MC Petunia Msani congratulates academic award
 winners (from left) Ms Tracy Webb, Ms Lara
Williamson and Ms Candace Keyworth at the
Assegai Student Film Awards.

UKZN’s Media and Cultural Studies Discipline on the Pietermaritzburg campus - in collaboration with the Centre for Visual Arts - hosted its annual Assegai Student Film Awards evening to honour students involved in producing film and animation at the Hexagon Theatre.

The ten films screened showcased the emerging talent UKZN has to offer the film industry.

A judge, Ms Sarah Dawson, said she looked for creative ideas in the films. ‘The students showed that they have original ideas and displayed diversity in terms of what they produce. The calibre of their films can rival any out there,’ she said.

This year’s awards evening was distinguished by ‘tighter and slicker’ programming along with a buzzing atmosphere assisted by the smooth harmonies of the singers from Platform Society. The audience also had opportunities to win prizes from lucky draws and for the best dressed guests.

Mr Stuart Nixon was showered with awards including best cinematography, best visual direction and best editing. Mr Karel Schmidt received the award for best dramatic direction as well as the coveted Best Film award.

Best Script went to Ms Lona Mkhize and Best Sound Design to Ms Navikiran Babulal.

The Best 2011 second semester Honours Film award was won by Mr Donavan Orr, the Best Summer Film School award by Mr Josh Martin, and the most committed actor by Mr Kline Smith.

Academic awards were also presented to students doing exceptionally well in their media studies from first year through to honours level.