Christchurch Teen Kenta Lord Wins Best International Film Prize

Kenta Lord won the best international film prize for his short film Trace at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York last month.

The Christchurch teenager was also nominated for best overall film, best direction, and best drama at the festival, which is the world’s largest student film festival.

Lord said he set a goal a couple of years ago after watching highlight reels from the 2024 and 2025 events.

“I remember thinking to myself back then, one day I’m going to be there … one day I’m going to watch my own film in Times Square.”

Lord told Checkpoint.

It was Lord’s first trip to the United States. He said it was a proud moment to mingle with talented young filmmakers and have Trace recognized.

Trace follows a young detective investigating the murder of a police chief’s daughter in the countryside. Lord said the investigation gradually becomes unsettling.

Lord said his films often explore family relationships and human connections. His parents introduced him to older films like The Godfather when he was young.

Last year, Lord made his first proper short film titled Zippo, which was set during World War II after the Normandy landings. He said he cast classmates as actors and sourced costumes and props from Facebook Marketplace.

Lord is currently experimenting with shorter format films and heads to Auckland to make a project with friends met at local festivals. He also has a larger project about an astronaut lined up for early next year.

Having just finished high school, Lord said his studying options remain open for next year.

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