It may not be an Oscar but the “Pania” is a highly coveted trophy for students doing the two-year Diploma in Video and Electronic Media programme at EIT Hawke’s Bay.

Final-year students are going for gold – in the form of a gilded statuette – with their entries in the weekend’s mini film festival Film Fatale.

The figurine, inspired by the iconic Te Pania statue in Napier’s Marine Parade Gardens, is the top award at the annual end-of-year event organised by students on the diploma programme.

Not only do they write the scripts – first year students submitting commercials and second year students doing short dramas – they also build the sets, and then shoot, direct and produce their own films.

“Often they act in them as well,” says programme coordinator Chris Verburg. “The students’ filming is superb technically, with high resolution and surround sound.”

The students design and print their own movie poster to promote the premiere to the viewing public.
The curtain goes up on their efforts at Napier’s Century Theatre on Monday, 2 November. The premiere will screen some 10 dramas and the same number of commercials – between 60 and 90 minutes of filming.

As in the past two years, the evening’s highlight will be the presentation of “Pania”, awarded for the most competently handled movie.

The winner gets to keep the trophy, in the hope that it may be just the first in a showcase of industry awards.

This year’s movies cover a variety of subjects, with comedies that include a Ninja take-off, family drama and romances.

“We always get a good audience response,” Mr Verburg says of the event. “Viewers say the films are really good to watch. They enjoy the premiere.”

Entry to the screening and Pania award at the Century Cinema is by gold coin donation. Mr Verburg says all movie lovers are welcome.