The next generation of British filmmakers gathered in London today for the First Light Movie Awards.
The youngsters, aged between five and 19 years old, received awards in nine categories including Best Screenplay, Best Comedy and Best Horror for their short digital films made with National Lottery money through First Light Movies funding.
They picked up prizes at a star-studded awards ceremony in Leicester Square, hosted by Big Brother presenter Davina McCall.
The ceremony was attended by a host of stars including Kevin Spacey, Sir Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton.
Davina McCall said: "Britain is famous for it's wealth of amazing filmmakers and this is something we need to continue to uphold and support. This work is of a very high standard so movie makers beware; there is some stiff competition just around the corner."
All this year's winners and nominees will see their work showcased in millions of homes via Virgin Media's TV on Demand service. Select movies can also be accessed by anyone with a broadband connection at www.virginmedia.com/firstlightmovies.
Young winning First Light Movies filmmakers will also be given the opportunity to introduce and screen their films to more than 300,000 students across the UK during Film Education’s National Schools Week this October.
First Light Movies chief executive Pip Eldridge said: "Year after year I am astounded by the young people's filmmaking 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.
"Today’s celebration is dedicated to the young people’s hard work and commitment, many of whom have overcome adversities in their lives to produce their films.
"The superb support we have received from celebrities, guests and members of the film industry is certainly a tribute to the young filmmakers’ talent, imagination and sheer enthusiasm for film."
First Light Movies Awards 2008 Winning Films:
Best Animation
Lights Out!
Sanday Community School, Sanday, Scotland
First Light say: This charming claymation film follows the Orkney seal’s quest to switch off the lighthouse light. Interspersed with funny and tender moments this delightful film was made by a group of 11 to 14-year-olds.
Best Comedy
Dirty Secret
Thomas Adams Media Arts, Wem, West Midlands
First Light say: This hilarious film made by a group of 14 to 18-year-olds follows Brian as he suddenly finds that his clothes and his bed are too small for him as he goes through a mysterious growth spurt.
Best Documentary
The Child And Me
Mobile Media, Swindon, South West
First Light say: This documentary charts a group of 11-year-olds as they prepare to make the journey from primary to secondary school.
Best Drama
Polaroid
Compulsive Community Pictures, Chichester, South East
First Light say: This is a creepy drama about a guy whose horrific flashbacks become clear when a knife salesman comes to the door. Made by a group of 14 to 17-year-olds this film is not for the faint hearted!
Best Horror
Hysteria
The Nerve Centre, Derry, Northern Ireland
First Light say: The posters for Hysteria suggest that a wicked new DJ set could breathe life into the town’s old nightclub, but when a group of 16 to 18-years-olds suffer fatally for their night out maybe it wasn’t such a good idea!
Best Screenplay
Tyne Traveller
OpenZone City Learning Centre, South Shields, North East
First Light say: Things get exciting when a school history project, to trace his family tree, leads a lad to follow the path of his ancestors on an adventure through time. Made by a group of 14 to 17-year-olds leaves no historic North East stone unturned.
Best Film by 12s and Under as voted for on www.filmstreet.co.uk
Munchatreeaforest
Knoydart Forest Trust, Knoydart, Scotland
First Light say: Young children, aged between five and nine-years-old, objectively explore and discuss, through this honest documentary, the destruction of the Knoydart Forest that makes up much of this area in the highlands.
Best Film by 13s and Over
The ‘Stute
Cinetig, Cardiff, Wales
First Light say: The Miners’ Institute was the hub of any Welsh valley town, but when the pits closed down so did everything that went with it. A group of young filmmakers aged between 15 and 17 have unearthed a piece of oral history from the memories of past members of the ‘Stute.
