Two young Auckland filmmakers won both the ID360 Short Film Competition Grand Prize and the 16-18 age category for their film No Kiwi Restaurants. Thomas King and Carl Naus described their film as “an introspective look at five very different immigrants and the idea of being a Kiwi in modern society.”

“No Kiwi Restaurants is a sophisticated short film, it moves beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. It challenges stereotypes and displays a high level of understanding of film making” said Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta.

“Congratulations to all the winners of ID360 Short Film Competition. Young people in New Zealand have produced fantastic films that reflect the diversity of cultures and ethnicities in New Zealand”

“Young people are integral to the harmony of New Zealand. Fostering understanding of diversity and embracing differences between people will ensure that the present and future generations are more tolerant of each other.” said Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta.

Short films by the fifteen finalists from across New Zealand competed for the People’s Choice Award. Over 5000 votes were cast between 27 March and 11 April. New Plymouth brothers Matt and Josh Girvan collected 1096 votes for their film Play which centred on the brother’s love of unicyling, to win the People’s Choice Award.

Sand and Ice-Cream by Finn Stichbury won the 12-15 age category. Sand and Ice-Cream used the kiwi band The Brunettes as a soundtrack to help explored traditions of kiwi childhood.

The winner of the 19-24 age category was Wellington based filmmaker Jesse Taylor Smith for his film A Small Film About a Stranger. Filmed in and around Wellington on Super 8 the film is a dainty, thoughtful, stylistic back-to-front film about being alive and coming of age, told through sounds and images by strangers.

View photos of all the category winners!

“Young people in New Zealand have produced fantastic films that reflect the diversity of cultures and ethnicities in New Zealand,” said Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “Congratulations to the finalists. I encourage everyone to go online and vote for the People’s Choice Award.” Five finalists from each age category are in the running to win the People’s Choice Award.

Like young New Zealanders the entries were diverse. The judges, Jess Feast, Zoe McIntosh and David Rea, were very impressed with both the production values and the exploration of the theme in the short films.

“It was a real privilege to view such diverse, inspirational and high quality films. Making a short film is time consuming and requires lots of hard work, all of the young film makers should be very proud of their efforts.” Zoe McIntosh, ID360 Judge

Some people say you should never talk about religion or politics. But what you believe in  is fundamental to who you are.

Do you believe in Aliens, God, Allah, Jah, Money? Or all of them? What do you know about different religions?

What are your thoughts about climate change? How do you feel about war? Poverty? How do your views differ from your parents’ and friends’?

Why do you believe the things you do?

Diversity is about understanding and actively celebrating our differences. This is your chance to help build a more tolerant New Zealand.

We are an exotic mix of personalities, values and tempers from around the world.
New Zealand was not known to Europeans until 1642. Over 150 years later settlers started to arrive from England, Scotland and Ireland. The journey was long, arduous and uncomfortable, but they came in the hope of a better life.

From the 20th century onwards, war, persecution and other troubles have led groups and individuals to migrate to New Zealand. Others have come by choice, seeking a change of lifestyle.

Today’s New Zealanders celebrate a wide and varied heritage—from the Pacific, Europe, Asia, Africa and America.

Maybe you have a colourful character in your ancestry. Start digging!

Let’s face it, living in South Auckland is going to be different from living on a farm in Invercargill.

Where you live is not just about your house. It can also be about your neighbours, your physical environment, your city or town.

If you have moved around a lot, maybe there are many places you call home.

Need some inspiration?

You could think about how your city, town or village got its name. Think about how safe you feel in your environment or how much freedom you have to explore your environment.

These are some ideas to get you thinking. Use your camera to tell us the story.

So when you are making your film, think about all the things you enjoy doing, maybe it’s drinking coffee with your mates, maybe it’s singing and recording music, maybe it’s going on road trips or hanging out at the beach. Maybe it’s fashion or tramping or helping your Dad with the hay or maybe it is watching Bro Town!

There are a many different ways to illustrate your hobbies in your films so get creative.

You could make a mockumentray about the history of your hobby. Film that dance routine. Take us into the bush or to the beach. Interview your favourite person. Use animation. The list is endless.

For some inspiration, check out www.nzhistory.net.nz. They have lots of great stories, like the history of Wellington café culture, and the changing face of New Zealand men’s moustaches. The Film Archive also has lots of footage to inspire you. Check out the old school L&P advert for all you need to know about grass skiing!