DkIT students take home Channel 4 award

3 days ago

Dundalk Democrat

A group of 4th year Film and TV students took centre stage in London recently as they won the prestigious Undergraduate Factual Long Form award.

This group were the only Irish nomination at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Student Television Awards 2024 which is sponsored by 4Skills - Channel 4’s nationwide training and development strategy and walked away with this prestigious prize.

Hosted by rapper, author and broadcaster Guvna B, the winners were crowned at the awards ceremony at the IET, Savoy Place on Friday 21st June.

The RTS Student Television Awards is an annual celebration, showcasing the talent, potential and enthusiasm of students across the UK and Ireland, identifying exceptional skills and craftsmanship.

Sinéad Rocks, Managing Director, Nations and Regions at Channel 4 and Chair of the RTS Student Television Awards, said:

“The RTS Student Television Awards are a brilliant opportunity to recognise the next generation of industry entrants at the top of their games, who are creating dynamic, skilled films and soon to be transforming the screen industries.

“As we celebrate our winners and nominees, it is a reminder of the value of creating content and its ability to evoke conversation and change.”

The winning DkIT student documentary challenges the history of the Irish government while following the story of a woman who was directly impacted by the Irish mother and baby homes and has taken back control over her life.

The documentary tells the story of Susan who is one of the nine thousand babies born and or raised in Bessborough mother and baby homes. She was adopted into a loving family when she was only two weeks old.

Susan uses her art to construct an identity for herself given that her other forms of identity have been constructed for her. Labyrinths are tools for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. For Susan, the labyrinth symbolizes a journey of self-discovery.

The adoption system in Ireland is designed to remove all agency from the adopted person. It was designed so Susan would never discover if she had other family members. This is the story of how an abstract methodology such as art shattered that and at the age of 44, Susan discovered she had a brother.

Jessica Doherty, from Dundalk, who was the Director of the documentary said:

"I am absolutely thrilled and honoured that our documentary won the prestigious Royal Television Society Undergraduate Factual Long Form Award in London. Being recognized on such a significant platform is truly a privilege.

“This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We were absolutely delighted to represent Irish talent on this international stage."

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW