Young Rugby filmmakers walk the red carpet to see their productions on big screen

Creators aged six to 18, wrote, directed, filmed, and edited their own productions for the Pauline Quirke Academy Northern Regional Film Festival, held at Cineworld in Sheffield.

They also enjoyed a professional photoshoot and an official awards ceremony.

One of the filmmakers, Poppy,15, said, “Going to the screening is such an experience - seeing yourself on the big screen and being rewarded for all the hard work at PQA.

"I look forward to it each year.”

Reflecting a successful year in filmmaking, PQA Rugby presented eight productions at the event, covering a wide range of genres from animation and documentary to comedy and drama.

Olivia Medlock, Principal of PQA Rugby, said: "As a proud principal, I’m thrilled to have attended this festival with our academy.

"Taking 20 students and their families, including our wonderful 4-year-old poppets, reminds me why this work matters so deeply.

"Film and TV is a fantastic pathway for children because it helps them blossom. Whether they pursue the industry or not, these skills boost their confidence, independence, and imagination and we love it here at PQA Rugby.”

The festival was previously a part of the BFI Southbank Film Festival, however, has grown so significantly that it now stands as an independent event. To accommodate the ever-increasing number of filmmakers taking part, it has been split into Northern and Southern regional festivals.

For those interested in booking a free session, visit https://www.pqacademy.com/academies/rugby/