YOUNG filmmakers took the spotlight as the Kandu Film Festival returned to our Trowbridge campus.
The festival was entirely student-led and celebrated an impressive range of creative work, with films entered from across our Creative Arts and Media courses.
While the Chippenham campus was strongly represented, the event also welcomed award-winning entries from students based at Trowbridge.
A packed audience enjoyed an eclectic mix of genres, from crime dramas and thrillers to comedy, horror, documentary, and even a post-apocalyptic sci-fi short.
Award winners announced
Prizes were awarded across several categories, recognising the quality and creativity on display.
The 2025 Kandu Film Festival winners were:
Best Director
Seasick
by Atlas Anderson
A tender coming-of-age story reflecting on family relationships during a father-child day out to the seaside.
Best Film & Script
Another Murder
by Lewis Wilcox
A sharp and witty parody of classic film noir, following a self-absorbed detective who finds himself at the centre of a murder mystery.
Best Cinematography
What Remains
by Miles Quirk
A romantic drama exploring the emotional fallout after a relationship breakdown, praised for its striking visuals.
Best Edit
Born For This
by Freya Lamont
An energetic unofficial music video blending band footage with nostalgic 2000s teen adventures.
Best Production Value
The Blood on the Floor
by Georgia Harvey
A gripping courtroom thriller centred around a murder trial, with clever use of setting and atmosphere.
Most Innovative
Life’s Lemons
by Indigo McGrath
A quirky coming-of-age horror that combines surreal humour with darker themes, as a young woman deals with life’s unexpected challenges.
A huge congratulations goes to all the directors who submitted films. Their work showcased not only technical skills but also storytelling talent and creative flair.
The event was supported by an expert industry panel, who judged the awards and gave valuable feedback to students on their work. This year’s judging panel included:
- James Sykes, filmmaker and owner of JS Productions/Studio Barn
- Joanna Crow, high-end TV producer
- Neville Farmer, journalist, author, producer and composer
The judges praised the high standard of the films, offering encouragement and professional advice to the next generation of filmmakers.
