Students win Royal Television Society North West award

STUDENTS from the Contemporary Film and Video course at Manchester Metropolitan University have won a prestigious Royal Television Society North West award.

Three undergraduate students studying Contemporary Film and Video at MMU topped the factual category at the RTS North West Awards on February 25, with their film ‘A Browner Shade of Pale’.

The ceremony, held at Media City, is the biggest outside of London and it is the second year running that students from the University have won an award.

Third year students, Daniel Orwin from Swinton, Lewis Holgate from Clitheroe and Francesca Ali Mirza made the documentary last year as part of their course. The film explores the issues that surround mixed race marriages in Britain today, with the characters Jeff and Tess exposing the reactions of both their families and how they were accepted into one culture, yet rejected from another.

Francesca, who directed the film, used her own parents as the main subjects in the documentary. “The filmmaking process was lengthy and difficult, but enjoyable. Filming my own parents and trying to piece together their story was a tenuous balance,” she said.

“I’m so happy to receive this award as recognition of that work and determination, from myself, Lewis and Danny and the contribution made by my mum and dad.”

Amazing Achievement

Senior Lecturer Joe Duffy, who teaches the students, said: “It’s an amazing achievement for them. They’ve worked with factual filmmaking, but also imagination and innovation as the film’s very subject and character driven.”

Daniel Orwin, who worked on sound design, said: “It was a real pleasure and honour to work on and be a part of this film. To win an award like this is brilliant, and it’s a wonderful testament to the work put in by us.”

Alex Connock, Chairman of RTS North West and member of the Digital Innovation team, also hosted the awards. He said: “The winning entry, like all the entries on the night, was an incredibly assured and creative piece of work and something for the participants to be really proud of.

“These days for a career in broadcasting, or indeed any creative industry, your opportunity is as strong as the body of work you can offer. This is a huge first step for the team.”

The evening also featured a keynote speech from Simon Dickson, MD of Drangonfly Film and TV who produce programmes including One Born Every Minute, The Hotel and What Happens in Kavos.