The Centre for Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa has announced the winners of the 2018 Centre for Samoan Studies Film Challenge.

The winners were announced at a private screening in Apia on Monday night. Six films were submitted for review, which were produced and videoed by a number of NUS and nursing students. Each film was judged on a criteria set by the Centre and were required to meet this year’s theme of focusing on gender issues. 

First place went to a film titled “Violence Project” which was produced by Ben Percival and Elvina Tuiletufuga. Film titled “Equal”—which was another production by Ben and Elvina—came second with third place going to the titles “Nofotane – Boss at work” and “Nofotane at Home”. They were produced by Saunima’a Ma Fulu Aiolupotea and Abraham Fatupaito.

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Sara Moriarty, said the entries were of high standard and she was impressed with the storylines. 

“I would like to acknowledge the high standard of all the entries. I was thoroughly impressed by the story lines, as well as the direction and production of the film clips—there was a high level of technical competence and some very powerful gender content and film techniques.

“Today’s presentation of films is perfectly timed, coming just a day after International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. As you will know, today is the second day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which is currently being observed nationally throughout Samoa and across the globe,” she said.

Focusing on the benefits of having a gender-equal world, the diplomat said girls can reach their full potential free of violence, which is a core priority in Australia’s foreign policy and development partnerships. 

 “The Australian Government is proud to support initiatives such as this film competition through the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme - a regional media development program that aims to facilitate discourse across government, business and civil society, via Pacific media,” she added.

Students were invited in July to submit expressions of interest to participate in a video and film-creation workshop, which were run by Australian ABC journalist and filmmaker Catherine Marciniak in September and October this year. The Australian government-funded Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) funded the workshops and Catherine’s participation. 

The public are invited to attend the public screenings of the films this Friday 30 November 2018 at NUS, Room D201, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.