Back O’ the Bus Wins Tropfest NZ 2016
New Plymouth hobby filmmaker, Hannah Taylor has earned the top spot at Tropfest NZ 2016 with her documentary/biopic
short Back o’ the Bus.
Hannah’s short film chronicles her family’s experiences with racism, filmed while visiting her family in Fort Worth
Texas on a trip to farewell her ageing grandfather. Hannah said winning was a complete shock, “I never expected it at
all, the calibre of films this year was incredible and put together by people who really know what they are doing!”
The New Zealand Screen Association sponsors the winning film prize which is a return flight to Los Angeles to meet with
film and TV executives, five nights’ accommodation and $500 spending money.
Matthew Cheetham, Managing Director of the NZ Screen Association said they were thrilled to support Tropfest for a
fourth year and promote the talent of NZ filmmakers. “The 2016 submissions were again of an incredibly high standard
that attest to the quality of film makers in New Zealand. Hannah Taylor’s winning entry, Back o’ the Bus, was thought provoking and a deserved winner.
First prize also takes possession of a $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust.
Jharaiz Kiriona, director and lead actor of Wings won the Nga Aho Whakaari and Te Puni Kokori sponsored award recognising outstanding creativity in film with a $2,500
cash prize attached. Whetu Fala, Chairwoman of Nga Aho Whakaari commended Jharaiz’s directing skills. “His work offers a
window of hope for young people facing challenges, Wings is a satisfyingly beautiful short film about the power of love.”
First time festival sponsor, Gary Watkins of Avalon film & TV Studios said the number of quality short films was excellent. “Tropfest really highlights the creativity and
imagination young filmmakers of NZ have on offer. David Gould from Tomorrow’s Dream won the Avalon Studios sponsored Award which includes $10,000 worth of studio hire at Avalon Studio’s Wellington site.
The Tropfest winner and finalist films can be viewed on Tropfest NZ’s YouTube Channel at
The judging panel for 2016 festival included writer/director/producer Oscar Kightley (Sione’s Wedding, bro’Town) producer Fiona Copland (The Strength of Water, Matariki), writer and director Jonathan King (Under the Mountain, Black Sheep) & 2015 Tropfest winner Gabriel Reid.
AWARD WINNERS:
Winning film – Back o’ the Bus, directed and produced by Hannah Taylor, winning $10,000 cash
Second Place – The Dream of the Driver, directed and produced by Yamin Tun, winning $1,000 cash
Third Place – Lon-Done, directed by Allan George and produced by Allan George and Ben Fowler, winning $500 and the 2016 People’s Choice Award.
Tropfest Best Actress –Jaya Beach-Robertson in Lock & key 2: Rise of the Demons
Tropfest Best Male Actor - Jordan Rivers in John Squared – winning $2500 cash
Yoobee School of Design Best VFX – Chayse Millar for Bathilda’s Cauldron, winning $2,500 cash
Yoobee School of Design Best Animated Film – Kennedy Faimanifo for Papa Taniwha, winning $2,500 cash
Nga Aho Whakaari & Te Puni Kokiri Te Tohu Auahatanga Maori Award, Jharaiz Kiriona, director and lead actor for Wings, winning $2,500 cash
Studio Award - David Gould director of Tomorrow’s Dream winning a $10,000 studio package at Avalon Film & TV Studios.
ENDS