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University of York

York filmmaker shortlisted for prestigious national award

Posted on 20 September 2016

A film made by a University of York PhD student has been shortlisted for the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s (AHRC) 2016 Research in Film Awards.

Romana Turina

Romana Turina’s film, Lunch with Family, is one of five chosen from hundreds to be shortlisted in the Inspiration Award public category. The film follows Turina’s journey to find out more about her Italian ancestry.

The winner for each category will be announced at a ceremony at BAFTA in London on 10 November, and will receive £2,000 towards their film-making.

Set up in 2015, the Research in Film Awards celebrate short films, up to 30 minutes long, made about the arts and humanities and their influence on peoples’ lives.

Romana Turina, a PhD student in York’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television, said: “Lunch with Family is about the journey of discovery that a British veteran put me on when he asked me if I knew Vladimir Turina. I had no idea if this man was a spy or a freedom fighter, an Italian or a Slovenian. What is more, I had never heard his name in my family!

“The discovery changed my sense of identity forever and uncovered some very difficult Italian history of the period 1918-1945, which has been silenced. I am absolutely delighted to see this film shortlisted!”

Mike Collins, Head of Communications at the AHRC, said: "The standard of film-making in this year's Research in Film Awards has been exceptionally high and the range of themes covered span the whole breadth of arts and humanities subjects.

"While watching the films I was impressed by the careful attention to detail and rich story telling that the film-makers had used to engage their audiences. The quality of the shortlisted films further demonstrates the endless potential of using film as a way to communicate and engage people with academic research. Above all, the shortlist showcases the art of film-making as a way of helping us to understand the world that we live in today."

Judges for this year’s Awards include Professor Tom Inns, Director of the Glasgow School of Art, and writer, broadcaster and film critic, Danny Leigh.

The winning films will be shared on the Arts and Humanities Research Council website and YouTube channel.

Further information:

  • For more information about the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s (AHRC) 2016 Research in Film Awards, visit: http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/funding/opportunities/current/rifa-2016/. On the 10 November follow #RIFA2016 on Twitter.
  • To watch Lunch with Family, visit: https://vimeo.com/171320249
  • The Arts and Humanities Research Council funds world-class, independent researchers in a wide range of subjects: history, archaeology, digital content, philosophy, languages, design, heritage, area studies, the creative and performing arts, and much more. This financial year the AHRC will spend approximately £98 million to fund research and postgraduate training in collaboration with a number of partners. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits and contributes to the economic success of the UK but also to the culture and welfare of societies around the globe. For more information visit: www.ahrc.ac.uk or follow @ahrcpress on Twitter.
  • For more information about the University of York’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television, visit: https://www.york.ac.uk/tftv/

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