For media enquiries please contact Head of Marketing Holly Blake on h.blake@lfs.org.uk.
The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Films: From Brokeback Mountain to Love, Simon and My Old Ass
Written by MA Screenwriting student, Shaarath Vihari
When Brokeback Mountain premiered back in 2005, it was a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ representation in film. A tragic love story between two cowboys in 1960s Wyoming, the film depicted the brutal realities of repression and homophobia – showing queer love as something secretive, dangerous, and ultimately heartbreaking.
The achievements of London Film School’s MA screenwriting alumni
London Film School’s MA Screenwriting programme has cultivated some of the most exciting voices in the film and television industry. From critically acclaimed feature films to high-profile streaming series, LFS alumni have made their mark on the global stage. Two outstanding graduates, Ameir Brown and Sam Jefferson, exemplify the course’s success, with their recent contributions to major television productions on Disney+ and Apple TV+ respectively.
Ameir Brown – Writing for Disney+’s A Thousand Blows
JANUARY | STUDENT AND ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
We’re well into 2025, and our students, graduates, and alumni have been busy reaching new heights in their careers. Read on to discover their journeys to success. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any exciting news you may have, we always want to hear about it! You can sign up to our alumni newsletter here to get the updates straight to your inbox.
“Throw yourself into the program as much as you can and focus on nourishing your artistic friendships. Make something that you really want, that you really believe in, that excites you. Go make films with your friends!”
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Divine Intervention’s Co-Creator and Director, Ravenna Tran (MA Filmmaking), and Writer, Rebecca Ozer (MA Screenwriting), where we discussed their journey from the initial partnership to completing the incredibly successful film. Divine Intervention was nominated for Best British Short at the 2024 Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival. It was subsequently broadcast on Film4 and is available to stream on Channel 4 for a year following the festival. Get watching!
OSCAR NOMINEE IN THREE CATEGORIES "VERA DRAKE"
"VERA DRAKE", the new film by Mike Leigh, our Chairman, was nominated in three categories at the Oscar Award ceremony last night. Mike was up for Best Director, Imelda Staunton up for Actress in a Leading Role and the script up for Original Screenplay.
Best Director went to Clint Eastwood for "Million Dollar Baby", Actress in a Leading Role went to Hilary Swank for "Million Dollar Baby" and Original Screenplay went to Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry and Pierre Bismuth for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind".
OSCAR NOMINEE FOR ASHVIN KUMAR EX-STUDENT C. 145
Nominee in Category "Short Film - Live Action"
"LITTLE TERRORIST"
Writer/Director: Ashvin Kumar
FILM SYNOPSIS
When a young Pakistani boy accidentally crosses the mine-strewn border into India in pursuit of his cricket ball, he is helped by a Hindu teacher.
ACADEMY AWARDS HISTORY
This is the first Academy Award nomination for Ashvin Kumar.
ALSO NOMINATED IN THIS CATEGORY
EVERYTHING IN THIS COUNTRY MUST
7:35 IN THE MORNING
TWO CARS, ONE NIGHT
WASP
The winner for this category was "WASP".
AWARD WINNING PRODUCER GAVIN POOLMAN EX-LFS STUDENT C. 95
Gavin Poolman is an Alumni of the LFS. He is Canadian but he is based in the UK. He was at the school in 1984-1986. Two of the films that he and his company, Apollo Films (a member of PACT) have produced received good Festival and commercial credits. The website links are listed below and also a short precise of each film:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/festival_express/
or the New York Times review:
BEST SHORT FILM AT BAFTA
Congratulations also go to Nancy Harrison, our Honarary Student, who is a student at the London Metropole University, and who has worked on many of our student films as Producer/Production Assistant, was Production Assistant on the Bafta Award winning Short Film "The Banker" directed by Hattie Dalton.
BAFTA AWARDS FOR "VERA DRAKE"
CONGRATULATIONS to our Chairman Mike Leigh on winning another award. This time the BAFTA AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR for his latest film "VERA DRAKE". Congratulations also go to his leading actress Imelda Staunton on winning Best Actress in a Leading Role for the same film.