FILM PRODUCTION: William Armitage, 22, of Woodsetts, in pictured at St Peter’s Church, Thorpe Salvin, which features in his film, Stories In Stone
Two rising local filmmakers will see their work showcased at a special film festival at Wentworth Woodhouse this November.
The Preservation Trust, which is regenerating the Grade I listed stately home as a hub for heritage, arts, and education, invited 16 to 25-year-olds to create films exploring what heritage means to them.
Ava Lockey, 17, from Blyth, and William Armitage, 22, from Woodsetts, rose to the challenge.
Ava’s film, Shadow Sites, tells the story of her great-grandmother, Hilda Hutton, who secretly worked at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Maltby during World War II, helping manufacture Lee-Enfield rifles and STEN submachine guns.
Ava explained: “Those women were making an important contribution to the war effort, but their story was relatively unknown, because they had to sign the Official Secrets Act.”
William’s film, Stories in Stone, reflects his passion for historic church buildings. The film features St Peter’s Church in Thorpe Salvin, where William experienced a spiritual awakening that sparked his deep interest in architecture and heritage.
Both films will be screened at Big House, Short Films on November 15, as part of Perception Busters, a year-long youth engagement project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project encourages young people to see heritage beyond historic buildings, exploring family history, traditions, and culture.
OLD TALE: Ava’s film, Shadow Sites, tells the story of her great-grandmother
The festival, running 6–9pm, will also feature other films by young filmmakers, creative installations in Wentworth Woodhouse’s state rooms, and interactive workshops with award-winning screenwriter Rob Young.
In the mansion’s private Chapel, a playful debate will put Wentworth Woodhouse itself “on trial” to decide if it should be preserved or replaced.
Victoria Ryves, head of culture and engagement at the Trust, said: “Perception Busters has empowered young people to connect with their past and take pride in their present. This festival gives a platform to emerging local talent and showcases their creativity to the public.”
Sarah Christie, programme manager for Children’s Capital of Culture, added: “We wanted to give these aspiring filmmakers a truly big-screen showcase for their work and a professional platform to accelerate their creative careers.”
Tickets are £12 (£10 students, free for carers). More information is available at http://bit.ly/3WpZZIs.
Location: Blyth, Northumberland and Woodsetts, Rotherham