Pupils’ names go up in lights

6:51pm Wednesday 5th March 2008

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By James Wallin »

A GROUP of talented young film-makers have scooped a prestigious award at a star-studded Leicester Square bash.

Students from Isambard Community School, north Swindon, were presented with the best documentary award at the First Lights Movie Awards ceremony on Tuesday, in front of Hollywood stars Kevin Spacey, Orlando Bloom and Sir Ian McKellan.

Their film, entitled The Child and Me charts the transition between junior and secondary school, and was initiated by local arts service Mobile Media, at Create Studios.

Ryan Jones was not fazed by the sprinkling of celebs in the 200-strong audience when he stepped up to accept the award from Newsround presenter, Lizo Mzimba and MP Andy Burnham.

Ryan, 12, said: "It was incredible to be up there and receive the award.

"It was great making the film and I can't wait to plan our next project now that we have had this incredible award."

Headteacher Rachael Mattey said: "I'm very proud of the students and the film.

"It has been a wonderful experience for them, both making the film and now going to the awards ceremony in London to find out they are winners.

"We look forward to watching their film-making go from strength to strength."

Mobile Media brought together the children from five Swindon primary schools to chart their transition to Isambard.

The film-making group teamed the children with industry professionals, including local film director Gurchetan Singh and musician, Barry Andrews.

Shahina Johnson, the director of Mobile Media, said: "We are so thrilled to have received this prestigious award.

"It is a real testament to the dedication of our filmmaking team at Create, who want young people to produce work that is truly professional and tackles moving and gripping topics."

First Light Movies' chief executive Pip Eldridge said: "Year after year I am astounded by the young people's film-making talent and their astute ability to translate their own stories and experiences to the screen resulting in brilliant films that are thoroughly enjoyable to watch."

The film so impressed judges that it will be showcased on Virgin Media's TV on demand service.