Showquest is an annual stage show competition for school pupils, but the event was cancelled this year because of Covid-19.
So a one-off challenge — Showquest on Screen — was developed for 2020, giving pupils an opportunity to create a seven-minute self-filmed screen video, exploring a story or theme.
This year’s themes highlighted issues on the minds of today’s pupils and included performances about social distancing, anxiety created by social media, body positivity and climate change.
The Mount Aspiring College team joined other regional winners in the digital national final, which was held online yesterday.
The results will be released tomorrow.
Year 13 pupil and director Kiera Gray said it was important to the team to produce something meaningful they could share with their local community.
Their video Nga Mea Iti captured their affiliation with their local environment, appreciating the importance of the simple and the beautiful.
"We were able to create something beautiful and enjoy being together in our environment," she said.
"The performing arts are important because they create rounded individuals who have the ability to show empathy, work under any circumstance and respond to change."
The videos were judged by a panel which included Antonia Prebble, Maddy Barnett, Claudia Nixon, Lucy Wymer and Taylor Mansfield.
Other award Otago-Southland regional winners were: Southland Girls’ High School (2), Otago Girls’ High School (3); best environmental story: Mount Aspiring College; best positive message: Wakatipu High School; best educational message: Otago Girls' High School; best original story: James Hargest Junior College; best blockbuster: Southland Girls' High School; best magical moment: Mount Aspiring College; best use of location filming: Mount Aspiring College; Commendation: Southland Girls' High School and Otago Girls' High School; most effective use of live sound: Mount Aspiring College; most innovative use of lighting: Southland Girls' High School.
