A SHORT animation created by Falmouth University animation and visual effects staff, students and alumni alongside industry professionals was nominated for a BAFTA at the weekend.

Middle Watch was shortlisted in the British Short Animation category of the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards, which took place on Sunday.

The short was partly funded by Falmouth's School of Film & Television, enabling students to gain valuable experience working on a live project with industry professionals.

The film was written and directed by John Stevenson, co-directed by Falmouth Animation BA(Hons) graduate Aiesha Penwarden and produced by Giles Healy.

Since 2019, Falmouth’s team worked closely with DreamWorks director John Stevenson and industry professionals on the project which became loosely based on a letter he found in the Imperial War Museum. Written in 1963, the letter shared the experiences of a sailor, that had been kept secret for many years.

Set towards the end of World War Two, the film follows the journey of a Royal Navy sailor, traumatised by his own wartime experience, who is called to keep watch for enemy ships, on the ‘Middle Watch’, in the early hours of the morning. As he goes about his duties, in the darkness before dawn, his routine is shattered by an extraordinary encounter that could tip the balance of his delicate state of mind.

Sadly it missed out to The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, which was shown on BBC One over Christmas.

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However, commenting on the BAFTA nomination before the ceremony, Middle Watch producer Giles Healy said: "The nomination is a great accolade and stands as testimony to the creative flair and dedication of a new generation of artists, animators and technicians.

“In reaching these bright young people, many of whom were still in full time education, we were given the support and encouragement of a number of educational institutions, but thanks must go to Falmouth University in particular, as without their funding and unfailing support, the film would not have been made.”

Falmouth Packet: The film was co-directed by Falmouth Animation graduate Aiesha PenwardenThe film was co-directed by Falmouth Animation graduate Aiesha Penwarden (Image: Falmouth University)

Falmouth University Animation lecturers Derek Hayes and Katherine Nicholls added: “We are incredibly proud of all the Falmouth Animation students and alumni who have worked on Middle Watch.

“They recognised its huge learning potential as a professional production that would be under the inspiring and generous guidance of DreamWorks director John Stevenson and film producer Giles Healy from start to finish.”