Next stop Hollywood for the young Crossgar film-makers

Next stop Hollywood for the young Crossgar film-makers

2 July 2025

IT was lights, camera, action – and celebration – last week as a Crossgar school accepted the prestigious Filmmaking Champion award at the Into Film Awards in London.

St Colmcille’s High School students along with principal Seamus Hanna and teacher Victoria Polly were all smiles as they took to the red carpet at the iconic Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square for the event hosted by BAFTA winning actress and presenter Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The Into Film Awards, supported by the UK film industry and funded by the BFI with National Lottery Good Cause funding, celebrate the creativity of young people in film and spotlight the storytelling talents of the next generation.

Having won best film last year, the school was honoured this year for their efforts to integrate filmmaking across the curriculum. 

Sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd, the award was presented by actors Elizabeth McGovern and Celyn Jones.

Speaking on stage at the ceremony, Mr Hanna said the award was “a reminder that the voices of our students matter, their ideas matter and that storytelling has the power to connect, challenge and change the world.”

Ms Polly said the school was “absolutely delighted” that the hard work and dedication of pupils and staff had been recognised by Into Film.

“Our young people have faced a range of challenges in recent years,” she said.

“We have witnessed an increased number of pupils seeking support for anxiety and mental health concerns, which are exacerbated by the current economic and social climate.”

She continued: “Against the back of dwindling budgets and a cost-of-living crisis, our young people have experienced a significant reduction in the provisions and opportunities for challenging creative skills.

“It is inspirational to watch our young people letting their imaginations sing and we are privileged to work with them.”

For more information about Into Film, visit: https://intofilm.org.