A talented Media student from Bracknell and Wokingham College has taken home three awards, including Best Film, after his animated short, impressed judges at the Escalate Arts Film Festival.
Tymur Podolskyi created his short animated film, Aftermath, as his final project during the last academic year. After recognising the quality, creativity and impact of his work, Tymur’s teacher recommended that the film be submitted to the festival.
Tymur was subsequently selected as a finalist, giving him the opportunity to see Aftermath screened in front of an audience and considered by a panel of industry judges.
Aftermath went on to win three of the five awards presented at the festival:
- Best Story
- Best Director
- Best Film
Best Film was the festival’s top award, marking an impressive achievement for Tymur and recognising the creativity, technical skill and dedication that went into producing Aftermath.
Judges at the event, which included professionals from the film industry, gave Tymur highly positive feedback on his work and highlighted his potential for a future career in animation.
Tymur said: “I’m really happy and proud to have received the awards. I didn’t expect to win three awards at once, so it was a great surprise.
“It means a lot to me, and it motivates me to keep improving my skills in media.”
The experience gave Tymur the opportunity to take work originally developed as part of his studies beyond the classroom. To have it assessed by external industry professionals and experience having his creative work screened for a wider audience.
Sam Byrne, Work Experience Coordinator at Activate Learning, said: “When Tymur’s teacher sent me his film, I was blown away by the quality and story.
“I immediately started contacting local film festivals and had incredibly positive feedback from Escalate Arts when I sent his film to them. It was incredible to see Tymur getting the recognition he absolutely deserves at the film festival and so wonderful to see the feedback he received. We are committed to showcasing his talent wherever we can.”
Bina Howard, Curriculum Manager at Activate Learning, said: “Tymur has shown incredible creativity, grit and determination throughout his Media studies. His passion for editing and VFX has really allowed his talent to shine, and his film is a fantastic reflection of just how much he has developed creatively.
“This achievement is thoroughly deserved, and I am incredibly proud of him. I hope he continues to embrace his creative flair as he progresses to Level 3 and, hopefully, university.”
Tymur’s success reflects Bracknell and Wokingham College’s focus on providing students with opportunities to develop practical, industry-relevant skills, build confidence and connect their learning with their future ambitions.
The screen industries have been identified as a priority sector within the Berkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), highlighting the importance of developing a pipeline of skilled and creative talent to support the sector’s future growth.
By encouraging students to showcase their work beyond the classroom and engage with industry professionals, the college is helping emerging creative talent gain valuable experience, receive external feedback and develop the skills needed to progress within the creative industries.
Tymur will now progress onto the Level 3 Media Creative Media programme at Bracknell and Wokingham College.
