The winners for New Zealand's top international short film festival, Show Me Shorts, have been announced.
- New Zealand's best short films honoured
- The festival putting Māori film on the world map
- Are NZ movie-goers losing their manners?
The team behind My Friend Michael Jones took home three of the major awards - Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and Best NZ Film.
The film is set in Otara, and features an eclectic ensemble of Polynesian characters. It deals with issues relating to anxiety disorder, bullying and suicide prevention.
The jury members said the film had a "truly phenomenal cast and powerful performances by all".
"What an uplifting story with an important message about acceptance. So relevant and a must-see for all young people."
The jury members for the 2018 Show Me Shorts awards included actor/comedian Rhys Darby, broadcaster Carol Hirschfield, filmmaker Phil Brough, film producer from Sesame Workshop, Kimberley Wright, programmer Opal H Bennett and Andrew Cornwell, former head of Sony Pictures NZ.
The awards were given out at the festival's opening night gala at The Civic on Saturday night. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff were both in attendance.
Show Me Shorts is playing throughout October and November at 28 cinemas nationwide from Kaitaia to Stewart Island. Full programme details are at www.showmeshorts.co.nz.
Full list of award winners:
Panavision Best Cinematographer
Ian McCarroll for The Brother
Toi Whakaari Best Actor
Villa Junior Lemanu for My Friend Michael Jones
Final Draft Best Screenplay
Eldon Booth, Ian Leaupepe and Samson Rambo for My Friend Michael Jones
NZ on Air Best Music Video
Alexander Gandar and Kate Moses for 'Laugh It Off' - Chelsea Jade
DEGNZ Best Editor
Betsy Bauer for Cleaver
DEGNZ Best Director
Summer Agnew for The Brother
NZFC Special Jury Prize
Simeon Duncombe for Production Design of Toilet
SAE Best International Film
Sorcha Bacon and Harry Lighton for Wren Boys (UK)
Department of Post Best NZ Film
Alex Lovell, Eldon Booth, Ian Leaupepe and Samson Rambo for My Friend Michael Jones
Newshub.