Edinburgh College of Art student film triumphs at the British Documentary Awards
Bafta-winning graduate Lou McLoughlan picks up her third big prize this year
Scottish documentary talents continue to make an impact on the national and international stage.
Caring for Calum directed by Lou McLoughlan took the inaugural Sky Arts Best Student Documentary award. BBC’s Charlotte Moore, who chaired this jury said: “The jury was hugely impressed by this beautifully observed, poetic film. Very much in control of her material, the director showed real maturity and vision, by allowing the man’s disturbing and surprising story to unravel gently to produce a film that is both touching and gripping in equal measure.”
The Griersons 2011 – the most prestigious annual British Documentary Awards, supported by Sky Arts HD and Honda was hosted by presenter and cultural commentator, Mariella Frostrup (picture), the star-studded awards ceremony took place at the BFI Southbank where the great and good of the documentary world came together to celebrate another outstanding year of film-making.
Director Lou McLoughlan, who graduated from eca/Screen Academy Scotland last year said:
“The Grierson award is such a milestone in any documentary makers career that to get it at this stage is hugely encouraging. Its also a fitting tribute to the openness and the generosity of Uisdean and Calum who have entrusted extraordinary moments in their lives with me. This award from the Grierson’s also fortifies my conviction to create a full length version of the film, “Sixteen Years ’til Summer”.
Emma Davie, Programme Director Film & TV at Edinburgh College of Art / Screen Academy Scotland said:
“We’re delighted by Lou’s success with her MA film – to have this on top of her two new talent BAFTAs wins really promises well for her further ambitions as a documentary maker. Her cohort of postgrads at Edinburgh College of Art (who have just left) have done exceptionally well internationally with their graduation films and I think the community of filmmakers they formed and their ability to support and challenge each other’s work whilst here, is something which we should all celebrate in Scotland. Space for these films on BBC Scotland or STV would be wonderful! Local audiences should see the work which is winning prizes all over the world for Scotland !”
Robin Macpherson, Director of Screen Academy Scotland said:
“Lou McLouglan’s win, so shortly after Julian Schwanitz’s award at DokLeipzig, provides yet more evidence, if any were needed, of the great documentary talent flowing from eca and Scotland onto the world’s screens.”
Sonja Henrici, Head of Development at Scottish Documentary Institute said:
“To be nominated for a Grierson is a major achievement already. Winning this award is going to support Lou’s aim in making this story into a feature documentary, and SDI is committed to realising her ambition to tell this important story.”
Viewers will be able to see highlights of the awards in 11 mini-docs spread across the Sky Arts 1 schedule throughout November, or tune in to Sky Anytime from 8th November to see all the action from the complete ceremony
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Link to Film Synopsis.
Link to Film: http://vimeo.com/31322834 (pass word protected, please contact us)
For further information, photos and full press release please contact: Sonja Henrici on tel: 0131 221 6125
[…] Grierson Awards http://www.griersontrust.org/news/the-grierson-trust-announces-the-winners-2011.html Scottish Documentary Institute http://www.scottishdocinstitute.com/featured/winner-grierson-best-student-documentary-2011/ […]