At just 17 years old, Christchurch filmmaker Kenta Lord has achieved something remarkable. His short film Trace has won Best International Film at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York, recognised as the world's largest student film festival. With three additional major nominations, the young New Zealander is proving that ambition, creativity and determination can take Kiwi talent onto the world stage.
eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ Checkpoint, 13 November 2026.
From Christchurch to New York
For most teenagers, finishing high school is a time to consider university, employment or the next stage of life. But for Christchurch filmmaker Kenta Lord, the transition has come with an extraordinary international achievement.
The 17-year-old has returned from New York after winning Best International Film at the All-American High School Film Festival, an event that brings together talented young filmmakers from around the world.
His short film, Trace, also received nominations for Best Overall Film, Best Direction and Best Drama, placing his work among the festival's leading entries.
It was Lord's first visit to the United States, and an experience that could prove significant in his ambition to establish a career in filmmaking.
Speaking to RNZ's Checkpoint, he described the excitement of meeting other young filmmakers and seeing his work recognised internationally.
For a young New Zealander still at the beginning of his creative journey, the recognition represents a remarkable accomplishment.
A Dream Comes True
Lord's success did not happen by accident. It began with a personal ambition he developed while watching highlights of earlier editions of the New York festival.
He recalled watching footage from the 2024 and 2025 events and imagining that one day he would attend, with his own film appearing on screen in Times Square.
Rather than leaving the ambition as a distant dream, he continued making films, developing his skills and working towards that opportunity.
Less than two years later, he had achieved his goal.
The experience was particularly meaningful because the film was the result of a collective effort involving other young creatives who contributed their time and talent.
Lord told RNZ that the achievement belonged not only to him but also to everyone who helped bring the production to life.
His comments reflect an understanding that filmmaking is a collaborative art, requiring actors, crew members and creative partners to turn a story into something audiences can experience.
Original photograph accompanying RNZ's coverage of Kenta Lord and Trace. Photo: Supplied / RNZ.
The Story Behind Trace
Lord's award-winning short film Trace follows a young detective investigating the murder of a police chief's daughter in a rural setting.
What initially appears to be a straightforward investigation gradually develops into something more unsettling.
The young director is reluctant to reveal too much about the plot, preferring audiences to discover its twists and deeper meaning for themselves.
Although the film uses the structure of a crime mystery, Lord's creative interests extend beyond suspense and dramatic storytelling.
He told RNZ that many of his films explore family relationships and the complexities of human connection.
For Lord, believable characters and emotionally grounded relationships are essential ingredients in compelling cinema.
That approach suggests a filmmaker interested not simply in producing striking images but in exploring the experiences and motivations that make stories meaningful.
His international recognition demonstrates that such storytelling can connect with audiences well beyond New Zealand.
Inspired by the Classics
Lord's interest in cinema began at an early age, encouraged by his parents, who introduced him to classic films including The Godfather.
Exposure to established filmmaking traditions helped shape his appreciation of storytelling, character development and cinematic technique.
Rather than waiting until he had completed formal training, Lord began experimenting with filmmaking himself.
His first substantial short film, Zippo, was produced last year and set during the Second World War following the Normandy landings.
For a first production, it was an ambitious undertaking.
Lord recruited classmates as actors and sourced costumes and props through Facebook Marketplace.
The experience involved learning how to organise a production, coordinate performers and solve the practical problems that arise during filming.
Looking back, he acknowledged that the project presented a substantial learning curve.
But the response from those who watched the finished film encouraged him to consider filmmaking as something more than a hobby.
It was the beginning of a serious ambition.
Original photograph from RNZ's coverage of Kenta Lord's filmmaking achievements. Photo: Supplied / RNZ.
Learning by Doing
One of the most encouraging aspects of Lord's story is the practical way he has developed his filmmaking skills.
Rather than waiting for expensive equipment, professional facilities or industry connections, he began with the resources available to him.
He found actors among his classmates, searched for affordable production materials and learned from the challenges of making his own films.
Each project provided an opportunity to develop new skills and refine his creative approach.
This willingness to experiment is particularly important in an industry where technical tools and distribution platforms continue to evolve.
Young filmmakers now have access to cameras, editing software and online audiences that previous generations could scarcely have imagined.
However, access to technology alone does not produce a successful film.
Storytelling, persistence, organisation and the ability to work with others remain essential.
Lord's achievement demonstrates how those qualities can combine to produce work capable of competing internationally.
What's Next for Kenta?
Winning an international award has not slowed Lord's enthusiasm for filmmaking.
He is already experimenting with shorter-format productions and preparing to collaborate with friends he met through local film festivals.
At the time of his RNZ interview, he was planning to travel to Auckland to work on another film.
He also revealed that a larger project was being developed for early 2027.
Although the production remains in its early planning stages, Lord disclosed one intriguing detail: the story involves an astronaut.
Beyond that, he is keeping his plans under wraps.
Having recently completed high school, he is also considering his study options for next year.
The international recognition may open doors, but Lord is clearly focused on continuing to develop his craft.
For someone who has already achieved a major international award before turning 18, the possibilities are considerable.
Original photograph accompanying the RNZ feature on Trace and its young Christchurch filmmaker. Photo: Supplied / RNZ.
New Zealand's Creative Future
New Zealand has developed an international reputation for filmmaking, supported by generations of talented directors, producers, actors and technical specialists.
The country's screen industry has demonstrated that world-class creative work can emerge from a relatively small population.
However, maintaining that reputation requires a continuing pipeline of new talent.
Young filmmakers need opportunities to develop their skills, collaborate with others and reach audiences beyond their immediate communities.
School productions, local film festivals and independent creative projects can provide important starting points.
Lord's achievement is a reminder that the next generation of New Zealand filmmakers is already developing.
His success also challenges the idea that young people must wait until they have established professional careers before their work can receive serious recognition.
With ambition and determination, talented teenagers can produce films that compete internationally.
That is something New Zealand should celebrate.
No More Tall Poppy Syndrome
Too often, New Zealanders are reluctant to celebrate success until it has been recognised overseas.
Yet stories like Kenta Lord's deserve attention precisely because they demonstrate what young Kiwis can achieve.
At 17, he has set an ambitious goal, developed his skills, assembled creative teams and produced an award-winning film.
He has also shown the confidence to take his work beyond New Zealand and compete on an international stage.
Rather than diminishing such achievements, New Zealand should encourage them.
Recognising young talent can inspire others to pursue their own ambitions, whether in filmmaking, music, science, business or sport.
The success of one young creator can become a powerful example for others who are wondering whether their own dreams are achievable.
Lord's story offers a simple message: being young and coming from a small country need not limit the scale of your ambition.
Will This Make New Zealand Stronger?
New Zealand's future depends not only on its established industries but also on the creativity, skills and ambition of its younger generations.
Film and television production contribute to the economy, create employment and help bring New Zealand stories to international audiences.
Developing young creative talent can strengthen those industries while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.
Lord's achievement also highlights the value of practical experience.
He has learned through making films, overcoming challenges and collaborating with others.
Those skills can remain valuable regardless of the direction his career ultimately takes.
Will this make New Zealand stronger?
Absolutely.
Every young New Zealander who develops the confidence and ability to compete internationally contributes to the country's future potential.
And when those achievements are recognised and celebrated at home, they can encourage others to follow.
Watch Trace
Kenta Lord's award-winning short film is available to watch online.
WATCH TRACE — KENTA LORD'S AWARD-WINNING SHORT FILM
The film provides an opportunity to experience the work that earned the Christchurch teenager international recognition.
Original photograph from RNZ's coverage of Kenta Lord's international film festival success. Photo: Supplied / RNZ.
A Kiwi Success Worth Celebrating
Kenta Lord's story is an encouraging reminder of the talent emerging from communities throughout New Zealand.
A Christchurch teenager who dreamed of seeing his film in New York has achieved that ambition and returned home with a major international award.
He has demonstrated creativity, initiative and determination, while recognising the contribution of the people who helped make his film possible.
His next steps remain open, but his achievements have already established a promising foundation.
Whatever direction his career takes, this is a moment worth celebrating.
Congratulations, Kenta Lord. New Zealand should be proud of you.
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