During the Easter break, A Level media student Aseem took part in the BFI Film Academy Residential, delivered by the NFTS (National Film and Television School). Only 66 participants are selected to take part in this programme from around the UK and each place is worth £3000.
Aseem met 10 other participants and worked together to produce a powerful short film, Bittersweet. After planning their film, the group had two days to shoot, using industry standard ARRI Alexa cameras and two days to edit on Avid.
At the NFTS, the young filmmakers were working with leading British film talent, including directors Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Sarah Gavron (Suffragette), Destiny Ekaragha (Gone Too Far!) and Lewis Arnold (Humans, Broadchurch). Other industry specialist also gave masterclasses in the fields of editing, producing and sound recording.
On the last day, the students attended their graduation ceremony at the BFI Southbank, which included the screening of the six films made. NFT1 had a packed audience of families and industry representatives. The event was hosted by film critic Danny Leigh and special guest speaker Francis Lee, the writer and director of God’s Own Country.
An opportunity to see the film will be available during a special screening at the end of this year.
