National Film School graduate films win top undergraduate awards at the RTS Awards in London
After sweeping the boards at the Irish RTS Student awards, NFS students Avery Angle, Miles Davis Murphy, Bróna Nic Gabhann & Fiachra Gallagher Lawson found themselves shortlisted for the RTS UK Awards and with Animation Lecturer Eimhin McNamara they arrived at a sunny Southbank in London. On arrival at the British Film Institute they were greeted by an outdoor book fair, a bassoon playing cover songs and a huge crowd of people queueing to get into the awards. And so, the excitement began.
The day continued to exceed all expectations, from there Avery Angle’s stunning animation film “The Small Beginnings of a Storm” took home the Best Undergraduate Animation Award and Undergraduate Craft Skills Award in Production Design, Miles Davis Murphy’s cinematic and affecting live action film “Bestial Ones” won the Best Undergraduate Drama alongside two Undergraduate Craft Skills awards for Cinematography (Fiachra Gallagher Lawson) & Sound (Sam Bannon – not in attendance).
“Bestial Ones from” the National Film School at IADT received three wins becoming the most awarded project of the evening, with the jury describing the film as an accomplished piece of film-making, with an immersive and intimate visual style.” RTS Press release.
The ceremony itself was a lively affair, hosted by TV presenter Will Njobvu, and highlighted a huge variety of work in different genres and styles, all to a very high standard. The NFS students were able to decompress somewhat during the after party, chatting with other filmmakers, jury members and guests. Avery, Miles, Bróna & Fiachra were inundated with messages and phone calls from family and friends back home – all sharing in the good news.
“Seeing our students’ work not only compete but thrive against such tough competition is testament to the skill and passion they have demonstrated throughout their time with us. This will be something they will carry with them into their professional careers and I for one am very excited to see where their journey takes them.” Eimhin McNamara, Animation Lecturer, NFS IADT
“Congrats to all the NFS IADT winners and on the continued success of these extraordinarily brilliant films. We couldn’t be more proud of all our graduate filmmakers and to see them take home the highest honours at the RTS Awards London is nothing short of pure pride and joy. Thanks to the Royal Television Society UK & Ireland for their continued support and acknowledgement of student work.” Vanessa Gildea, Head of Dept Film + Media and the National Film School.