The NAFF Team

Here's the crew that brings NAFF together!

Frankie Johns

Event Coordinator

Kia Ora, I'm Frankie Johns, a local student in Whangārei with a deep passion for the arts. The inspiration to revive NAFF struck during a rehearsal for Northland Youth Theatre's production of "The Happy Prince" while sitting on the iconic ONEONESIX couches. The idea of resurrecting The Northland Amateur Filmmakers festival emerged, aiming to build a community for filmmakers in Te Tai Tokerau. This community seeks to nurture talent, utilizing Northland's industry expertise, as you'll discover below. The revival of NAFF in Whangārei is truly exciting, fostering a supportive environment for filmmakers and like-minded individuals.

Giles McNeill

Judge

After growing up in Northland and going to high school in Whangarei, Giles moved to Wellington where he studied film at Victoria University and got immersed in the performing arts world, acting in theatre and playing in bands. As well as producing hundreds of corporate videos, Giles began making his own narrative short films. In 2012 Giles produced, co-wrote, directed, shot and edited, 'Brains', a comedy horror short film that won the National and Wellington 48 Hour film competition and went on to screen in festivals around the world. In 2014 Giles again lead his team to win the Wellington competition and came second in the National competition with their film, Rubble. Giles' film work has included creating funded music videos, crewing on NZFC short films and working as the second assistant director on the feature film 'Belbird'(2019). After moving back to Northland, Giles has written short films and a feature and in 2021 he tutored young people in Whangarei's Questionable Research Labs ahead of their entries into the 48 hour film competition, and was a Judge for the Hamilton regional part of the competition. Now, as well as being a busy dad to young kids, Giles is getting involved in the local music scene, playing saxophone and working to produce his next films.

Jason Taylor

Judge

Jason Taylor (Ngāti Maniapoto/Waikato) is a Te Tai Tokerau based screen producer. His ambition is dedicated to empowering a new generation of exceptional scripted and factual storytellers. Jase's journey has led him to focus on stories that hero cultural perspectives, providing a pathway both on and off screen for Aotearoa NZ’s most exciting screen talent. In 2023 he was the recipient of HE ARA Slate Development support from NZFC. He is the producer of a NZFC funded animated short titled Mirumiru and is establishing relationships with RNZ, Whakaata Māori, TVNZ, Sky Originals, and RE. Jason has a slate factual, short film, scripted series, and feature projects including animation, in development and production.

Grayson Sutherland

Media and Website

Site created and designed by Grayson Sutherland