University of Westminster Film and Television Production BA Honours alumna Yasmin Afifi has won the BAFTA for Best British Short Film for her film Jellyfish and Lobster.
The 20-minute film, written and directed by Yasmin Afifi, was one of five short films nominated in the category and tells the story of a relationship that grows between two terminally-ill care home residents whose bond builds after they make a discovery on a visit to the swimming pool at the care home.
Through mixing humour and mischief with the sadness and grief that comes with illness, the film inspires, entertains and moves the audience, shining a light on the power and spirit of love despite the challenges that come with aging.
The cast of Jellyfish and Lobster include Flo Wilson, Serguté Mariam, Shane Afolabi, Horaios Aidoo, Aslan Amjad as well as Sayed Badreya who celebrated on stage by recreating the goal celebration routine of Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah, getting on his knees and placing his head on the stage.
The film has been shown at a variety of film festivals and has also won three prizes at the British Short Film Awards including Best British Director and Best Editing.
On her BAFTA victory Afifi took to Twitter to say: “Dreams CAN come true? Sunday was a night I’ll never forget. It’s going to be a while before I can listen back to “Jellyfish and Lobster” being called out on that stage and not cry. My heart is so full. Thank you so much to BAFTA and all the voting members. This means everything.”
About Afifi’s achievement, Dr Laura Stephenson, Course Leader of the BA Film course at the University of Westminster, said: "We are immensely proud of what Yasmin has achieved! BAFTA is the most prestigious awards body for moving image content in Britain, with many filmmakers achieving a nomination after decades of work. That Yasmin has had a film nomination and win so soon after completing her studies, and at such a young age, is extraordinary."
The film contributes towards the Good Health and Well-being (3) development goal of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it focuses on mental health and the lightness in dark times. These goals were adopted by the University of Westminster to help make the University a more sustainable, responsible and inclusive place to live, work and study.
Find out more about Film and Television courses at the University of Westminster. and health, leaving the audience both moved and thoroughly entertained.
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