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The Downs School & Sixth Form students recognised at Evolve Film Festival

Students from The Downs School & Sixth Form are celebrating success at this year’s Evolve Film Festival, a local festival created to encourage and showcase the work of young, aspiring filmmakers.

The awards ceremony took place in Reading on Sunday 21 June, bringing together talented young people from across the region to celebrate creativity, storytelling and original filmmaking.

Joy, in Year 13, won Best Story for her film To Love and to Cherish, while Maren, in Year 8, won Best Director for her film The Doll’s House. Sam, was a finalist in the 12 to 15 age category and was named runner-up, receiving a festival T-shirt and a goodie bag from Shadowbox Studios Shinfield.

There was also a special mention for Max V, a former winner at the festival, who returned this year to play an important role as part of the judging panel.

Ms Goodhew said: “Huge congratulations to Joy and Maren on these wonderful achievements. Evolve Film Festival is a fantastic opportunity for young filmmakers to share their work, and it is brilliant to see students from The Downs being recognised for their creativity, skill and storytelling. We are also incredibly proud of Max for returning to support the festival as a judge. It is a lovely example of how our students continue to grow, contribute and inspire others.”

The school is especially proud to see students of different ages being celebrated for their film work, from Year 8 through to Sixth Form, reflecting the strength of creative talent across The Downs School.

The achievements highlight not only the students’ technical and creative ability, but also the confidence, imagination and commitment needed to bring original film ideas to life.

View the films: Evolve Film Festival - YouTube

16-19_Best Story_To Love and to Cherish by Joy Cleverly

16-19_Best Director_The Doll's House by Maren

Evolve Film Festival - FilmFreeway

Photos: Captured by Hannah WM