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| Author | Zoe Aresti |
ODEON Leicester Square played host to the 2017 Into Film Awards yesterday afternoon where some of the finest young filmmakers from across the UK were honoured for their film projects made at school.
The event featured a champagne reception on the iconic venue’s mezzanine before presenter Edith Bowman introduced the proceedings and Into Film's Chair, Eric Fellner CBE, spoke on the importance of championing young talent.
"I want to congratulate all of you for getting here, you fought the competition off so well done and congratulations from someone who has lost many awards. But if you don't win, it doesn't matter because you're here, and by being here you're a winner," he said.
"Welcome to the Into Film Awards, there's no better place to hold this event where thousands of star-studded premieres have taken place through the years. This is where the magic of cinema comes alive, in an old school, real theatre like this one. And today, we're going to celebrate the next generation of filmmaking talent. And as importantly, the teachers who inspire young people's passion for film. The quality of the films entered this year has been outstanding - it gets better and better every year. I don't know if that's down to the technology, or because the kids are getting better every year, or whether it's the teachers.
This year, many of the films have tackled important subjects such as gender equality, immigration, disibility and bullying. Film is about bringing people together, which is why it's so important and important to young people who are engaged in ideas like these.
Many of you here today have already begun your filmmaking journey - you are filmmakers already and it's up to you to take it further. If not, hopefully you'll have gained some skills to take into whatever occupation you decide to pursue.
I also want to say a big thank you to the BFI, Cinema First and to our partners and sponsors. I hope you have a great day."
Actors including Charles Dance, Eddie Redmayne and Daniel Craig were all in attendance to present prizes and offer words of support, and an after party was held at Planet Hollywood to see out a memorable day in London for the many who had travelled from afar.
You can follow updates from the ceremony as it happened on the Into Film Awards Twitter feed and find more information about the event here.