A short film made by four students from the University of Winchester scooped an award at a festival in New York.
Children of the Valley, made by third year Film Production Students Benjamin Phillips, Ollie Trowern, Ben Dunks and Nathan Bloor, won the award for Best Ensemble Acting at the International Film Festival Manhattan.
The film, made by the quartet as their Final Major Project, was also a runner-up in the Best Student Film category.
Benjamin Phillips said: "It felt amazing having our film screened in New York but to also walk away with a win is beyond exciting. Everyone involved on this project worked so incredibly hard to make it the best it could be and to be recognised for that work is truly just great! We thank our cast in particular for their performances which ultimately led to this project’s first win, they are all extremely talented actors.”
The enterprising foursome entered the film after meeting a representative of the Manhattan event at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
Ben D said: “We spoke to a guy from Manhattan at a networking event who was interested in our film and gave us his card. I emailed him when we got home, and we ended up being chosen for the festival.”
Set in Benjamin Phillips' hometown of Abercarn in south Wales, the 20-minute long coming-of-age story is largely told in flashback and features a cast of (now award-winning) professional actors - Guy Samuels, Danny Flack, Joel Diamond, Dan Trifunovic , Jack Thomas, Ann Dogget and Tom Thomas.
Benjamin wrote and directed the film, Ben was producer, Ollie was director of photography, and Nathan was sound recordist and editor.
Fellow students Samuel Hall, James Eddles, James Rouault, Riley King and Shona Collins-Staig made up the rest of the crew.
The bulk of the film was shot in February but the schedule was disrupted by the Welsh weather which meant many scenes planned as exteriors were moved inside.
“We hijacked my grandparents’ house for one of the scenes,” said Benjamin.
Another key scene was filmed in the village pub, The Crown.
Cast and crew in The Crown, Abercarn's village pub, where key scenes were filmed
“The first week of shooting was the most stressful of my life but also the most fun,” said Benjamin.
“We were the talk of the town,” said Ben. “Everyone was so helpful. I don’t think there’s ever been a film set in Abercarn.”
In addition to its international premier at Manhattan, Children of the Valley is one of just ten in its category chosen for The Graddies* - a film festival judged by industry professionals, to be held at The Vue in London’s White City on 18 October.
Rob Ferrin, Programme Leader for Film Production at the University of Winchester, was full praise for the young moviemakers’ efforts.
"From all the staff and students on BA Film Production we send a huge congratulations to the whole crew on their win. We could not be prouder," he said.
“Children of The Valley is a true calling card that demonstrates the skills and dedication that Benjamin, Oliver, Nathan and Ben have for their work and craft as filmmakers,” Rob added.
"The film was an ambitious project but through their hard work, the crew managed to bring this short film to life with the professionalism and care that is expected within the film industry. We are incredibly proud of the entire crew who worked on it and it is exciting to see the film being recognised at international festivals.”
The two Bens and Ollie and have worked together on a number of films during their three years at Winchester including the comedy Where Did We Park? Which won the audience award at last year’s Making Waves Future BAFTA Winners Short Film Competition.
Benjamin said: “The Film Production course has given us the ability to meet all these brilliant people and make something that’s screening in Manhattan and London – it’s a bit mad and brilliant!”
*The University of Winchester has two films shortlisted at The Graddies – the other is Over by Riley King, Toby Parker and James Rouault.
See the trailer for Children of the Valley at https://youtu.be/sSHNorsFMYU).
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