UWL Partners With Ealing Film Festival

Students from the London School of Film, Media and Design (LSFMD) at the University of West London (UWL) have gained first-hand insight into the film industry through a new collaboration with Ealing Film Festival.

As part of the university's Industry Experience programme, students and staff attended a campus screening of The Removed, the award-winning short film by director Rebecca Rose, which was named Best Narrative Drama at last year’s Ealing Film Festival.

Following the screening, Rose took part in a Q&A session discussing both the film and her career journey, from her early work as an actor to her move behind the camera, where she has worked extensively as an assistant director.

The Removed, which Rose wrote and directed, explores the emotional story of a woman separated from her child and was inspired by the experiences of women whose babies had been taken from them.

Speaking to students, Rose highlighted the importance of determination and commitment when building a career in film, explaining that success requires both passion and resilience. She also reflected on how her broad experience across different areas of production contributed to bringing The Removed to life.

The event also celebrated the achievements of two UWL students whose work was recognised at the festival: Media and Communications student Karyna Fedorchuk and Visual Effects graduate Rushil Vyas.

Rushil, who graduated last year, presented his Visual Effects short Ape of the Unknown, which was selected for the festival programme. He shared insights into the creative and technical processes behind the project and how visual effects can transform storytelling.

Karyna's documentary Solo was screened at the festival’s emerging talent event at Ealing Picturehouse, providing recognition for her work and helping to create new professional opportunities.

Reflecting on the experience, Karyna said: "You don't fully realise what it means until you attend the festival and see a brochure with your film’s title, and your name next to the word “Director”. I don’t quite dare to call myself that yet, but when someone else writes it about you, it truly feels like a significant step forward.

"Watching my short film on YouTube is one thing but realising that it is being viewed by a full cinema audience is something entirely different, and it is a feeling that truly gives you goosebumps."

Karyna is now undertaking work experience with the festival, which has already helped her secure a week-long placement on a professional film set and led to an offer of paid work in the future.

Sarah Lewthwaite, Media and Communications Course Leader, who organised the UWL event and attended the screening at Ealing Picturehouse with students, said: "Solo is a great film, and it was fantastic to see it on the big screen – a real endorsement of the standard of work our students are doing."

The UWL event was organised in partnership with Ealing Film Festival as part of an ongoing collaboration designed to provide students with greater access to industry experience, screenings, workshops and professional opportunities.

Ealing Film Festival will continue its partnership with UWL ahead of its next edition, taking place from 15–18 October, with a special 30% discount available for UWL filmmakers using code EFF3026.