National Film And Television School Celebrates Class Of ’25 And Awards Outstanding Contribution Fellowship To Louis Theroux
The National Film and Television School’s (NFTS) annual Graduate Showcase, proudly supported by BBC Studios, is a celebration of the past 12 months of student made productions.
The Showcase unfolded over four days of screenings, presentations and industry meet and greets at the BFI Southbank, culminating in a graduation ceremony at Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square today (7 March).
The celebratory event saw BAFTA-winning documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux awarded with an Honorary Fellowship by the NFTS Board of Governors, in recognition of the exceptional contribution he has made to the industry. The Board praised his dedication to uncovering diverse human experiences through bold, thought-provoking storytelling across multiple mediums, and for continuing to inspire a new generation of creatives and documentary makers.
Louis Theroux and NFTS Documentary 2025 graduates
Louis delivered a wry and thought-provoking speech, addressing over 300 NFTS graduating students, including the next generation of documentary filmmakers. He provided gems of advice, saying: “An ability to consider the outsider, the marginalised, isn’t simply a moral issue. It is also good story-telling.”
“The best stories often involve the sense of connection we feel with someone going through an extraordinary setback.”
Closing his speech Louis encouraged the next generation of creators to: “Hold on to the old verities of being hard-working, conscientious, free-thinking and brave. Be happy, but hold on to a healthy degree of hesitancy and self-doubt. It is human, it reminds us to challenge our preconceptions, and doing so can bring us together.”
The ceremony marked the culmination of the students' training journey at the School, featuring additional speeches from NFTS President Lord David Puttnam, NFTS Chair Sophie Turner Laing and NFTS Director, Jon Wardle.
NFTS Chair Sophie Turner Laing, Louis Theroux and NFTS Director, Jon Wardle
The NFTS Graduate Showcase highlighted the outstanding work of the Class of ’25, bringing to life the creativity and talent of the School’s film, television, and games students. This innovative slate featured over 80 ground breaking shorts, fresh television formats, animations, documentaries, comedies, commercials, and games. Throughout the week, hundreds of hours of new content premiered to an audience of influential industry members eager to discover the next generation of behind the camera talent.
Students received awards at the graduation ceremony for the highest levels of achievement in production. Chosen annually by key NFTS industry partners; Sargent-Disc, Avid, Christie, IOSH and Panalux, the following graduating students were recognised for their stellar work:
- Christie
Screenwriting MA student Tracey Murray was awarded the coveted Christie prize for the Most Promising Student, receiving a personalised crystal trophy alongside a prize of £1,000.
Brian Ward, Head of the NFTS Screenwriting MA commented: “Throughout her time at the NFTS, Tracey has produced exceptional work and developed into a writer of huge talent and potential, providing tireless help, advice and support to her fellow students. She has demonstrated exceptional skill, tact, diplomacy and resilience and has remained extraordinarily positive, energetic and enthusiastic during all the projects she has collaborated on.
Her own amazing story and the challenges she has overcome in life have made her a brilliant organiser, collaborator, mentor and friend. She lights up every room she walks into and is a ball of positive energy. There is no challenge too great for her to take on, yet she remains modest, self-effacing and incredibly calm.
Tracey could excel in countless fields—whether as a therapist, welfare counsellor, international diplomat, stand-up comedian, or even Prime Minister! But beyond all this, she is already a brilliant writer and producer, and I have no doubt that in the years ahead, she will also prove herself to be an outstanding director too.”
- Panalux
Selected by a jury of 10 industry peers, the Panalux Award for Best Cinematography was awarded to Cinematography MA student Jonathan Le Grice for his work on Fiction film Watch Me Burn. Jonathan was awarded a generous seven-day lighting hire package.
Panalux's George Martin with Jonathan Le Grice
The Panalux jury commented: “This film’s striking visuals uses a well-chosen 4:3 aspect ratio, natural lighting, and a carefully curated colour palette to create a slightly heightened reality. Thoughtful framing and shallow depth of field enhanced the focus of the main character, while creative techniques, like double exposure in the campfire scene, added to its immersive aesthetic.”
- Sargent-Disc
The 2025 Sargent-Disc Award was presented to two students graduating from the Production Management Diploma. Esther Thompson and Alice Fontana displayed excellent budgeting and cost control management as well as effective reporting skills. Sargent-Disc awarded the winning students with £500 and Final Draft software.
Esther Thompson, Alice Fontana between Sargent-Disc's Ruby Avards and Imogen Mohr
Dr Laurence Sargent, Director, Sargent-Disc said: “The students graduating from NFTS today represent the future of our industry. Their dedication, talent and creativity are essential to its continued success. Sargent-Disc is proud to support this year’s Production Managers with awards and to provide an annual scholarship for two Production Management students. We wish them all the best as they begin their careers."
- IOSH
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Award of £1,000 for Health and Safety Management in Film Production was presented to fiction film A Good Question.
Prizes were handed to three graduating students, Sara Saini, Emma Hinnells and Owen Tucknott.
Owen Tucknott, Emma Hinnells and Sara Saini
NFTS Production Health and Safety Manager Sunny Bains, commented: “The winning students should be very proud of how they managed the safety challenges during planning and prep of their films. This year the IOSH judges commented on how the winning team explained the risk assessment process effectively, identifying and managing the safety challenges they faced. The whole team showed how they all played an important part in the planning and execution of the safety measures.”
- Avid
The 2024 winner of the Avid Award for Excellence in Composing went to Composing MA graduate Darren Sng. Darren was awarded Sibelius Ultimate software.
The Avid jury commented: “The jury were particularly impressed with the confidence exhibited across such a wide-ranging variety of styles and genres whilst maintaining a sense of coherence to the work.”
The Avid Award for Excellence in Sound Design went to Sound Design MA graduate Levi Giger who was awarded Avid’s Pro Tools® Ultimate software.
The Avid jury said: “This student has cultivated a unique and distinctive style, demonstrating an exceptional ability to enhance storytelling through sound. With a deep commitment to maximising the expressive power of every film, they have approached each project with skill, inventiveness, precision and passion. Their dedication to the craft has set them apart as a true artist in sound design.”
The Avid Award for Excellence in Editing went to Editing MA graduate Piotr Zuchniewicz. Piotr was awarded Avid Media Composer® Ultimate software.
The Avid jury said: “This student is a credit to themselves, and we feel sure that an exciting and rewarding road is laid out before them, as they graduate from the NFTS.”
Levi Giger, Darren Sng and Piotr Zuchniewicz
Congratulations to all this year’s prize-winning students and a huge thank you to all our industry partners and supporters!
Industry members can view online all the work featured as part of the NFTS Graduate Showcase 2025: nfts.co.uk/gradshow
For more information, please visit: nfts.co.uk