Te Kura student Robby van Greunen has made his mark nationally, winning Best Screenwriter and Best Sound Mix at the OnScreen National Finals 2025, a youth-based filmmaking competition run by Rock Quest Promotions, the same organization that does Smokefree Rock Quest!
His team’s short film What Did I Say Wrong explores themes of self-protection and awareness. It follows a girl who realises she’s being followed and seeks refuge with a cleaner. Their exchange blurs the line between safety and vulnerability, can trust be built in a moment of fear?
What Did I Say Wrong
“My creative style is driven by my experiences, the way I view things and the stories I have lived through.” says Robby.
Robby would like to acknowledge the wonderful group of people he worked with to make this project happen. He says that it was unexpected that they made the finals, and he’s very grateful for the Onscreen team for running the competition.
Robbie is no stranger to the creative world, his talents span playing the clarinet, performing stand-up, acting, and making short films. One of his projects from 2024, The Day I Left, explores two contrasting scenarios between two young men: overprotection and overwhelming responsibility. Themes of separation are quite common in his work, something that is reflective in the way Robby spends much of his time.
When asked what drives him, Robby shared a quote that resonates deeply:
“The pain of discipline outweighs the pain of regret.”
Currently based in Whangarei, Northland, Robby is planning his next move – Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland, with a focus on clarinet performance. He is glad to nearly be done with school!