After a three-year absence, the Film Festival staged a comeback and our expert judges were blown away by some of our talented Harrodian filmmakers.
The work of our young filmmakers was celebrated on 24th March at Harrodian’s seventh annual Film Festival. After a three-year absence, there was great excitement to see this event back on the calendar. Pupils, parents and aspiring directors gathered in the School Theatre for a screening of short films created and produced by Senior and Sixth Form students and prizes were awarded for the best films by a distinguished trio of judges, consisting of actors and producers David and Georgia Tennant ((photographed above with Sixth Form winner Fynn) and Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue Cinemas and Chair of the British Film Institute.
A visual poem that needs recognition beyond a school film competition. Quite simply in a different league to the other films in the competition with breathtaking images. This person is already a film maker.
Actor and judge David Tennant describes Sixth Former Fynn and his winning film
The range of character and genres tackled in the prizewinning films reflected the diversity of the work on show at the festival as a whole. The winner of the Sixth Form category was Fynn (L6th) for his stunning film The Space between the Rocks which was described by David Tennant on behalf of all the judges as, ' beautifully shot, a piece of art. A visual poem that needs recognition beyond a school film competition. Quite simply in a different league to the other films in the competition with breathtaking images. This person is already a filmmaker.' To view the film please click on it below:
In the Senior category, Jamie from the 13s was awarded first prize for his witty thriller The Elf on the Shelf (below). The runners up were Josh (L6th) with Lefty - an original comedy - and Anais (14s) for her cleverly crafted horror The Light at the Inn. A special mention was given to Karan (U6th) for his film Bad Taste. To watch their films and see the judges comments, please see the links below.
So how did the event – back to its original cinema format (complete with popcorn and purple carpet!) – go down with Harrodians? Senior pupil Tenzin, whose film was shortlisted and showed at this year's screening, found it inspiring: ‘Seeing all the different films from a variety of genres makes me want to make a completely different film next year,’ he said.
Harrodian Head of Media Studies, Mr Cullis, was also delighted with the event: ‘This year we had to shortlist from over 35 films so the quality was fantastic,’ he said. ‘The festival has become a really valuable way to introduce students into film, improving their imagination and creativity as well as their practical film production skills.’
The festival has become a really valuable way to introduce students into film, improving their imagination and creativity as well as their practical film production skills
Sam Cullis, Head of Media Studies
Sixth Form winner Fynn is certainly a huge fan of the Film Festival. 'The whole event was so professional and all the films shown were very impressive. Everything from Sixth Form Prefects ushering people around and serving refreshments, to the purple (not red!) carpet and our compère for the evening - Seb - were all fantastic,' he enthuses.
The whole event was so professional and all the films shown were very impressive
Sixth Form winner Fynn
Meanwhile Senior winner Jamie, who had great fun making his film and 'even more fun seeing everyone else's work', feels that the Film Festival is invaluable for those students, like him, who are interested in a future career in the film industry.
Both winners were extremely proud to win in their age relevant category and although they were very grateful to receive trophies, certificates and gift vouchers, it was the remarks of the judges that they appreciated the most. Fynn describes the judges' comments as both 'unbelievable and inspiring,' whilst Jamie says the festival is an experience he will 'never forget.'
This yea's Film Festival was both a memorable and enjoyable evening for all those who attended or participated.
See the judges comments and follow the links below to watch the Harrodian Film Festival winners and runners up
'Beautifully shot, a piece of art. A visual poem that needs recognition beyond a school film competition.'
2022 Sixth Form Winner - Fynn (L6): The Space between the Rocks
'Well cut and so very witty. Really nicely done, the overdoing of the foley was extremely clever. Highly polished.'
2022 Senior Winner - Jamie (13s): The Elf on the Shelf
'Artfully edited with a well-timed, comic ending.'
2022 Highly Commended - Karan (U6th): Bad Taste
'Extremely nice framing very smoothly edited and well cut. Polished. Simple but strong idea for a short film that was carried out very professionally. Very strong acting from the lead helped realise this film.'
2022 Sixth Form Runner Up - Josh (L6th): Lefty
'Truly horrific with some excellent lighting and shots, held together by strong acting.'
2022 Senior Runner Up - Anais (14s): The Light at the Inn
