The 17-year-old has won the 2012 Otago Secondary Schools Film Competition with his film Brain Thieves from Planet X.
Rhian gained inspiration from the low-budget films by using laser guns, and miniature models and props, including an egg-beater which proved to be an effective tool for removing brains.
Despite the film's success, Rhian said he had reservations about it.
"I never really thought it would be that good a film.
"I'm a bit of a perfectionist - I'm my own worst critic.
"But I'm glad other people like it," he said.
The judges were impressed with the humour and technical skills shown in his film.
Otago Girls' High School pupil Sophie Kemp was runner-up in the competition with her film Simon the Slug.
Third equal went to Bayfield High School's Sam Shannon and Kate Sparrow with Taking Time, and Logan Park High School pupils Troy Figgins and Paige MacAskill with Incredibly Cheesy and Vomit Worthy.
Rhian has also entered the V48hour Film Competition for several years and won prizes.
He plans to study science at the University of Otago next year, before doing a post-graduate course in science and film-making.
