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MEDIA RELEASES
Top Young Film Maker announced
(9 November 2000)
The winner of the prestigious SPADA Young Film Maker Of The Year 2000 was announced tonight at the opening function of Small Country, Big Picture, the national film and television industry conference being held in Auckland this weekend. Wellingtonian Hamish Rothwell was hailed the winner, walking away with over $20,000 in cash and facilities for his next film project.
Rothwell (31) is a graduate of the London Film School and has worked in the industry for five years. Currently a commercials director, Rothwell has already won an advertising industry Axis award. Stickmen, his first feature film, will be released in January 2001.
Convenor of the judging panel, Gordon Harcourt, described Stickmen as "slick, funny and sexy", with the judges unanimous that Rothwell had a very promising future in the film industry.
The judges also made a special commendation to runner-up James Cunningham. "Cunningham's Infection, which screened at Cannes this year, is an extraordinary short film which creates a new genre in New Zealand", said Harcourt. "Choosing between these two entries, in particular, was almost impossible given the radically different processes undertaken by each film maker", he said.
Cunningham, currently working on The Lord Of The Rings, received $7500 in facilities and stock for his next project. The SPADA award is made possible through generous support from The Film Unit, Kodak, Panavision, FACB and Qantas New Zealand.
The two other finalists, Paul Swadel and Gregory King, were also commended by the judges for their considerable talent. The judges were Gordon Harcourt, Fane Flaws, Ruth Kaupua and last year's winner Vanessa Alexander.
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