An aspiring filmmaker from Canberra has taken out two gongs at a film and television awards ceremony recognising young and emerging talent in Australia.
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Mike Ridley, 18, won best direction for his films Alternate and A Moment's Grace and best screenwriting for A Moment's Grace at the Bond University Film and Television Awards (BUFTA) at the weekend.
The Canberra Grammar School student said he was honoured his work was recognised as award-worthy.
"I'm pretty stoked," he said on Tuesday.
"I definitely wasn't expecting to win those ones [categories]. It's really satisfying and I'm just really happy and overwhelmed I suppose.
"It was pretty amazing going up and accepting the awards."
Mr Ridley said winning the awards further cemented his aspirations of pursuing a career in filmmaking.
Alternate tells the story of a boy who lives two alternate lives– one is a nerd and the other a social party-goer. One day their worlds collide and they meet.
A Moment's Grace explores the story of a teenager who kills his best friend through drink-driving.
Mr Ridley said his love of filmmaking first began when his father taught him how to make stop-motion animation using clay figures.
He made his first film when he was about 12 years old.
The awards at the weekend were presented by Oscar-winning Australian "clayographer" Adam Elliott, best known for his animation film Harvie Krumpet.
Thomas Evans from Corinda State High School in Queensland won the overall best film maker award.
Bond University director of film and television Associate Professor Michael Sergi said the 19th annual BUFTA had been one of the biggest and most successful yet.
"More students are becoming aware of it and realising that BUFTA is a great opportunity for them to kickstart their career in film and television," he said in a statement.