Brentwood School Staff film “Penvy” takes top honour at national filmmaking awards
Brentwood School is delighted to announce that its staff-produced short film, Penvy, has been awarded Best Staff Film at Young Film Academy’s prestigious 2025 10 Shot Film Awards.
The annual Awards, run by Young Film Academy (YFA), recognise filmmaking excellence across more than 150 UK and international schools. Penvy, created as part of YFA’s celebrated One Day Film School programme, impressed judges with its originality, playful concept and skilful execution.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Head of Drama, Mrs Sophie Hermosa.
“Penvy was a joy to create, and the experience gave our staff wonderful insight into the same creative process our students enjoy. We’re incredibly proud to be recognised by Young Film Academy and to be part of a programme that inspires so many young filmmakers.”
Mrs Hermosa, who directed the short film, added:
“Our title was ‘A hero, a villain, an object they both want’. We realised that all teachers covet the red pen for marking, and that’s how the idea was born!”
Acting credits also go to Drama teacher, Mrs Veares, who edited the film; Assistant Head of Academic Enrichment Mrs Micallef; Head of English, Miss Cooper, and English teacher Mr Taylor.
“The One Day Film School is an excellent project for schools to do – it was a lot of fun for everyone involved and the students really benefited from the experience. The staff did too, Mr Taylor was saying that since the course he is looking at film really differently, identifying and understanding camera shots and why they have been used to create effect.”
Since 2008, over 100,000 students have taken part in the One Day Film School, learning essential filmmaking skills from script to screen – including screenwriting, storyboarding, camera operation, fight choreography, editing and film history. The 10 Shot Film Awards showcase the most exceptional two-minute films produced each year, offering a platform for emerging talent and encouraging young people to explore pathways into the British film industry.
See the winning short film for yourself: Penvy
