RTS Midlands Student Television Awards winners announced

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Last night, the Royal Television Society Midlands Centre held its annual Student Television Awards, sponsored by BBC Birmingham.

Held virtually and streamed online via YouTube, the ceremony was presented by BBC Asian Network presenter Bobby Friction and showcased clips from nominated productions before unveiling winners for key categories.

Amongst the categories up for gongs were Animation, Non-Scripted, Scripted, Short Form and craft skills including Writing, Editing, Sound and Camera.

Education institutions with students up for nomination included Nottingham Trent University, Staffordshire University and Anglia Ruskin University.

BBC Asian Network presenter Bobby Friction presented the RTS Midlands Student Television Awards 2021

A special Sir Lenny Henry achievement award was also presented to Anglia Ruskin University creative student Lidia Bieniarz for her work ‘A Film About My Dad’.

The accolade was presented by entertainer and actor Lenny Henry himself who recorded a poignant message congratulating all of the students for their efforts despite having to work through a difficult time during the COVID pandemic and national lockdowns.

Speaking in a video message, the Dudley-born comic said: “‘A Film About My Dad’ was really moving and well done to Anglia Ruskin University because you guys win the overall prize. I thought the whole film was moving. The whole thing about fathers and their children, fathers and daughters particularly, resonates in my heart.

'A Tale About My Dad' by Lidia Bieniarz won the Sir Lenny Henry Award, presented by the artist and entertainer himself — Sir Lenny Henry presented a special student achievement award named in his honour

“So congratulations to ‘A Film About My Dad’ as the overall winner and congratulations to everyone really, because they’re all exception films in their own right and they’re all winners.”

Event host Bobby Friction added, “As I always say to anyone I’m mentoring or anyone just coming into this industry for the first time, know this, not only are you the future of this industry, you’re literally defining culture for this country and possibly even this planet as we move forward.

“We put our believe in you, all you need to do is go forward and pay back that belief and, between you and me, have a massive laugh as well.”