A Tauranga photographer and filmmaker whose showcase of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride scooped a coveted award from the Photographic Society of New Zealand.

Blue Chilli Productions director and co-owner Matt Leamy won a gold medal for his film on the 2016 charity ride at the Jack Sprosen Memorial Trophy AV Competition held recently.

His gold-medal winning audio visual combines editorial style photography with live commentary and was enough to win Matt the Jack Sprosen Memorial Trophy for digital audio visual sequences at last weekend's ceremony.

Matt's intention with his film was to shine a spotlight on prostate cancer and men's mental health and while accepting his award took the opportunity to talk about the event and the team of hard-working volunteers who make it a reality.

'It's an inspired event. What better way to bring these sensitive issues to the fore than to link them with that most manly of leisure pursuits – big blokey motor-bikes.

'The fact it raised more than $3.6 million for charity globally shows it really is making a valuable contribution both financially and in terms of awareness.”

A photo which appears in Matt's film. Photo: Matt Leamy

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is a global phenomenon that sees more than 57,000 bikers taking part in 600 events staged all over the world.

The plan was for all events to happen on September 25, but with gale warnings in force, the local organisers Wayne Cockburn and Damian Fleming of Bayride Motorcycles made the call to postpone the Tauranga ride until October 9.

But the delay did nothing to dampen the mood, with 73 distinguished gentlemen, and a couple of equally distinguished gentle-women, taking to the streets on the day.

'We're absolutely thrilled with local support for the event and we're absolutely wrapped with Matt's win. He's a hugely talented guy and we're extremely fortunate to have had his support,” says Wayne.

A photo which appears in Matt's film. Photo: Matt Leamy