Hackney film maker shortlisted for award

A budding film maker from Hackney has been shortlisted to win the grand prize of £30,000 funding in Virgin Media Shorts, an annual short film competition which celebrates the best up-and-coming British film talent.

Kate Anderson is one of 12 directors whose short film Probably… will now be judged by a panel of experts from across the film industry, including Hollywood actress Thandie Newton, British film directors Mike Newell and Duncan Jones, and film critic James King.

Over 1600 film makers submitted their films for the chance to win the grand prize of up to £30,000 film funding, and the opportunity to work with Virgin Media to make their next short film. The winning film will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday 5 October.

Kate first realised her interest in film making more than 15 years ago. Her nominated film, Probably…is an animated story about the development of a boy as he grows up, finds his dreams and attempts to follow them. It started out as a test piece, which gradually became longer and more detailed, before evolving into a short film.

Kate Anderson, Hackney film maker

Kate said: “I am chuffed to be shortlisted for Virgin Media Shorts. The competition gives micro film making a much deserved platform.  Browsing through the entries it is impossible not to marvel at the talent and diversity of what film makers can do in 140 seconds.”

To vote for her in the People’s Choice award, giving her the chance to win a selection of state-of-the-art film equipment in addition to the grand prize, visit Virgin Media Shorts.