BA6 Special Projects: Student Films Shine at The Gate

BA6 Special Projects: Student Films Shine at The Gate

19 February 2025

The BA6 Special Projects Screening took place at the iconic The Gate Picturehouse in Notting Hill on 22 January 2025.  

Group shot of LFA students outside their film screening at the gate Cinema

Hosted by London Film Academy, this highly anticipated event featured the first and second cuts of five student films, each showcasing the creativity, dedication, and storytelling prowess of our talented filmmakers. 

The screening provided a platform for students to present their work in a professional cinema setting, offering a valuable opportunity for feedback and discussion.  

The audience, comprising fellow students, faculty members, and industry professionals, engaged in a lively Q&A session, exchanging insights and constructive critiques to help refine the final versions of these projects. 

The Films 

Acceptance 

Acceptance is a short film exploring identity, heritage, and cultural belonging. In a dimly lit room, individuals share their last meal choices, revealing deep ties to family and race. As the lights rise, so do their reflections on acceptance, embarrassment, and the feeling of not being “enough” of one identity.

Through intimate storytelling, Acceptance challenges viewers to examine their own sense of belonging. 

A film poster featuring a striking design with bold typography and evocative imagery, conveying themes of identity and personal growth.

British Beasts and Where to Find Them / No Panthers in the UK 

British Beasts and Where to Find Them investigates the aftermath of the UK’s Dangerous Wild Animals Act, which aimed to regulate exotic animal ownership—but instead led many to release their creatures into the wild.

Through interviews with an Exmoor Zoo big cat specialist, a wildlife journalist, and researchers at the Royal Agricultural University, the film explores the enduring mystery of Britain’s big cats. Blending expert analysis with rising public fascination, it examines the evidence, challenges the myths, and asks: what’s really out there? 

I think out of all of the films that were pitched for the special project, this was the only one that involved going out into the wild. We were camping, spending three days out in the countryside and that was really exciting.

Jacques O’Connor

A visually engaging poster showcasing various mythical or real British creatures, blending fantasy and documentary aesthetics.

More Than Skin Deep 

More Than Skin Deep explores the transformative power of tattoo artistry as a means of reclaiming the body after trauma. Through personal stories and industry insight, the film examines the stigma of visible tattoos, the over-sexualization of tattooed women, and the prejudices they face.

It also questions whether women have a harder path in the tattoo industry, shedding light on the deeper meaning behind ink and identity. 

A thought-provoking film poster with a compelling composition, exploring themes of beauty, perception, and deeper human connections.

Precocious 

Precocious is a deeply personal exploration of sexual assault, identity, and the challenges of growing up queer in a rural area. Through an intimate interview, the film navigates the longing for love and connection, the trauma of manipulation by older men, and the discomfort of a first experience shaped by power imbalance.

Reflecting on youth, the risks of apps like Grindr, and the need for change within the community, Precocious sparks a crucial conversation about safety, support, and a better path forward. 

A dynamic and intriguing poster highlighting youthful curiosity, intelligence, and the challenges of growing up ahead of one’s time.

Isolated 

Isolated is a raw and personal account of the Russian attack on Ukraine, told through the words of a Ukrainian defender. Through his harrowing storytelling, the film explores survival, the weight of war, and the brutal realities of clearing the aftermath. As he reflects on loss, resilience, and the fight to reclaim his homeland, Isolated offers an unfiltered glimpse into the human cost of conflict. 

Seeing my film on the big screen felt almost surreal—it brought something new to the experience. As a Ukrainian, I felt I had to do something that could make a difference, and I wanted to tell a Ukrainian story. 

Uliana Pisha

A soldier carrying a small child holding a teddy bear.

An Day of Growth and Inspiration 

The BA6 Special Projects Screening is more than just an opportunity to showcase work—it’s a vital step in our students' creative journeys. Seeing their films projected on the big screen, hearing audience reactions in real-time, and receiving constructive feedback help refine their craft and prepare them for future industry challenges. 

As these films move toward their final cuts, we eagerly anticipate their evolution and look forward to seeing how each filmmaker implements the feedback received.  

A huge congratulations to all the students involved for their hard work, passion, and storytelling brilliance. 

Stay tuned for updates on the final versions of these films and future screenings.