Students from the University of Westminster’s Film BA Honours course gained industry experience and global perspectives on a Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT)-funded field trip to a film festival in Portugal in June. The renowned FEST – New Directors | New Films Festival champions emerging filmmakers and fosters dialogue on the future of cinema, offering students an opportunity to engage with leading filmmakers and educators from around the world.
The field trip was led by Professor Lucy Brown, Head of Screen and Assistant Head of the School of Media and Communications, Dr Laura Stephenson, Course Leader of the Film BA Honours course, and Tom Hooper, Screenwriter and Senior Lecturer. Together, the team supported students throughout an inspiring week of masterclasses, screenings, workshops, premieres and networking events. The experience gave students exclusive access to FEST’s acclaimed Training Ground programme, where they attended masterclasses with leading industry figures. Highlights included Academy Award-winning Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot (A River Runs Through It, Interview with the Vampire), Production Designer Katie Byron (Don’t Worry Darling, Booksmart) and BAFTA-winning Editor Chris King (Senna, Amy, Banksy: Exit Through the Gift Shop). Students also explored the creative process of sound design at FEST’s Sound and Music Hub with Paul Davies, Sound Designer on We Need to Talk About Kevin and Touching Evil.
As part of her long-standing relationship with FEST, Professor Brown also chaired the festival’s Film Educators Meet Up, which brought together teachers from international film schools and facilitated critical dialogue on inclusive, sustainable and globally connected approaches to film education.
Professor Brown said: “It is always inspiring to see our students engaging so fully with the international film community at FEST. Opportunities like this help them to broaden their perspectives, build confidence and understand how their creativity can contribute to a diverse and dynamic global screen industry.”
Reflecting on her experience, second-year Film BA Honours student Sarah Kelly added: “The festival is incredible and has opened my eyes to many different parts of the industry. It felt very warm and was extremely welcoming to us students.”
The trip directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Film and Television courses at the University of Westminster.
