Film graduate scoops top award

The animated film, Robots, impressed judges

A film-maker from Newport has achieved a top accolade for his animated film at an inaugural Welsh moving image festival for students.

John Williams won three awards for his movie, Robots, including the audience award, at the Ffresh festival in Aberystwyth.

John Williams is thrilled with the awards

Mr Williams, 23, learned his movie-making skills at Wales' International Film School at the University of Wales College, Newport.

Six other students from the university also collected prizes for their work.

The festival - which had over 140 entries - is described as the first showcase for Welsh moving image students.

Mr Williams, who has been working as a freelance animator in London since he graduated, is thrilled with the award.

"I had a little hint that I may win the best of festival award," he said.

I think the festival is a really good idea

John Williams, award winner

"But getting the best script and the audience awards was a complete surprise.

"It is a real achievement and I am sure it will help my career," he said.

Mr Williams believes that the festival, which is co-ordinated by Sgrin, is a good way for young film-makers to show their work.

"I think the festival is a really good idea - getting all the film students in Wales together like this is a good thing," he said.

He describes his film as showing the demise of three redundant robots as they attempt to reassert meaning to their empty lives.

The film tells the story of three robots

Mr Williams said that, as well as winning the prizes at Ffresh, he has also won the coveted McLaren Award at the Edinburgh Festival.

"It is a really good feeling to be getting recognition for my work," he said.

Clive Myer, head of the International Film School in Newport also backed the festival.

"The Ffresh festival was an excellent opportunity to see the work of film-makers from all over Wales," he said.