Media Students Shine at Phoenix Film Festival
Coventry College media students had an unforgettable experience last week as they attended the Phoenix Film Festival, hosted by Coventry University.
The festival, which celebrates emerging talent in filmmaking, offered our first and second-year media students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in workshops and activities that provided a glimpse into university-level courses and the world of professional filmmaking.
The event began with engaging workshops led by university lecturers, covering topics like animation, documentary filmmaking, and more. Students had the chance to get hands-on experience with industry-standard software and techniques, gaining valuable insights into the creative process. One standout workshop focused on stop-motion animation, where students learned to use specialised software and materials to create intricate stop-motion films. The masterclass highlighted the level of detail and dedication required in filmmaking, leaving students inspired and excited about the craft.
After the workshops, the festival transitioned to its main event, the announcement of the Young Filmmakers Award, followed by screenings of the films entered into the competition. To the pride and surprise of everyone at Coventry College, one of our very own students, Ashanti Sappleton, was announced as the winner of the prestigious award!
Ashanti’s short film, a comedy centred around a talking cat, captivated the judges and earned her the Young Filmmakers Award. Reflecting on her success, Ashanti shared how her course at Coventry College had been instrumental in her development:
“My course helped me a lot, from how to even use a camera to how to edit. I had access to all the equipment I used, like a camera, a microphone, and editing software. All of this was accessible to me because of my media course.”
Ashanti, who plans to take a gap year after completing her course before pursuing an apprenticeship to further her skills, expressed her excitement and surprise at winning the award:
“It felt amazing to win, I did not expect it at all! It was a really nice feeling to hear my name called. I’m very proud of myself and shocked that I won.”
Coventry College staff and students are incredibly proud of Ashanti’s achievement, which showcases the talent and creativity fostered within the college’s media program. Her award-winning film and success at the Phoenix Film Festival are a testament to the exceptional opportunities and support offered to our learners.
We congratulate Ashanti on this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to seeing her continue to grow and excel in her filmmaking journey. Well done to all of our students who attended the festival and made the most of this inspiring event!
