Wanted: Raglan Whaingaroa Film Makers and Actors
Nominations are now open for the 2012 Raglan Arts Film Festival Awards. The highly sought after RAFFA awards celebrate
the achievements of local Raglan Whaingaroa film makers and actors. While nominations can be for movies of any length
and genre, they must be made by film makers, or actors from around the Whaingaroa Harbour (West of the deviation) or
filmed in the area. Raglan Arts Council Chair, Rodger Gallagher said, "The Awards acknowledge the high local interest in this art form and the creativity achieved. This is the fourth year of
the awards and already there are some strong contenders."
The RAFFA awards culminate in a red carpet awards evening held in September. The Awards are organised by the Raglan
Community Arts Council and held at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre after the Academy has reviewed the nominations. The
major overall award is known as the RAFFA Creative Force Award and in 2011 it went to Raglan Area School teachers and
children of Te Roopu Aroha ki Te Reo. The other main categories are for Documentary, Music Video, Environmental, Live
Action, Best Actor and Actress. There is also a People's Choice Award.
All nominated short films that meet the criteria will be screened at the awards night along with excerpts from TV series
and feature length films. Due to the overwhelming response to see the local films, an additional screening is held on
the day following the awards ceremony.
The RAFFA awards were designed by local Whaingaroa steel artist, Philip Meek.