HOLLYWOOD came to Pembrokeshire last Wednesday (July 8) when the work of young filmmakers premiered at the annual Pembrokeshire Schools Film and Animation Festival.

The children enjoyed the atmosphere at the Oscars-style event hosted by the Torch Theatre, with photographs on the red carpet followed by a screening of their work in the cinema.

The event was organised by Pembrokeshire County Council’s education advisory service.

Over the last year, pupils from 25 schools, mostly primary, have taken part in free workshops from ‘Into Film’ and created a wide range of movies.

Their films range from paper-cut stop motion animations of Welsh folk tales to documentaries and time travel movies.

Every school entering had the opportunity to see their film showcased on the big screen and then vote for their favourite in the Audience Award, which this year went to St.Teilo’s R.C. School, Tenby.

The other awards were given by the festival’s judging panel.

The winners were: Best animation (primary) - Fishguard Holy Name R.C. School; Best film (primary) - St.Teilo’s R.C. School, Tenby; Independent Young Film-Maker Award - Dylan Allman from Cleddau Reach V.C. School.

Duncan Whitehurst, Director of the film festival and ICT adviser for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “Showcasing schools’ films at the end of the year is a way of celebrating the success of completing a project and gives film-makers the opportunity to see each others’ work and share ideas.”

Many of the entries screened at this year’s event will go forward to represent Pembrokeshire in the Into Film UK Film Awards in November. This year’s films can be viewed online at www.pembrokeshirefilm.org