As we approach the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Film Studies as a subject at Bradfield, those who study it have cause for more celebration with a number of our pupils’ recent A Level films being nominated for, and winning, national awards.
The films we’ve seen are projects that students have put their heart and soul into.
Johan (D) won Best TV/Film Extract at the WJEC Moving Image Awards for his short Guilt, a drama about a young man trying to cope with the death of his sister. Judges praised the “clever concept of a memory house and a difficult subject dealt with sensitively.” They went on to state that the narrative was nicely handled Johan’s “execution is interesting and well controlled.”
He was announced as a winner at a glittering ceremony held at the British Film Institute in February with Film Studies teachers Jane Stables and Kira Macaskill picking up the award on his behalf. Johan’s classmates Jack (G) and Charlie (G) were highly commended in the same category for their extracts My First Funeral and King of Diamonds respectively.
Commenting on this year’s awards, leading film critic, Anna Smith said: “The films we’ve seen are projects that students have put their heart and soul into. Authenticity is key and it’s great to see young people with such passion and determination.”
Jenny Stewart, Eduqas Film Studies Subject Officer, said: “We are delighted to be able to reward students this year at the Awards ceremony. It has been an absolute privilege to work with our amazing panel of presenters who also recognise the talent of our young people. Huge congratulations to all of our highly commended, shortlisted entrants and winners, and the teachers who have clearly worked so hard to support their creative endeavours.”
Johan and Charlie are also among four pupils whose films have been selected for awards at the upcoming Aldridge UTC Film Festival, based in Media City UK, which champions the work of student filmmakers. The pair are joined by Jess (J), Memory City, and Max (G), Syncopation, with all four films due to be screened at the festival in July. Charlie’s King of Diamonds has been shortlisted in the Best in Festival category.
This year the festival attracted the work of student filmmakers from across the globe and prides itself on discovering and championing emerging filmmakers, allowing them access to networking with industry professionals. Good luck to all four this summer.
