Two students earned an impressive Honourable Mention in the inaugural 48-Hour Film Challenge hosted by Jesus College, part of the University of Cambridge, for their piece Bobbie’s Boy.
Lina, a first-year student on our BA (Hons) Fashion course, and Kat, currently enrolled in our Extended Diploma in Performing Arts – Drama, collaborated to create an original short film in response to the theme “Out of the Blue.”
This prestigious competition offered emerging creatives an exceptional platform to demonstrate their artistic and technical capabilities. Over an intense 48-hour period, participants were tasked with conceptualising, writing, shooting, and editing a complete five-minute film. , alongside peers from sixth forms, colleges, and universities across Cambridge, produced work that was evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry leaders. Judges included acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and director Sir David Hare; renowned producer David Heyman (Barbie, Harry Potter); screenwriter James McCarthy; and distinguished documentary cameraman and cinematographer Piers Leigh.

The challenge required students to take full ownership of the filmmaking process—from initial scripting through to the delivery of a polished final cut—culminating in a public screening and awards ceremony at Jesus College. This rigorous, real-world experience provided students with an invaluable opportunity to refine their craft, demonstrate professional resilience, and engage with industry expectations at a high level.
A total of 174 participants submitted entries. students Lina and Kat were recognised in the top ten submissions for their short film Bobbie’s Boy, earning an Honourable Mention. Filmed against the evocative backdrop of Cambridge’s historic streets, the piece features Kat in the title role, delivering a compelling direct-to-camera performance that invites the viewer into the narrative, while Lina served as Assistant Director, supporting the creative vision and production workflow.
Sonita Alleyne OBE, Master of Jesus College, said: “Cambridge is home to a lot of talented filmmakers and we wanted to provide them with a creative outlet and a genuine opportunity to get exposure and critique from our incredible judging panel, as well as the unforgettable experience of seeing their work screened.
“The quality of the films blew us away and I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part. It was brilliant to see entries come from young people across Cambridge. Each film offered a unique and compelling take on the theme, showcasing the creativity and storytelling talent of the team involved.”

This achievement underscores the exceptional calibre of talent within and highlights the strength of our training in preparing students to excel. It is a testament to their creativity, dedication, and readiness to thrive in competitive professional environments.
At , we actively encourage students to engage in competitions and opportunities beyond the classroom, recognising that these experiences are invaluable for developing practical skills, fostering confidence, and broadening creative horizons. By participating in real-world projects, students gain insight into professional expectations, build their portfolios, and cultivate the resilience and innovation that are essential for success in the creative industries.
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