From Summer Project to London Stage: DESS College Student Takes Top Film Award
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When Year 12 student Finn Long walked into the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square last September, he was one of hundreds of young filmmakers nominated for the Young Film Academy Awards 2025. When he left, he was holding the trophy for Best 2-Week Film (Ages 14–18).
His winning short film, Study Space, wasn't made in a classroom or as part of a school assignment. It was produced and directed over the summer break, in his own time, with a young production team he assembled himself. The result? A piece of work polished enough to beat entries from across the UK and beyond.
"The two-week timeframe was brutal," Finn reflects. "There were moments when I thought we wouldn't make it, but the team pulled together. The pressure taught me more about filmmaking than any textbook ever could. You learn to trust your instincts, make quick decisions, and problem-solve on the fly."
For Finn, filmmaking has been a journey that began at GCSE level. His Health Drink Print Advert NEA caught the attention of his teachers early on. But it was his decision to pursue BTEC Creative Media at Sixth Form that gave him the technical skills and confidence to take on larger projects. The course allows students to work with industry-standard equipment, experiment with narrative techniques, and develop their own creative voice.
"Choosing BTEC Creative Media was one of the best decisions I've made," Finn explains. "The hands-on experience gave me the freedom to explore what I'm passionate about while building real-world skills. Winning the award has shown me that taking risks and working independently can lead to something meaningful. I'm already thinking about my next project."
The Young Film Academy Awards, held annually in London, celebrate exceptional young talent in filmmaking and performance. Competition is fierce, with entries judged on creativity, technical skill, and storytelling ability. For DESS College, Finn's success highlights the value of providing students with opportunities to pursue creative pathways beyond traditional academic routes.
His win underscores a broader truth: when students are given the tools, the trust, and the time to pursue their passions independently, remarkable things can happen. Study Space may have been made in two weeks, but the skills, determination, and vision behind it have been years in the making.
You can watch Finn's Award-Winning Film on YouTube.