Budding filmmaker Willem Kingma has seen his name up in lights after being crowned Best Overall Filmmaker at the Bond University Film and Television Awards (BUFTA) for his short films, ‘Not Quite Right’ and ‘Suicide - Tiny Giants’.
Taking out three categories on the night - Best Screenwriting, Best Comedy and Best Music Video – Kingma from Kardinia International College in Geelong was given the red carpet treatment at the competition's Gala Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, 26 November.
Kingma is now the recipient of a full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Film and Television, sponsored by the Faculty of Society and Design, at the Gold Coast's Bond University. Bond University is Australia's leading independent, not-for-profit university, a place where Kingma will be able to further develop his creative talents and prepare him for a career in the industry.
Willem was one of 17 finalists, selected from 277 entrants, whose films were showcased online to an international audience, as well as at the awards ceremony which was attended by 170 people and hosted by television presenter, producer, radio host and media personality, James Mathison.
Willem said it was an honour to be named the best filmmaker from such a competitive field.
"I have always loved telling stories, so I consider this award to be a great recognition of my storytelling. Finally bringing something together and seeing it come to fruition is really beautiful," he said.
"Before this competition, I had doubts I would ever become a filmmaker so I really want to thank BUFTA for this award and this opportunity. It means the world to me."
Other BUFTA winners included fellow Kardinia International College student, Ben Head, who took out Best Drama and The Dean's Choice Award for his film titled ‘Quiet’.
Kardinia International College understandably took out the Best School Award.
Jonno Kelly from Melbourne's Scotch College was awarded Best Documentary and Best Cinematography for his film ‘An Australian Farmer's Story’.
Gold Coaster Kate Burke, from Upper Coomera Secondary College, was awarded City of Gold Coast Filmmaker for her film ‘Retard’; while the Jury Prize, which includes a 25% scholarship, went to Molly Evans, from St Peters Lutheran College QLD, who also received the Best Experimental film award, for her film ‘Synthesis’.
Bond University Director of Film and Television, Associate Professor Dr Michael Sergi said Willem beat many talented filmmakers to take out the Best Overall Filmmaker Scholarship.
"The 2016 BUFTAs were our biggest in the awards’ history, with 277 entries from across Australia," he said.
"Narrowing all those entries down to just 18 finalists was an incredibly difficult task, as the standard was so high.
"For Willem to take out three categories and be awarded Best Overall Filmmaker demonstrates how talented he is.
"Willem has a bright future and I look forward to welcoming him to Bond next year."
Dr Sergi said BUFTA was Australia's most significant short film competition for senior high school students in Year 11 and 12. BUFTA provides young filmmakers with a major platform to showcase their work to the nation.
He said students in Years 10 and 11 should start preparing their entries for BUFTA 2017.
"Next year will open doors for another crop of young filmmakers with new ideas and stories to bring to the big screen," he said.
"The success of previous winners, including Eric So who has been involved in Hollywood films including Captain America, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and The Great Gatsby, is testament to the calibre of filmmakers discovered through BUFTA.”
"With so many talented 'up-and-comers', it's an exciting time for the Australian film and television industry and Bond looks forward to continuing to help shape the filmmakers of tomorrow."
For further information on BUFTA, visit www.bufta.com.au and LIKE Bond University Film & Television (BUFTA) on Facebook.
BUFTA winners
Best overall filmmaker - Not quite right/Suicide - Tiny Giants, Willem Kingma, Kardinia International College, VIC
Best animation - Gourmet grief, Rory Dalitz, All Saints College, WA
Best comedy - Not quite right, Willem Kingma, Kardinia International College, VIC
Best documentary - An Australian farmer's story, Jonno Kelly, Scotch College, VIC
Best drama - Quiet, Ben Head, Kardinia International College, VIC
Best experimental - Synthesis, Molly Evans, St Peters Lutheran College, QLD
Best music video - Suicide - Tiny giants, Willem Kingma, Kardinia International College, VIC
Best Cinematography - An Australian farmer's story, Jonno Kelly, Scotch College, VIC
Best directing - Pressure, Tully Hemsley, Darwin State High School, NT
Best editing - Leech, Bailey Gillam, Guildford Grammar School, WA
Best screenwriting - Not quite right, Willem Kingma, Kardinia International College, VIC
Best sound design - Journey, Radheya Jegatheva, Perth Modern School, WA
Jury award - Synthesis, Molly Evans, St Peters Lutheran College, QLD
City of Gold Coast filmmaker - Retard, Kate Burke, Upper Coomera State College, QLD
Best school award - Kardinia International College, VIC
Dean's award - Quiet, Ben Head, Kardinia International College, VIC