July 18, 2008

Fiji will witness some truly remarkable films this year when schools display their productions at the 2008 TFL Kula Film Awards.

Twelve schools from around the country have submitted short films for the 2008 TFL Kula Film Awards, an initiative of the Fiji Audio Visual Commission (FAVC). For the first time, two schools from the North are participating- St. Bedes College from Savusavu and Labasa (SKM) Sangam College. Of the total number of films received for the competition, 5 are located in the Southern district and 5 in the Western side.

Making the announcement in Suva today, FAVC Chief Executive Officer, Taniela Bolea said,"With the participation of the schools from the North, the competition has now become a truly national competition." This, he added, was the aim of the program since its inception 2 years ago- to provide a platform for students around the country from which to launch their creative talents.

Entries have been received from the following schools:

School                                                                                                Film

1. Cuvu College                                                                       Unpolished Diamonds
2. Tilak High School                                                                Money, Woes & Ways
3. Natabua High School                                                         Moments in Silence
4. Xavier College                                                                      Angel of Love
5. Dudley High School                                                            Abandoned
6. Rampur College                                                                  Some Tears Never Dry
7. Sila Central High School                                                   The Housegirl
8. Rishikul Santan College                                                    Wages of Sin
9. Fiji LDS College                                                                   An Act of Nobility
10. Labasa (SKM) Sangam College                                       The Price of Poverty
11. St Bedes College                                                                 High School Friends
12. Nadi Christian Community School                                    Judgement Day

Commenting on the entries, Mr Bolea said that the FAVC is very pleased with the quality of the entries received this year. The entries, Mr Bolea added, reflected the awareness that youths had of the issues affecting them and the films were an outlet for them to voice their opinions on some very pertinent issues affecting youths today. Also, the manner in which these views were articulated and presented through the short films showed the ability of our youths to channel their views through creative media. All these, Mr Bolea said augurs well for the future development of the film industry in Fiji, as it still is, to a large extent, dependant on the availability of creative talents locally.

Mr Bolea also added that the quality of the films received were a direct reflection of the high caliber of training provided to all participants by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

The winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Night on July 26th, 2008 at the Suva Civic Center. The main Award is the 2008 TFL Kula Best Film. Other categories in which prizes will be awarded are the SPR Best Actor, the SPR Best Actress, the Air Pacific Best Director and TFL Most Popular Film. Mr Bolea pointed out that this year, Air Pacific was sponsoring the "Best Director" category and was providing a return trip to Brisbane for the winner.

All entries will be shown on Fiji One on July 19th, 2008 at 3:30pm and the public will ahve the opportunity to vote for the Most Popular Film Award. The screening will be repeated on Fiji One on Monday 21 July at 2:30pm. Mr Bolea said the public will also have the opprotunity to view and vote for their favorite film on http://www.tflkulafilmawards.com.fj and on-site at the Audio Visual Industry Open Day at the Civic Center.

Certificates, trophies and attractive prizes will be presented to both the winning schools as well as to the students. Prizes include computers, printers, scanners, internet connections, mobile phones, cash, resort accomodation and meal vouchers.

Mr Bolea said that,"The FAVC acknowledges with deep appreciation the continued sponsorship provided by TFL which has enabled us to embark on this ambitious project," adding that TFL is an important partner in this exciting project assisting the development of our young people. He also acknowledged the support of Air Pacific, SPR, Vodafone, Sofitel and other sponsors who are providing prizes.

The Awards are a part of the Audio Visual Industry Open Day to be held at the Suva Civic Center on 25th and 26th July, 2008. The activities planned for the two days include panel discussions, screening of movies made in Fiji, screenings of film entries for the 2008 TFL Kula Awards, screenings of films submitted for the 2006 and 2007 TFL Kula Film Awards, stunts performances by overseas stuntmen, simulated news reading by visitors to the Open day, performances by local musicians and displays of facilities and services available locally to support the film industry.

Entry to the Open Day is free. Tickets for the Awards Night on Saturday 26th July are avilable from the FAVC for $5 each. Tickets which include the post-Awards dinner cost $20 only.

For further information, please contact Florence Swamy or Talei Senikarawa at the FAVC on 330 6662