The Graddies 2024

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BSU graduates shortlisted for annual film festival, The Graddies

Each year, the prestigious annual graduate film festival, The Graddies, searches for rising stars. In recent years, Bath Spa University has seen its Film, TV and Digital Production students soar into the limelight, showcasing their short films and securing second place at the awards in 2023. 

This year is no different, with three graduate documentary crews making the shortlist. Ranked among the ten most exciting short films, the crews were judged by Executive Producer and Academy Award winner, Judy Counihan, Producer of the annual Documentary Funding Awards, Emily Copley, Director of the hit soap opera, Coronation Street, Charles Lauder, Author and Film Curator, June Givanni, multi award-winning documentary Film Director, Nick Broomfield, and Producer, John Battsek. 

The Graddies have a steep history of bridging the gap between higher education and gainful employment. Excelling graduate filmmakers into the industry, nominees have scored jobs at prolific production companies such as the BBC, Netflix and Channel 4. 

Drawing upon skills learned during the first two years of study, the students worked in crews, finding, researching, pitching, and developing their stories into honest, informative and engaging short films. The shortlisted films, Soccability, Fields Ahead and More Than Human are products of the student’s intellectual and emotional curiosity. Working together in small production teams, students were tasked to create a film close to their personal lives. 

Sharon Alcock, Senior Lecturer in Film, TV and Digital Production, discussed the significance of the film festival and the student’s hard work. She said: 

“The Graddies Film Festival is an important early measure of how the industry and a wider audience receive our graduate’s short films. They often go on to success at further film festivals, with crucial networking and mentoring opportunities that allow them to gain a foothold in this highly competitive industry. This year we have had great success, with three short films being shortlisted. 

“I am immensely proud of the students, who worked with the experiences of their contributors to create high-quality messages. This is just the start of their journeys and the beginning of exciting and successful careers.”  

More Than Human   

More Than Human focuses on the intersection of gender, ecology and art, told through the eyes of Kai Edwards, who has found kinship in the world of funghi. This beautiful short film draws on the poetic documentary mode and uses surround sound.  

Fields Ahead   

Fields Ahead explores the future of Britain and the risk of a farming crisis unless more young people are inspired to enter agricultural jobs. The UN says that food production must double by 2050 to adequately feed the world’s population. This film charts the struggles of two local farmers as they try to farm sustainably for the future.  

Soccability  

Soccability follows a football team for kids with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Chelmsford. Baddow Spartak Soccability was founded by Luke Ayton when he found out that 22,000 Essex children were registered with SEND without a single, specialised offering for them to play football in the town. 

Sharon Alcock, Senior Lecturer in Film, TV and Digital Production shared her thoughts on the shortlisted films: 

“Soccability, Fields Ahead, and More Than Human Form are three very different short films, both in subject matter and style. They are all beautiful, powerful, and tell stories that will make a difference, change minds, and start important conversations."

BSU wants to hear from you! The Graduate Outcomes Survey is asking graduates to share their perspectives 15 months after they finish their course to build a national picture that UK universities can use to innovate their services. 

Make your graduate voice count and help us understand more about your career path and experiences after higher education by completing the Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey takes just 10 minutes, and we’d love to hear what you’re up to, so please take part in the survey when invited. Find out more on their website. 

If you completed your course between May and July 2023, you can fill out the survey now! Check your inbox for details. 

If you've updated your contact details since graduating, please let us know by visiting our website.