Empower Budding Film-makers: Koya
The Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport (MCTTT), Faiyaz Siddiq Koya is calling on Fijians to empower budding film-makers to become agile participants in economic activities.
Minister Koya was speaking while officiating at the Film Fiji Mobile Movie Awards Presentation at MCTTT Board Room, Level 3, Civic Tower, yesterday.
“Now more than ever, we must empower budding film-makers to become agile participants in economic activities.
“By investing in our young filmmakers, we are contributing to their capability to succeed.
“We are giving them a starting point in making a difference in society, and introducing a sense of independence and distinctiveness.”
The Mobile Movie Competition
The Mobile Movie Competition received a total of 46 registrations for two categories, Budding (below 18 years) and Professional (above 18 years).
“Through the “Mobile Movie Competition”, we want to keep the
Kula Awards momentum alive. The Competition became an alternative avenue to encourage the young and inexperienced film makers to utilise their creativity in an innovative manner.
“At the same time, the work of the professional participants, gives confidence to these younger Fijians that there is a future in this industry. And that they can also break new grounds, as film-makers.”
Minister Koya said whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the global and national economy and our daily lives, it has also become a driver of creativity and invention.
“We have seen creativity in the submissions received in various genres.
“I am told, the themes stretched from COVID-19, Love our Locals, Fijian Made, horror, comedy, social issues, tourism and even the life of bees and the process of making honey.
“As a Government determined to provide economic access and digital access to all Fijians, we have set the direction for economic prosperity. “We are empowering young Fijians with digital skills, expertise and applied experience in film-making, not only through these competitions,
but also through the opportunity to work with international and domestic productions.
“Earlier last month, we announced the successful premier of the 10 episode of the “World’s Toughest Race” – Eco challenge Fiji, which emphasises that Fiji is capable of hosting major international productions.
“Given that we are no stranger to reality TV series being filmed here.
“I wish to reiterate, the importance of continuity in providing a platform to our film-makers to sharpen their talent, as this would encourage and strengthen the growth of our film industry
“The film industry has contributed
significantly to the Fijian economy as last year alone saw film productions spend an estimated $138.5 million directly into the Fijian economy and employment creation for over 2,700 Fijians.
“Despite the challenging times the world is going through, we must continue to give our film-makers an avenue to express their creativity and refine their craft,” Mr Koya said.
Collective effort
This competition has been a collective effort, of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Tourism Fiji and Film Fiji.
The Ministry and Tourism Fiji have sponsored prizes that advocate the Fijian brand, whether through the “Fijian Made-Buy Fijian” campaign or “Love our Locals”
Budding Film Makers Category
■Best Film: “Bera” by Esekaia Qio
■Best Cinematography: “Bera” by Esekaia Qio
■Best Sound: “Dark Hotel” by Ketueni Taqasi
COVID19 Special Award: “Bera” by Esekaia Qio
Film Fiji Special Commendation: “Auspicious Success” by Joel Dean Russel
Open Film Makers Category
■Best Film: “The Void” by Ritesh Chand
■Best Cinematography: “The Void” by Ritesh Chand
■Best Sound: Untitled Short Film by Jean Tikaram
■Best Original Score
“Search” by Olivia Bera
■Love Our Locals Special “#LoveOurLocals” by Lanieta Wainiqolo
■Support Fijian Made For A Stronger Fiji Special Award Untitled Short Film by Jean Tikaram
■COVID19 Special Award “COVID19 Fiji” by Josefa Mainavolau
■Fi●m Fiji Special Commendation “Private Job” by Immanuel Anand Raj
■Fi●m Fiji Special Commendation “Search” by Olivia Bera.