2021 Award Winners
BEST UK FILM
THE LONG GOODBYE
Directed by Aneil Karia
Written by Aneil Karia & Riz Ahmed
Produced by Tom Gardner
“Having made a conscious decision not to read any of the writeups for the films I was traumatised by this film. My initial shock was replaced with the fact that this dystopian vision could never happen in the UK. But just as the film takes us through the day-to-day joy of family life the unexpected horrors that follow are a reminder of the dangers. It is when you least expected it that our liberties are taken away. I am still haunted by this powerful film with an outstanding performance by Oscar nominated Riz Ahmed.”
Best UK Film judge, Berwyn Rowlands⠀
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
MARIA CAMILA’S GIFT
Written, Directed & Produced by Andrés Molano Moncada
Judged by Hassan Akkad
BEST DOCUMENTARY
NORTHERN BALLERS
Directed by Rhys Aaron Lewis
Produced by Rebecca Mark-Lawson & Daria Nitsche
“A hugely important story about giving people an opportunity from a grass roots level and finding joy and purpose in your community and your life. Beautifully made with great use of score and charismatic central characters that you really invested in and cared about.”
Best Documentary judge, Debbie Howard⠀
BEST QUEER FILM
CINDY
Written & Directed by Rosanagh Griffiths
Produced by Séverine Tibi, Anaïs Calmels & Rosanagh Griffiths
SPECIAL MENTION: Snake
Written & Directed by Andrey Volkashin
Produced by Elena Stanisheva
Best Queer Film judge, Nosa Eke
BEST STUDENT FILM
Filipiñana
Written & Directed by Rafael Manuel
Produced by Naomi Pacifique, Kyle Nieva, Kiko Meily & Rafael Manuel
SPECIAL MENTION: Kindred
Directed by Ali Kurr
Written by Amelia Simpson
Produced by Lissi Simpson
Best Student Film judges, Joe Morris and Louise Cooke
BEST YORKSHIRE FILM
FARGATE
Written & Directed by Sally Cancello
Produced by Sally Cancello and Georgia Ball
“Fargate is genuinely funny, incredibly well edited and has a lot of little touches in it that are impressive for a short. Sally is a great talent and I hope she moves on to a lot of great things.”
Best Yorkshire Film judge, Rob Speranza⠀
