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OLD TALE: Ava\u2019s film, Shadow Sites, tells the story of her great-grandmother<\/p>\nFILM PRODUCTION: William Armitage, 22, of Woodsetts, in pictured at St Peter\u2019s Church, Thorpe Salvin, which features in his film, Stories In Stone<\/p>\n
Two rising local filmmakers will see their work showcased at a special film festival at Wentworth Woodhouse this November.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Ava Lockey, 17, from Blyth, and William Armitage, 22, from Woodsetts, rose to the challenge.<\/p>\n
Ava\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
William\u2019s film, Stories in Stone, reflects his passion for historic church buildings. The film features St Peter\u2019s Church in Thorpe Salvin, where William experienced a spiritual awakening that sparked his deep interest in architecture and heritage.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The project encourages young people to see heritage beyond historic buildings, exploring family history, traditions, and culture.<\/p>\n
OLD TALE: Ava\u2019s film, Shadow Sites, tells the story of her great-grandmother<\/p>\n
The festival, running 6\u20139pm, will also feature other films by young filmmakers, creative installations in Wentworth Woodhouse\u2019s state rooms, and interactive workshops with award-winning screenwriter Rob Young. <\/p>\n
In the mansion\u2019s private Chapel, a playful debate will put Wentworth Woodhouse itself \u201con trial\u201d to decide if it should be preserved or replaced.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Sarah Christie, programme manager for Children\u2019s 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.”<\/p>\n