Wanstead filmmaker enjoys success at Walthamstow International Film Festival

Written by the editor Thursday, 01 September 2011

Helmie Stil

A dutch filmmaker who recently moved to Wanstead has been awarded first prize in the documentary category and second prize overall at this year's Walthamstow International Film Festival.

Helmie Stil, who moved to Wanstead from the Netherlands a few months ago, made a short documentary about her feelings on adjusting to life in a new country. Entitled 'Shadow and Sun', the film explores all kinds of shadows on Wanstead High Street as well as in Helmie's house. The film was produced with her partner Lennert Busch, who composed the music.

"This is the first film we made with just the two of us. I filmed, edited and wrote the film, it's a really personal film and at the end of the process I couldn't tell anymore if it was good or not. I had put so much passion, emotions and myself into it that I couldn't be objective anymore and that's why I am extremely happy to receive the award," explained Helmie.

All films submitted to the festival are three minutes or under, are suitable for family viewing and will be shown on a loop over the period from 3 September to 11 September at various venues. Click here for details.

Helmie will collect her prize at the closing ceremony on the last day of the festival on Sunday 11 September.