Winstanley student secures place with British Film Institute

A 17-year-old student from Winstanley College has secured a place at the British Film Institute (BFI) Academy.

Matthew Humphris, from Billinge, was scouted after his short film was screened at The Dukes in Lancaster.

Matthew originally directed the film titled ‘Wrath’ for YouTube and was based on a serial killer.

A film studies teacher at Winstanley suggested he should enter it into a short film competition run by HOME in Manchester. It had a theme of ‘Monstrous Situations’.

Matthew’s film was selected for the competition, and he was invited to attend the screening at The Dukes.

The film was screened to an audience, producers, and directors. Here, Matthew was approached and encouraged to apply for the BFI Academy.

Matthew’s BFI application was successful. He attends the academy in Liverpool every Monday evening. The academy is run by Carl Hunter, a film director.

Matthew is producing a short film in the BFI ‘Break into film’ course, which could be entered into international film festivals.

Matthew said: “I have wanted to be a film director since I was a toddler. Thanks to the BFI Academy I now have the contacts and steppingstone I need to pursue this dream career.”

Leanne Brownbill, film studies teacher and associate principal at Winstanley College, added: “Matthew is a very talented film studies student; his work is amazing, and I have no doubt he will continue to make films that get noticed and will be a name to look out for in the future!”