Film the House winners announced

The competition, run in collaboration with Parliament, aims to find the filmmakers of tomorrow whilst raising awareness of the importance of the creative sector and intellectual property to the UK’s economy and culture.

The winners ceremony was a joyous celebration of the UK’s creative talent attended by Lords, MPs and industry experts and hosted by comedian and writer Helen Lederer. This year’s competition was sponsored by Baroness Bonham-Carter, Lord Clement-Jones and John Whittingdale MP.

This year’s categories included Best Film Script, Directors UK Best Film Direction and Best Short Film. The finalists were selected by a panel of leading figures from across Britain’s creative industries.

Best Film Script

Cathy Wippell – Black Samphire

What the judges said: “We are thrust into a world which is unsettling and sinister, yet redolent with contemporary issues of environmental water pollution … This is a well-written script with something to say, and the confidence to say it with disturbing images rather than words.”

Directors UK Best Film Direction

Cass Virdee – Realness with a Twist

What the judges said: “Realness with a Twist was brimming with enthusiasm and energy; it brings together two worlds that you wouldn’t always associate with each other in a creative and artistic way. This wonderful short film highlights what great visual storytelling is all about.”

Best Short Film

Davy Lazare – You Fit the Description

What the judges said: “An incredibly powerful message delivered by a spectacular lead. This one stayed with me and gave a new perspective to conversations on racism and society.”

Baroness Jane Bonham-Carter said: “Film the House is a wonderful initiative. The UK’s creative industries are not just the best – their effect on society is gold dust. They enhance individuals’ lives, provide young people with opportunities to channel their individuality and energy, combat loneliness, bring solace – and in some cases – actual healing to those struggling with physical and mental ill health, unlock innovation, and provide social cohesion. Long may they thrive, but this is of course only possible with the protection of their intellectual property.”

Lord Timothy Clement-Jones said: “Intellectual property (IP) is a vital way of making sure that creators are properly rewarded for the artistic works they produce. This is as true for film and other visual media as it is for books, fashion or music. Film the House is designed to highlight the importance we place in parliament on IP and on good IP protection and enforcement. We hope that for their part, creators will respond by taking part in future Film the House competitions and demonstrate the huge audiovisual and writing talent that we have in this country.”

Rt Hon John Whittingdale MP said: “Britain’s creative industries lead the world and make a huge contribution to our economy. But to do so, there has to be a strong regime to protect intellectual property. Film the House has already proved successful in raising awareness of the importance of IP, not least to the writers from whose imagination and creativity all else follows. I am delighted that Film the House will provide another opportunity for aspiring film-makers to showcase their talent.”

Film the House is sponsored by ALCS, Directors UK, The Motion Picture Association, Netflix, Warner Bros. and the Walt Disney Company.