molloy was presented the Kinetone Award in recognition of his significant contribution to the Queensland film and television industry.
Dr Molloy, who is the Director of Bond’s Centre for Film and Television, was acknowledged for his dedication to producing the next generation of young filmmakers through Queensland tertiary education programs. He has been actively involved with the development of Queensland’s film and television industry since the early 1970’s
Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts, the Honourable Anna Bligh, on presenting the award to Dr Molloy, acknowledged the programs he established at Bond University, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
“Dr Molloy received the first PhD in Australia for the study of Australian cinema and he went on to successfully introduce the major in Film and Television at QUT, before moving to Bond University in 1994 to develop their Bachelor of Film and Television and Master of Film and Television programs,” said Mrs Bligh
“He has played a major role in preparing graduates who are job-ready and industry-aware.”
After moving here from Brisbane in 1994, Dr Molloy’s turned the focus of his long standing involvement in the Queensland film industry to the Gold Coast. Since then he has developed the annual Gold Coast Film Fantastic Festival and has been a member of the Gold Coast City Council working party for film and television.
“It is always gratifying to be recognised by my educational peers but in this case recognition by industry practitioners makes it even more significant. I am honoured to receive this award,” said Dr Molloy.
Dr Molloy believes the scale of Bond students’ success at the Queensland New Filmmakers Awards indicates the overall effectiveness of Bond’s film and television program.
“These results reflect most favourably on the energy, talent, dedication and enthusiasm of our students. I feel sure that even those films not acknowledged last night will be recognised at other festivals in the coming months because of their extremely high quality.”
“All Bond University staff and students involved with our entries deserve congratulations,” said Dr Molloy.
Student award achievements:
QUT Creative Industries Award for Best Tertiary Drama 10-30 minutes:
Film: Rocket Science 2: Lost in Paradise
Winner: Jose Manuel Andrade Gorab, Bond University student
QUT Creative Industries Award for Best Tertiary Other
Film: Glam to Sham
Winner: Trevor Smith, Bond University graduate
Award: Australian Cinematographers Society Encouragement Award for Cinematography
Film: Periodic Reproduction
Winner: Jordan Barrow, Bond University graduate
Award: Warner Roadshow Studios Award for Best Overall Film
Film: Rocket Science 2: Lost in Paradise
Winner: Jose Manuel Andrade Gorab, Bond University student
QPIX Award for Independent Drama
Highly commended: Periodic Reproduction, Alex Fischer, Bond PhD student & staff member
Village Roadshow Production Management/AFTRS David Copping Memorial Production Design Award
Highly commended: Rocket Science 2: Lost in Paradise, Benedicte Ringnes, Bond University graduate