Supporting filmmakers at Making Waves Film Festival

Championing the discovery and promotion of emerging filmmakers continues to be a key priority for us, so when the opportunity to sponsor the Making Waves Film Festival and be part of the Wave Makers Talent Development Day on 21st March 2024, it didn’t require a second thought. 

The Making Waves Film Festival, known for its dedication to unearthing and celebrating new talent within the film industry, was hosted in the historic No6 Cinema, where BA (Hons) Film Production students entered their films into the Future BAFTA Winners Short Film Competition.

Six films were submitted by students studying at the University of Portsmouth, University of Winchester and Solent University and there were two prizes up for grabs:

• Future BAFTA Winners Short Competition Judges Award
• Future BAFTA Winners Short Competition Audience Award

The first award was given to ‘Daylight’: a film by students from the University of Portsmouth. The film, a narrative tour de force directed by Alfie Sadler and produced by Ben Steed, humorously depicts the chaos unleashed by Daylight Savings, earning the prestigious Judges’ Award. This accolade not only celebrates the students’ creative and technical achievements but also embodies the spirit of innovation that the Making Waves Film Festival aims to cultivate.

The Audience Award was given to ‘When This You See’: a film about Hester, a humble woman governed by the effects of a distant war, and her spirited young daughter, Asmi, awaiting the return of her son from battle. When he does not arrive with the rest of the soldiers, the pair must face their new reality. The film was produced by Ben Jones and directed by Megan Lyons, both University of Portsmouth students. 

It was a privilege to meet these incredibly talented filmmakers and hand out their awards in front of an inspired audience.

Roy Hanney, festival organiser, said:

“As we reflect on the success of this year’s Wave Makers Talent Development Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to Millstream Productions for their unwavering support. Their commitment to the arts and emerging filmmakers is instrumental in realising the dreams of many aspiring artists.

“Millstream Productions' objectives seamlessly align with the festival’s mission, creating a synergistic platform for showcasing the innovative work of new talents from the South. This partnership underscores a shared vision for nurturing creative voices and offering them a stage to captivate audiences with their storytelling prowess."

Find out more about how we support local creatives through The Academy.