Ngurrawaana the film, directed by Kieran Satour, is this year’s winner of the Monster Children Short Film Awards (MCSFA), presented by Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT). 

Kieran (of Garuwa), along with producer Ramona Telecican, editor Rah Dakota, cinematographer Ryan Andrew Lee and photographer James Evans created a short film which explores a Yindjibarndi man’s journey back to his homelands and shows how being back on country helps First Nations people find their spirit and power amongst their ancestors. 

For the awards a shortlist of five directors were asked to provide a treatment concept incorporating the theme of ‘Regeneration’ to be filmed in Wānaka.

“All five responses were incredible,” LWT said in a statement, “but it was Kieran’s deeply considered response to the subject that made the difference.”

During the process of making Ngurrawaana it was important to be able to share Yindjibarndi culture in an authentic and nuanced way, Kieran said.  

“I am humbled to be the winner of MCSFA 2023 and am even more excited to see the Yindjibarndi story reach a bigger audience via Ngurrawaana’s win. 

“I want to thank the Yindjibarndi for trusting me to make the film with them, especially Juluwarlu CEO Lorraine Coppin, her son Wimiya Woodley, his partner Iya Ware and his father Michael Woodley.  

“In the same vein as our process with the Yindjibarndi, the kaupapa for our film in Wānaka was always going to be a First Nations first approach that centres around Kāi Tahu experience, worldview and perspective”.  

The calibre of talent made it both exciting and difficult for to choose a winner, LWT marketing and communications manager Gizelle Regan said.

“After an extraordinary response to the theme of regeneration special mentions need to go out to the runners up Kauis Potter, Tom Morales, Jason Tran, and Tim Brown who have each won $1,000 in cash as well as a $500 Sony hardware voucher.” 

Kieran and his team have won a $10,000 cash prize, $10,000 worth of film hardware from Sony, and production budget to direct a short film, on-location with local crew and Monster Children Films, supported by LWT and partner Film Queenstown Lakes.  

Watch the winning entry here and keep an eye out for the Wānaka based film due for release before Christmas.