Young winner announced for the BBFC Create The Card competition

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), in collaboration with Universal Pictures, has announced the winner for their second Create The Card competition. The competition involved a nationwide search for a talented young individual to design the official BBFC Black Card for the animated adventure film, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish – a new adventure in the Shrek universe with daring outlaw, Puss in Boots. 

Oscar-nominated Antonio Banderas, unveiled the news in an exclusive video, stating: “We saw so many incredibly inventive and outstanding designs from all four corners of the UK. It’s safe to say we were spoiled for choice – but one design was purr-fect,” before adding: “congratulations to our deserved winner on being a part of film history! Thank you for your creativity, and to everyone else who entered. And now, get ready for the adventure of 9 lifetimes. Don’t miss Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, in cinemas this February.” Antonio Banderas will be reprising his iconic role of Puss in Boots, with Salma Hayek voicing Puss’ fiery and captivating girlfriend, Kitty Softpaws. The actors form part of the film’s star-studded ensemble alongside Olivia Colman and Florence Pugh, amongst others.

In just over two months, over 700 entries were submitted by primary school pupils aged 4-11 across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. After extensive deliberation by a judging panel, Toby Kenny aged 9 was crowned as the winner. The jury comprised panellists from Universal Pictures and the BBFC, including BBFC Chief Executive, David Austin OBE. Entries were assessed on their originality, creativity, and relevance to the Dreamworks’ franchise.

The winning entry is an eye-catching design that perfectly encapsulates the swashbuckling energy and character of Puss. It is an expressive creation by Toby who used an innovative paper marbling technique to produce this striking composition. This unique re-imagining of the iconic BBFC Black Card will be seen by audiences nationwide when it’s projected on the big screen before every cinema showing of Puss In Boots: The Last Wish in the UK, opening in cinemas from 3 February.

Toby will be granted the once-in-a-lifetime experience of attending a private preview screening of the film ahead of release with family in London. He will also receive a framed copy of the BBFC Black Card, and an abundance of film merchandise and a BBFC goody bag. Alongside this, Toby will be given the exclusive opportunity to attend a local screening of the film in North Somerset with his entire class and teachers. Ten runners-up will also be awarded a goody bag as a prize.

Toby Kenny, aged nine from North Somerset, said: “Our teachers gave us the competition as homework and it was the most fun homework ever. We watched the trailer and the film looks so funny and exciting – and I chose to draw Puss as he’s such a cool character. His colours and expressions make him good to draw. I can’t wait to see my picture up on the big screen in a cinema. I’m going to take lots of friends to see the film at half term so they can see my drawing.”

Vicki Barnard and Sara Pearson, teachers from The Federation of West Leigh Infant School and Backwell Junior School, said: “The competition caught our eye when looking for a homework activity for our year 5 classes just before Christmas. The children were all very excited about entering and couldn’t quite believe that they were in with a chance of having their illustrations appear in cinemas across the country! All of our pupils took part, so 60 entries in total, with a real range of creative and eye-catching designs. The children returned after the Christmas holidays and I don’t think a day went past without someone asking if we’d heard back about the competition…then the call came in! It was an emotional moment – shock, excitement – but above all, pride! Toby is an extremely talented artist and we were so happy that his creativity and skill had been recognised. It’s a fantastic design and we can’t wait to see it up on the big screen!”

Sarah Peacock, BBFC Compliance and Education Manager, said: “We’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Toby on a very well-deserved win for such a wonderful design. Our Create The Card competition aims to encourage young people to use the world of cinema to harness their creative flair through film education. This initiative also forms part of our year-round outreach programme where we engage with schools and young people up and down the country. Thanks to everyone who submitted their entry.”

Rob Huber, Managing Director (UK & Ireland), Universal Pictures International UK, said: “We’re delighted to announce the winner of our second collaboration with the BBFC ‘s Create The Card competition on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Toby’s winning entry really does capture the excitement, swashbuckling adventure, energy and character of Puss and his innovative creative approach matches that of the unique artistry of this film. We look forward to sharing Toby’s entry with cinema-goers across the country, ahead of every UK screening of Puss In Boots: The Last Wish from 3 February.”

The BBFC Education team curates and delivers a series of virtual seminars to give young people and educators further insight into our age ratings and ratings information. They produce a wealth of educational and parent-focused resources, including free classroom handouts and posters, as well as a suite of free downloadable PSHE Association accredited resources, which support primary and secondary teachers to deliver the statutory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health curriculums in England.  

Currently, the BBFC’s Education Team is recruiting for new members, aged 15-17, to join its Youth Panel. Established in 2021, the BBFC Youth Panel comprises 14 young people from all over the UK, aged 16-19. Their role is to work closely with the BBFC to provide feedback on key classification issues, to represent the youth voice and ensure that they are meeting the needs of young people. People can apply via the BBFC website. The closing date for applications is Friday 24 February.