Student movie filmed in North Yorkshire wins six international awards

A short film by a York St John University student has won six awards at the Los Angeles Movie Awards.

MA Film Production graduate, Sebastian Synowiec was inspired by his Polish grandfather’s experiences in World War II to produce “Persistence”.  He wins a plaque and will see his film screened in Hollywood.

Former winners of these prestigious awards include actors Samuel Jackson and Rossana Arquette.  “Persistence” won Best Short Narrative, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and Best Supporting Actor.

The Polish language film, featuring Polish actors, was filmed in North Yorkshire and Poland in 2012 using a crew of graduates and students from York St John University. Current second year BA (Hons) Film & TV Production student, Hamish Logan appears in the film; Bethan King, who graduated in 2011 with a BA (Hons) Film & TV Production degree, won Best Production Design and Emily Batty, who also graduated in 2010 won Best Costume Design.

Based on the lives of several Polish resistance fighters, the biggest underground army in Europe during World War II, the film follows the passion and patriotism of the young men and women who dedicated their lives to fight for freedom.

Sebastian, aged 31 from Vienna, said: “I am amazed and delighted to have won the award. My grandfather was always a hero to me and when I saw his memoirs around five years ago I started to understand some of the suffering he experienced during the war. He was in the Polish army as well as the resistance and he was also imprisoned by the Nazis. He inspired the film, which shows the brotherhood and bonding as the freedom fighters fought to break the oppression. I made the movie so people won’t forget the Home Army soldiers and hopefully encourage a greater interest in their plight.”

Sebastian initially studied as a doctor and worked as a paramedic in Vienna until deciding to turn his passion for films into a career.

Dr Robert Edgar, Head of Programme, MA Film & TV Production, at York St John University said: “We see our role as facilitating the creativity of our students and nurturing their passion, commitment and enthusiasm. It is fantastic that the excellent work of Sebastian and the other students and graduates has been recognised – we are immensely proud of them and congratulate them on this wonderful achievement.”