Budding film-makers recognised at St Neots Festival

Budding filmmakers were given the chance to showcase their hard work at the St Neots Film Festival earlier this month, with plenty heading home carrying top prizes from the event.

Shown at Cineworld in the town, some 200 people gathered to watch the short movies, with adult-made films screened on November 7 before documentaries and work by youngsters a few days later.

The winning film for the adult category was The Birch, co-directed and produced by Huntingdon-based Ben Franklin and Antony Melton.

Ben said: “I was unaware that there was a film-making community in the area until I found out about the festival.

“It has been a brilliant opportunity for local filmmakers of all ages to be able to put their work up on the big screen in front of a live audience. It’s opened my eyes to what’s going on locally and the fantastic talent we have in St Neots.”

Twelve-year-old Amber Moore took home the prize for the children’s category with her film, Italy, with 19-year-old Olivia Jordan scooping the teenage accolade for The Door.

Martyn Moore went on to win the documentary category with The Great Fen Spitfire.

Melina Lafirenze, festival organiser, who is already planning the 2017 event, said: “I was amazed by the quality and diversity of entries. Local filmmakers were thrilled to see their films on screen. And it was especially nice to see children leave buzzing and inspired to make films.”