You may remember late last year we publicised a unique event called the 14 Islands Film Challenge, where 14 budding filmmakers were whisked to 14 separate tropical Bahamian islands to make their own short film.
Well, this past week the winner was announced at a prestigious red-carpet event, hosted at BAFTA. All 14 films were screened in front of a packed house; with 32-year-old Robin Scmidt being named the overall star of the show for his colourful educational film, shot on Long Island. Schmidt received a cash prize of £14,000, as well as state-of-the-art camera equipment to kick-start his filmmaking career, which understandably he was pretty chuffed about:
“I am so excited to be crowned the winner, it is an amazing feeling to really succeed and be recognised for my work as a film director. The film industry is such a tough place to break in to, but tonight I feel like I have taken a giant leap in my career and hope to keep taking these big steps from now.”
“Challenges like this give the next generation of filmmakers a shot to make the big time. This has given me the determination to keep making films and sharing my view of the world with everyone.”
Producer Finola Dwyer and BBC director Bharat Nalluri awarded prizes on the night, which also included the public voted Armchair Critics award, which went to Kevin Curtis.
Schmidt’s winning film is available to watch for free online.
