LEADING UK education charity Into Film has announced the nominations for this year’s Into Film Awards, with Conwy teenager, filmmaker Araminta Stuart (17), nominated as ‘Ones to Watch’. She is one of five nominees in Wales across multiple categories who will now attend the star-studded, red-carpet event at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Tuesday, June16.
Commenting on the nomination, Araminta said: “Film can convey what’s in my heart in a way words never could. In this broken world, there are so many things I see every day that break my heart.
“Like a person so consumed with fear that they never try to pursue their dreams, the trees in a forest disappearing one by one to make space for a data centre, or a young child’s world shattering when their parents separate.
“Cinema has a power to get through to people, to break their hearts for what matters, and I believe that’s the first step to making a difference.
“If I can make this world even just 1% better using film, I will spend my whole life trying to do it. I’m honoured to be nominated.”
Araminta is one of just three young filmmakers from across the UK shortlisted for the ‘Ones to Watch’ category, sponsored by EON Productions, which recognises exceptional emerging talent. The nomination follows her win at last year’s Into Film Awards, where, aged just 16, she took home the Time for Action Award for her film ‘Tipping Point’, a film she made in under 24 hours.
Non Stevens, Head of Into Film Cymru, said: “Araminta’s story is a brilliant example of what young people can achieve when they find their creative spark and pursue it with real determination.
“In the space of just over a year she has gone from filming her first highlight reel to winning a national award and building a genuine professional portfolio. She is exactly the kind of young Welsh talent the Into Film Awards exist to celebrate.”
Araminta picked up a camera for the first time at 16, filming highlight reels for her church, where she is now a media intern. Within weeks her skills had noticeably improved. She has since gone on to film weddings, concerts and client projects, and holds a remote editing job for social media reels that covers her monthly expenses.
Alongside part-time college studies, Araminta has also worked part-time in her father’s production company, Rocket Land Ltd, since the age of 14, gaining hands-on experience in everything from scriptwriting and focus pulling to managing client projects end-to-end.
The Awards, sponsored by the UK film industry, celebrate young people’s creativity in film, showcasing and highlighting the wealth of tomorrow’s creative talent.
The glitzy afternoon ceremony has previously been attended by some of the biggest stars in the industry, with Hugh Grant, Callum Scott-Howells, Geri Horner, Celyn Jones, Elizabeth McGovern, Gurinder Chadha and Lennie James attending last year.
For more information about the awards, visit the Into Film website.
Learn more about Araminta by visiting her website.
