Experimental film takes top prize

He used a mash-up of film stocks and styles and his originality and confidence impressed the judges, who loved the "film noir aesthetic" and praised his "technical assurance and ambition".

Mr Rashid and other winners were announced on at an awards ceremony and screening at RMIT Kaleide Theatre.

In its 20th year, the annual awards celebrate the film-making talent of RMIT students. With 14 films shortlisted from more than 70 entries, competition was fierce.

Industry judges Gus Berger (Red Hot Shorts), Olya Nikitina (Melbourne Cinématèque), Cameron Clarke (RMIT Screenwriting), and Tanya Ungeri (RMIT Link Arts and Culture) had a challenging task, but were impressed by the quality and breadth of the films on offer.

The event featured the very best in drama, animation, experimental, comedy, and documentary short films by students from a wide range of RMIT programs.

From the lyrical cinematography of Sean Lee's Precipice to Rebecca Hayes' charmingly funny animation The Show there was something to please every taste.

Best Animation went to Amy Alexander for her beautifully delicate hand-drawn and painted work in The Wendy Lady, while Best Narrative was picked up by Kathryn Goldie from the Diploma of Screenwriting for the tightly scripted Steak.

Open Channel, Madman Entertainment, Cinema Nova, MIFF, Melbourne Cinématequè, SPAA, Red Hot Shorts, This is Not a Film Festival, and Screenhub donated subscriptions, memberships, DVD packs, and free tickets, as well as the chance to be screened again in short film programs at ACMI and 1000 £ Bend.

Mr Rashid and a fellow filmmaker will be flown to Sydney in 2012 to attend the Screenwriters and Producers Association of Australia's Fringe Conference, as well as receiving a free membership to the association courtesy of SPAA and RMIT Link.

Award winners

Best Comedy: The Show
Writer/Director: Rebecca Hayes
Sound Design: Angela Grant

Best Experimental: The Toff
Writer/Director: Johann Rashid
Producer: Daniel Ippoliti

Best Animation: The Wendy Lady
Writer/Director: Amy Alexander

Best Drama: Precipice
Director: Sean Lee
Writer: Elliot Heatwole
Producer: Jon See

Best Music Video: Morning Madness
Writer/Director: Domenico De Rosa

Best Narrative: Steak
Writer/Director: Kathryn Goldie
Producer: Jeff Goldfinch

Best Documentary: Australia's Outback: The Whole Hog
Director: Astyn Reid
Producer: Astyn Reid, Jillian Sands, Melissa Kahraman

Best Film: The Toff
Writer/Director: Johann Rashid
Producer: Daniel Ippoliti

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