EXAM block has been less intense than usual for three Year 12 students at Padua College, Kedron.
Dom Morris, Nicholas Elsworth and Alex Budrodeen spent two days last week watching short films at Hamilton’s Dendy Portside cinemas in preparation for Moviemania – an Oscars-like event, which recognises the work of Film and TV students in schools across Australia and New Zealand.
After viewing Moviemania’s 210 entries for this year, the Padua trio thought their film noir genre piece didn’t stand a chance.
But much to their surprise it won Best 2007 Film on the gala night, held at Rocklea’s Croatian Community Centre on September 8.
Padua College Film and TV teacher Dominic Thurlow said the boys did not expect to win.
“They broke into applause and then they realised they were applauding themselves,” he said.
“Their jaws dropped to the floor and it was a grand moment.”
Dom Morris explained their story as a “1950s, shadowy, underworld-type film”.
“It was about a private detective who got involved with a woman, but she turned out to be a criminal.
“He had to decide whether to put her in jail or to let his feelings get in the way of his work.
“He put her in jail, but when she eventually got out she killed him for revenge.”
Films were judged on cinematography, editing, directing, production, sound and costumes.
Mediamania founder Anita Smith said the winning Padua entry was “exceptional” in each of these categories.
“Everything was done exactly how the genre should be,” she said.
“It was a simple, yet outstanding film.
“I don’t think people are aware of how talented these young filmmakers are.”
The boys only had one disappointment – they won’t get to experience the $20,000 in equipment won for the college before graduating.
