University celebrates Bafta Film Awards successes

A university has paid tribute to a tutor and graduate whose productions scooped accolades at the Bafta Film Awards.

Visiting tutor on the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) Creative Writing degree, Dean Atta, won Best Short Animation for Two Black Boys in Paradise.

Film production graduate, Lars Thomas Skare, was assistant director for the Norwegian drama Sentimental Value that won the award for the Best Film Not In The English Language.

Meanwhile, the glittering awards ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday also saw Dame Donna Langley, who grew up on the Isle of Wight, presented with Bafta's Fellowship Award.

Two Black Boys in Paradise was written and executive produced by Atta, telling the story of two young gay black men Eden, 19, and Dula,18.

Their journey, imagined as a "paradise free from shame and judgement", was adapted from a poem Atta wrote, inspired by his own religious upbringing.

The nine-minute stop-motion animation was created by a team of more than 100 over five years.

"It's been a real joy to see it go from a poem to animation to now a Bafta awarding winning short film - it's just been incredible," he said.

James Cole, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Creative Writing at AUB, said: "Dean's Bafta win is a testament to the power of storytelling in all its forms and this event perfectly captures that creative energy.

"At AUB, we champion writing that crosses disciplines. We're proud to see one of our visiting tutors recognised at the highest level."

The film, will be screened as part of a special headline event which Atta is due to attend at the Bournemouth Writing Festival next month.

Thomas Skare completed a BA (Hons) Film Production course at AUB in 2013.

He specialised in directing for his second and third years in Bournemouth and moved back to his native Norway where he built a career as a second assistant director on a number of films.

Sentimental Value received six Bafta nominations including Best Film, Director, Leading Actress, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, Film Not In The English Language, Adapted Screenplay and Casting.

It has also received nine Academy Award nominations and six European Film Awards.

Dame Donna is chair of NBC Universal Studio Group and was appointed as a Dame for services to film and entertainment in the 2020 New Year's honours list.

Bestowing the Bafta fellowship, the Prince of Wales said: "Her determination and commitment have driven her to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry."

She went to school at Lake and Carisbrooke on the island.

Among those featured in a pre-recorded tribute shown during the ceremony, producer Eric Fellner described her as "a legend".

"A girl from the Isle of Wight, here in the UK, can end up being one of the longest-running studio heads," he added.

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