Aspiring 15 year old director receives the Best Film Award

15-year-old Esekaia Qio is very close to achieving his dream of becoming a movie director after receiving the Best Film Award during the Fiji Film Mobile Movie Awards that was held at Civic Tower.

He directed the winning video "Bera" which raises awareness about COVID-19 and the effects it has had on people.

The Dudley High School Student says that he enjoyed coming up with the idea and script for the project with his friends.

Qio has advised his peers to continuously work hard and look ahead despite hardships faced by families due to the pandemic.

The aspiring director received three awards under the Budding Film Makers Category (under 18 category) for his short film “Bera” which includes the Best Film Award, Best Cinematography Award and the COVID-19 Special Award.

Meanwhile, Korovuto College Technical Drawing teacher, Ritesh Chand won the Best Film and Best Cinematography Award under the Open Film Category (above 18 years).

Chand says that this project was a way for him to step out of the shadows and showcase his talent.

He says that his winning short film titled "The Void" was inspired by a student who was finding it hard when his parents separated.

Chand advises parent and teachers to always be there for a child as they will not always be open to talking about what they are going through.

Budding Film Category

Best Film
- “Bera” by Esekaia Qio

Best Cinematography
- “Bera” by Esekaia Qio

Best Sound
- “Dark Hotel” by Ketueni Taqasi

COVID-19 Special Award
- “Bera” by Esekaia Qio

Film Fiji Special Commendation
- “Auspicious Success” by Joel Dean Russell

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 Awards
- “#LoveOurLocals” by Lanieta Wainiqolo

Support Fijian Made For A Stronger Fiji Special Award
– Untitled Short Film by Jean Tikaram

COVID-19 Special Award
- “COVID19 Fiji” by Josefa Mainavolau

Film Fiji Special Commendation
- “Private Job” by Immanuel Anand Raj

Film Fiji Special Commendation
- ‘Search” by Olivia Bera