Two University of Worcester graduates are celebrating an unexpected triumph after winning an award at a global film festival, despite not actually entering the competition.
(left to right) Ben Monk and Joshua Prior with their award. Photo courtesy of Abby Peach.
Photos below: two stills from their film Celestial Intersect showing Joshua Prior in character as Richard De’Vaughn. Photo credit: Celestial Intersect with Richard De'Vaughn- Dir. Ben Monk’
Ben Monk and Joshua Prior, both Film Production graduates, won Best UK Short Film / Featurette at the Realtime International Film Festival in Worcester for their mockumentary-style film Celestial Intersect.
Originally submitted in a non-competitive category to secure a screening, the film impressed judges so much they nominated it for an award. It went on to beat 69 other entries. Ben and Joshua hope the recognition will help open doors as they develop the project further.
“It’s a huge thing for us, we’re so happy,” said Ben, 22, from Dudley. “They were listing all the shortlisted films, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it took two or three minutes. When I heard ours in there, I thought it was good to be among the best at the festival.”
He added: “The standard was incredibly high, so to win was a complete shock. Being nominated was an honour in itself, but winning takes it to another level.”
The Film Festival, now in its 10th year, showcased the work of filmmakers from more than 50 countries.
Ben said: “It didn’t hit me until the drive home that the film has been shown to people from different countries and shown around the world as it was on the Festival website. It’s mind-blowing.”
Celestial Intersect follows fictional ghost hunter Richard De’Vaughn, as he investigates local folklore and ghost stories around Worcester. Created as part of their degree over nine months, the film blends improvised interactions with unsuspecting members of the public and paranormal experts with behind-the-scenes footage in a mockumentary style.
Made with a documentary feel, scenes were often shot in a single take, which the filmmakers believe sets it apart from other similar works. Influences include The Office and Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G character.
Joshua plays Richard De'Vaughn and remained in character throughout the Festival, including during the acceptance speech, capturing fresh footage for the ongoing project.
“It was very surreal,” said Joshua, 23, from Hereford. “Filmmakers from Romania, Argentina, Nigeria and the USA came up to us saying they loved the concept. It was amazing seeing people outside the UK really get it.”
He added: “People were quoting lines and complimenting the gags, seeing that kind of genuine interest was fantastic.”
The pair hope to pitch the concept to producers and ultimately turn it into a television show. Interest in the project continues to grow on social media, with several filmmakers from the Festival now following their channels.
Having both recently graduated with PGCEs in Further Education also from Worcester, Ben now works at a TV station in Redditch, while Joshua teaches at Kidderminster College.
To see clips of Richard De’Vaughn in action, visit the YouTube channel ‘Richard De'Vaughn’.
To find out more about the Festival visit the website.