Plucky pigeons must outwit the Russians and a traumatised girl must learn trust and in two prizewinning films by young people at a recent film festival.

The festival to showcase talent in the county took place over two days in February at Watford Palace Theatre, with film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions.

Run in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Cathartic C.I.C, it was made possible with the support of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.

Read more: Herts Film Fest has exciting opportunity for young talent

The prizewinners, aged between 11 and 25, now have the exciting honour of their films being screened at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden and they also win a family ticket to the Warner Bros. Studios Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter.

The 18 - 25s winner will also enjoy a lunch with Dan Dark, executive vice president, Worldwide Studio Operations, Warner Bros.

He said: “It was fantastic to see so many entries of a very high standard. Many congratulations to this year’s winners and I look forward to meeting the filmmakers of the winning film as part of their winning prize.”

The 11-17s winner was William Nice’s The Animal Intelligence Service

 

A still from William Nice’s The Animal Intelligence Service

A still from William Nice’s The Animal Intelligence Service

 

The film tells the tale of three plucky pigeons from the Animal Intelligence Services (A.I.S) who take on a mission to rescue Lady Selina (the feline wife of Sir Tarquin, Head of the AIS) from her perilous mission in Moscow spying on Viktor Roulette a Russian military commander. Will the courageous pigeons rescue Lady Selina in time and make it back to Blighty?

Filmmaker William said: “I am an aspiring young filmmaker who makes short films in a range of mediums, including live action, 2D cartoon animation and claymation stop motion animation… I have been looking to find some film competitions for young people as there are not many so this was a great opportunity.”

The 18 – 25s winner is Dexter Holt’s Patient 013

 

A still from Dexter Holt’s Patient

A still from Dexter Holt’s Patient

 

Lucy, a young girl plagued by traumatic visions of her past, must decide whether to place her trust in her new found companion, Ted, as they look for a solution to her pain.

Director Dexter said: “My burning passion drives me to push the barrier of film at my level within the industry. My hope is to stand out amongst the crowd and influence audiences who watch my work.”