2017 | SEMESTER 1
Hollywood
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on the Gold Coast
BOND University Film and Television Award’s (BUFTA) were once again a starstudded event, but there could only be one showstopper. Budding filmmaker Willem Kingma, from Kardinia International College in Geelong, took out the top gong at the Awards for Best Overall Filmmaker late last year. Mr Kingma’s short films Not Quite Right and Suicide – Tiny Giants struck a chord with the judging panel, who awarded him a full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond.
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From 277 entries – more than ever before – Mr Kingma was one of 17 finalists whose films were shown online to an international audience and played for 170 attendees at the BUFTA Gala Awards Ceremony. Television presenter, producer and radio host James Mathison hosted the BUFTA Gala Awards Ceremony, with entertainment performed by The Voice 2016 finalist Tash Lockhart. Mr Kingma says winning was a “great recognition” of his storytelling ability. “Finally bringing something together and seeing it come to fruition is really beautiful,” he says. “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’s running record on the night meant it also took out 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, while Gold Coaster Kate Burke, from Upper Coomera Secondary College, was awarded City of Gold Coast Filmmaker for her film Retard. The Jury Prize, which includes a 25 per cent scholarship, went to Molly Evans, from St Peters Lutheran College in Queensland,
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who also received the Best Experimental film award for her film Synthesis.
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Bond Director of Film and Television, Dr Michael Sergi, says students in Years 10 and 11 should start preparing their entries for BUFTA 2017. “BUFTA is Australia’s most significant short film competition for senior high school students,” he says. “The success of previous winners, including Eric So, who has been involved in Hollywood films including Captain America 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.”
1. Mr James Mathison 2. L-R: Mr James Mathison, Dr Michael Sergi, Mr Willem Kingma, Professor Raoul Mortley. 3. 2016 BUFTA Gala Ceremony 4. Best overall filmmaker, Mr Willem Kingma