Thank you to everyone who submitted a video for consideration, we appreciate the time and effort that went into creating your documentaries. The judging panel experienced the full gammet of emotions whilst viewing - they were moved, shocked, delighted and entertained.
Congratulations to our winner and runners up;
The Winner
David Wardell - Pipalyatjara
Judge's Comments: I loved the look and straightforward narration of David's film. It was beautifully shot, technically strong and immediately engaging. It gave a great sense of being a part of such a community – the highs and lows; hopelessness and hope for the future. It was a great effort to convey all this in such a concise doco and in a manner which was neither contrived or overtly pandering for audience sympathy. It was a really great little piece that left me wanting to know about the Pipalyatjara community.
Seond Place
Mirabai Nicholson-McKeller- A Journey that Changed Me
Judge's comments: I thought Mirabai showed a great eye for both stunning visuals and compelling storytelling. Having spent a few days in Varanasi I though she captured the mystic and wonderment of the Ganges River beautifully. It was a really moving piece of communication and showed enormous potential for future work.
Third Place
Tendaya Nyeki- Home Sick
Judge's comments: This was another film that I thought showed great potential. It was a really interesting narrative device to use a trip home as the journey that most changed you. The gritty, observation handheld look and feel of the piece gave the audience a sense of being along for the ride. The film was a great personal insight into what is a global issue. It was sincere without being melodramatic and resonated with authenticity.
Highly Commended
Ruth Somalo - Going Places
Don Meers - From the Country to the City
The Judging Panel
Our shortlist was created by Ram Bhat, National Geographic Channel and
Amanda Byrne, World Nomads
Our winner and runners up were selected by Trent O'donnell, film-maker.
What next?
Whilst David heads off to India in October, we will be full steam ahead working on our 2009 Scholarship Program - so make sure you
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