Film BA Honours students from the University of Westminster have won multiple honours at the Kodak Student Commercial Awards, hosted at the University, for their creative 16mm commercial projects. The Awards recognise excellence in concept development, filmmaking craft and the ability to respond creatively to real industry briefs.
The Kodak Student Commercial Awards are an annual competition sponsored by the University’s School of Media and Communications, motion picture company Kodak and the National Association for Higher Education in the Moving Image (NAHEMI).
Organised by Westminster’s own Principal Lecturer for Film Peter Hort, the ceremony was held on 29 May at the University’s Regent Street Cinema and saw 180 student film makers, film teachers and advertising professionals in attendance.
Students had to make a 30-second commercial using one ten-minute roll of 16mm film provided free-of-charge by Kodak. They were supplied with live briefs by the advertising agencies Libertine and TBWA, covering campaigns for McVities Jaffa Cakes, The Hygiene Bank, a charity targeting hygiene poverty, The Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust and the homeless charity Shelter from the Storm. The competition is judged by a panel of representatives from the advertising agencies and Kodak.
This year’s Westminster winners were Luigi Espindola, Writer and Creative Director of the commercial titled Man in a Suit, who received the Writing Craft award. The commercial was also placed third in the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust brief. Peggy Riga, Cinematographer for the commercial titled Nappies, won the Cinematography Craft award and the commercial secured second place in the Hygiene Bank brief.
About the recognition, Peggy Riga said: “My main goal as the cinematographer of Nappies was to imbue each shot with meaning so that every frame could emotionally reflect our protagonist's journey. Seeing our work recognised at such a prestigious competition and winning the Cinematography Craft award was a truly rewarding experience. This success is undeniably a testament to the smooth, collaborative work among all crew members and departments as well as the wonderful academic and technical guidance.”
Sara Giuffrida, the Director of Man in a Suit, added: “The Kodak x NAHEMI project was a great experience that allowed us to work in a more professional environment and develop our skills as creatives. Winning the Craft award was a really exciting achievement and it was amazing to see our work recognised. I’m grateful for the opportunity and for all the support from the course.”
Peter Hort said: “Shooting on film remains important in the film and high-end TV industry and it’s great to see our students rising to the challenge, both creatively and technically, by winning two craft awards.”
Giving students the chance to use industry equipment to create their own commercials and gain feedback from industry professionals directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Film and Television courses at the University of Westminster.
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