A young Whangarei Heads filmmaker has won the top prize in a national film competition, netting $2000 and a two-day industry internship.
James Pryor's documentary-style film about the conservation efforts of his 10-year-old brother was held to be the "Most Inspiring Story" from more than 30 entries received as part of the competition themed "Young Kiwis making a difference".
The 22-year-old, a South Seas Film School graduate, followed brother Jordan Williamson through the native bush and river on the family farm in McLeod's Bay, with dog Buddy in tow.
Scott Pryor, his uncle and executive producer with six years' experience working for Auckland production company Flying Fish, says despite being director James prefers to stay behind the scenes out of the public eye.
Titled Continuity Error, the film starts with the quote, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
"I think it's really important for people to respect and understand other lives as equal," Jordan said in the film.
His narrative in the film also provides the reasoning behind its name.
"I've been a conservationist for three years now and I study continuity," he said.
"If we don't buck up our ideas soon we'll just be another continuity error."
Both Jordan and James got on stage to receive the top award at the ceremony at Te Papa in Wellington last Saturday.
First prize for James included a two-day internship at Image & Sound, as well as $2000 sponsored by the New Zealand Federation Against Copyright Theft.
Managing director Tony Eaton said the calibre of entries was impressive.
"It's critical that we support and nurture talent to grow the New Zealand film industry."
The film can be viewed online at www.inspiringstories.org.nz.