National Youth Film Awards celebrate outstanding talent in film

Last weekend, more than 750 young actors, filmmakers, and members of the film industry gathered at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, for the first National Youth Film Awards.

Hosted by The National Youth Film Academy on the 4th of December, in partnership with ODEON Cinemas, the awards were a celebration of young talent in film across the UK.

11 Awards were given out on the day, including Best Actor, Best Director, Best Cinematographer, and Best Film. The nominees, aged 16-29, were selected from student films that have been produced over the last two years by an esteemed panel of industry experts including names such as BAFTA nominated director Ben Palmer, Actor Simon Bird and casting legends, Ros & John Hubbard.

The Immunda Experiment was the stand-out film on the day, taking home four awards including Best Film, Owen Ruthven winning Best Editor and Louise Brooks being awarded Best Actor and Rising Star.

Speaking at the ceremony after winning Best Film, Matt Chandler, director of The Immunda Experiment, said: “We’re honoured to receive this award, it was completely unexpected, so thank you to the judges. I’d also like to say thank you to the whole team, this film wouldn’t have been possible without everyone who played their part, and thank you to the National Youth Film Academy for bringing the team together.”

There were also three special awards handed out on the day; Outstanding Contribution to the National Youth Film Academy, which was given to Actor Ben Jones, for his continued support for the organisation, Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Young Film Talent, which was awarded to Noel Goodwin from BFI Future in Film, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, that was given to cinematographer Phil Méheux BSC.

Noel Goodwin, winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Young Film Talent, said: “I’m delighted to receive this award, thank you to NYFA and Rob Earnshaw for the recognition and the lovely words from Heather Green, Joseph Archer, Rob Savage and Charlotte Regan. Thank you again for the ongoing support and a lovely evening.”

Guests were also treated to performances by up-and-coming artists Danny Dearden and IMOGEN, who both impressed with performances on the day.

Speaking after the event, NYFA CEO Rob Earnshaw said: “Today’s event was a fantastic celebration of some amazing young talent in film. We are honoured to have this opportunity to showcase some unbelievable films and nominees.

“Congratulations to our winners and thank you to ODEON for providing this iconic venue at the Odeon Leicester Square. I’d also like to give a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event what it was and to all of our guests who made it a truly special day for us all.”

Full List of Winners:

Best Director:

Mateo Notsuke, Marmalade Droppers

Best Original Screenplay:

Brooke Ward & Ollie Callon-Hine, Marmalade Droppers

Best Actor:

Louise Brooks, The Immunda Experiment

Best Cinematography:

Bradley James, Forgotten

Best Editing:

Owen Ruthven, The Immunda Experiment

Best Producer:

Bailey Fear, The Mean Spirited

Best Film:

The Immunda Experiment

Rising Star Award:

Louise Brooks, The Immunda Experiment

Outstanding Contribution to the National Youth Film Academy:

Ben Jones

Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Young Film Talent:

Noel Goodwin

Lifetime Achievement in Film:

Phil Méheux BSC