A motion at the Scottish Parliament has congratulated three Forth Valley College students who won an award at this year’s Ayrshire Film Festival.
The motion was submitted this summer by Mid-Scotland and Fife Scottish Conservative MSP Alexander Stewart, and praised the work of Leah Money (21) from Alloa, Daryna Pylypenko (21) from Denny and Harmony Johnston-Brand (18) from Alva, all studying on the Stirling Campus based NC Film and Television course - which only started in August 2023 – and whowon the Ayrshire Film Festival External Category for their short film-noir 'A Shade Of Red'.
The full motion – backed by more than 30 other MSPs - proposed that:
“The Parliament congratulates film and television students from the Wee County who were part of a production team that won the Ayrshire Film Festival’s external category; and understands that Leah Money (21) from Alloa, and Harmony Johnston-Brand (18) from Alva, were part of a Forth Valley College trio that won the category; notes that the production was made together with Daryna Pylypenko, (21) from Denny; further notes that their short film noir, A Shade of Red, impressed the judges at the festival, run by Ayrshire College Media Department, in a category open to amateur filmmakers around the nation; understands that the short film with a twist is an exploration of film noir, with many recognisable genre tropes, and stars Kristin Earhart as the femme fatale, and wishes all involved best wishes with their future endeavours.”
Run by the Ayrshire College Media Department, the festival organisers make an External Category open to amateur filmmakers nation-wide.
The Forth Valley College students’ short film is an investigation of the film-noir genre. It includes many recognisable genre tropes and stars Kristin Earhart as the Femme Fatale, but it also delivers a twist.
Leah, said: "It felt rewarding when we won as the hard work was recognised by others."
Harmony, went on: "It was fun and a challenge, but the best part was being able to share the experience with my friends."
Daryna, added: "We learned a lot on the course which gave us the confidence to express ourselves cinematically and it is very humbling to have that recognition."
FVC Film and Television Lecturer Vincent Mulligan, said: "All three have excelled on the course this year by throwing themselves headlong into the activities, and developing their camera operating, lighting, sound recording and editing skills to such a high standard.
“In what is the first year this course has run, it is gratifying to have gained some success. Hopefully this year's cohort can expand on it and help the course to gain further recognition in even more competitive arenas."
The photo shows from left to right Leah, Harmony and Daryna.
For more information about the NC Film and television course visit https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/courses/film-media/nc-media-film-and-television