GIFTED FILMMAKER SCOOPS PRIZE IN INTERNATIONAL FILM COMPETITION
A talented filmmaker has beaten off competition from around the world to win the title of Bradford UNESCO City of Film, Big Screen Filmmaker of the Year.
Jason Wingard’s film, 2:20 – a dramatic short film about a man who gets to see how long people have to live – was chosen as the unanimous winner by the judging panel, led by Director of Sky Arts, Philip Edgar Jones.
Bradford-based filmmaker, Jack King was voted runner up for his music video, Cold Skin made for the band, To Kill a King.
Also on the judges’ panel were TV Executive and City of Film Board member, Liz Molyneux and documentary maker Paul Sapin. Sky Arts are backing the competition and donating the £1,000 winner’s prize.
Winner Jason Wingard from Manchester worked as stand-up comedian before discovering his talent as a filmmaker.
Jason said: “It is a great honour to have my film screened and seen by so many people and to win the award is equally thrilling. We are very proud of the film and having a platform like this with all the recognition makes all the crew’s hard work worthwhile so on behalf of them and myself we would like to like to thank you all once again.”
The judges enjoyed all the entries but were particularly impressed with Jason and Jack’s films for their cinematic quality, strong storytelling and high production values.
Director of Sky Arts, Philip Edgar-Jones said:“We were all highly impressed by Jason’s ‘2:20’. We thought it was very stylish visually – and felt like it had real scale, packing a punch story-wise in a very short space of time. It was a short but perfectly-formed thriller, and a piece that stays with you well after you’ve seen it.”
Fellow judge, Paul Sapin said:” I really enjoyed the competition – being able to look at the work of so many talented filmmakers was a real privilege. ”
Bradford UNESCO City of Film Board member and judge, Liz Molyneux said: “It’s great to be able to host a competition which attracts film talent from around the world. Picking the winner was no easy feat and I’d like to say a huge thank you to Sky Arts for supporting this competition aimed at encouraging and profiling new talent. ”
The finalists have been offered the opportunity to have their work screened on Sky Arts in the coming months. Their work will continue to be profiled by Bradford UNESCO City of Film on Big Screen Bradford.
