Kelston Boy wins best actor award

Best actor: Saquib Ahmed won the award in the short film challenge.

By Leanne Warr

Saquib Ahmed is known for his high energy antics.

The Kelston Boys High School pupil, who helped his theatre sports team win a regional competition last year, has just a best actor award.

The 17 year old Glen Eden resident picked up the prize in the Youthtown Short Film Challenge.

Saquib: a self-titled film by Ben was produced and directed by classmate Ben Anderson and looks at the challenges of suburbia from the perspective of the title character.

"The film seems to be based on some of my more exaggerated characteristics," Saquib says.

"But I'm probably only like that some of the time."

Saquib is headed for greater things having beeing given a free place on a course at Southseas Film and Television School.

Youthtown spokesman Greg Weller says it is great to see the steady rise in the standard of films entered.

The challenge is in its fourth year.

Entries came in from Wellington and Christchurch as well as Auckland.

"It's been very gratifying to have entrants from around the country," Mr Weller says.

"It vindicates our belief in this contest's ability to inspire creative young people, some of whom will want to make careers for themselves in our film industry, while others will become skilled amateurs."

Mr Weller says Youthtown's role is to help young people express themselves.

"Filmmaking is clearly part of this mix and we're delighted to be involved."

Western Leader