A GROUP of young people who made a film about having a stammer have won an award.

Youngsters aged from eight to 16, who were inspired by their stammers to make a short film called The Stammurai, have been handed the First Light Best Animation award 2012 in a ceremony that took place at the British Film Institute in London.

The film, which was made with animation developers Evil Twin Artworks and the Fluency Trust, fought off competition from hundreds of films by people across the country.

Mark Carroll, director of Evil Twin Artworks, said: “It has been a great journey for the young people. They have all worked so hard and to see them receive the award was a fantastic way to wrap things up. They have all learned so much and I look forward to see what they do next.”

The annual First Light Awards showcase the creative talents of young people across the UK. It is an inspirational event that celebrates the next generation of British filmmakers.

The winners were chosen by a host of industry judges, including the Academy Award winner and director of Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours, Danny Boyle.

Sam Mendes, director of American Beauty and the new James Bond film Skyfall, was also on the panel.

One of the young people involved in making the film, Liam Wakeling, said: “Getting to go to the First Light Movie Awards was amazing. I never thought we would win, but when our name was announced I was so happy.

“I loved every minute of the awards, and got to meet so many famous people. I’m very proud of our film and hope it can help other people when they see it.”

The project was partially funded by The Fluency Trust , a charity created by people who stammer and speech and language therapists, which also helped oversee and advise how the film makers should best work with young people who stammer and create a positive experience.

Matthew Kilford and Peter George Rowe, from Dacoit Studios, delivered all the audio sessions for The Stammurai project, helping the young people create sound effects, vocal tracks and music.

The project was supported by the lottery through the UK Film council’s First Light initiative.

To watch the film, search for The Stammurai on youtube.com.