The Judges Panel
This challenge is your chance to dive into the world of filmmaking, explore your creative talents, and push your boundaries. We encourage all participants to embrace the experience and create films they'll be proud of. To celebrate your hard work and achievements, we'll be hosting a special event for everyone who completes the challenge.
While we wish our judges could view every film, our experienced mentors will be on the lookout for exceptional talent. If your film demonstrates outstanding creativity and skill, our mentors will nominate it for review by our esteemed judging panel.
The judges will be presented with films that show exceptional work in each Key Stage, in the areas of:
Best Actor
Best use of the three elements
and Best Film.
Col Needham, Executive Chair and Founder of IMDb
IMDb is a staple for film buffs worldwide, IMDb provides a comprehensive database of film information. Col's vision for this essential resource has revolutionised the way we access and engage with film.
Col's dedication to the 48 Hour Film Challenge is truly amazing. His unwavering support for our young filmmakers year after year is a testament to his passion for nurturing the next generation of cinematic talent.
We are deeply honored to have Col join our judging team once again. His presence adds an extra layer of prestige and excitement to the entire competition!
Isobel Penaliggon - Into Film Southwest Programme Coordinator
Prior to joining Into Film Izzy was an Assistant Headteacher at a Bristol primary school. Supporting young people to find their voices, tell their stories and realise the endless potential of their creativity was the driving force behind her educational career; this is something she carries on in her role at Into Film through facilitating exciting filmmaking workshops and screen industry encounters for young people, and delivering empowering film based CPD for educators.
Izzy’s favourite film genre has to be ‘period dramas’, with classics such as Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women and Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth leading the way as favourites!
We are so pleased to have Izzy on board.
Adil Ladha, producer, writer and director
Adil is dedicated to amplifying creative voices through storytelling. Not having been to film school, he found that the best way to learn was through practice and surrounding himself with good people. Working in every role he could get his hands on.
Adil's work, includes his BBC Arts commissioned short To the Moon, he is also on the team of Creative Producers run by the BFI and Film Hub North. Along with his music videos and diverse shorts.
This is Adil's second year with us and we are delighted to have him as one of our judges. He has been a passionate supporter of creativity in education and has been a great advocate of the Schools 48 Hour Film Challenge.
