Cameron Duncan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cameron Duncan
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| Born |
Cameron Troy Duncan
20 April 1986 |
| Died | 12 November 2003 (aged 17) |
Cameron Troy Duncan (born April 20, 1986 – died November 12, 2003) was a talented young filmmaker from New Zealand. He created amazing short films and advertisements, even inspiring a song for a famous movie!
Cameron's Life and Films
Cameron had Māori heritage and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. He went to Avondale College. Cameron loved making videos. He made many home movies, but he finished two special short films: DFK6498 and Strike Zone.
- DFK6498 was about his journey with bone cancer. It showed how his illness made him feel trapped, like being in prison.
- Strike Zone was all about his passion for softball.
Both of Cameron's films were recognized at the Wanganui Rivercity Film Festival. In 2002, DFK6498 won awards for best script and the viewers' choice. Cameron himself won the best director award. The next year, in 2003, Strike Zone won the best film award!
Cameron also did very well in the Fair Go Ad Awards. He won the award for best high school entry in both 1999 and 2003. The advertisement he made in 1999 was even shown on TV by TVNZ. It had an important message about road safety.
Cameron traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to try different treatments for his bone cancer. Sadly, he passed away on November 12, 2003, in Texas, when he was just 17 years old.
Cameron's Connection to The Lord of the Rings
Towards the end of his life, Cameron became friends with famous filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. Cameron's illness also inspired Fran Walsh to write the lyrics for the song "Into the West." This song won an Oscar and was featured in the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
After Cameron passed away, his short films and a documentary about him were included on the Extended Edition DVD set for The Return of the King.
While visiting the set of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Cameron met some of the actors. He received blessings from Viggo Mortensen and Sir Ian McKellen. He also got a signed photo from John Rhys-Davies. Cameron was even going to appear briefly in the film, but his health made it impossible for him to do so.
