Student film wins two gongs at prestigious national awards

Trapped! (2024), a feature film that exposes the harsh realities of a working-class neighbourhood, was produced and directed by BA Film Production alumni Kuba Glodi and Conor Gallagher as part of their third-year project.

It won Best Overall National Student Film and Best Sound at the National Association for Higher Education in the Moving Image (NAHEMI) National Student Awards. Salford came out victorious from the shortlist, against notable contributions from Bristol Film School and the London College of Communication.

As part of their winnings, NAHEMI will be showcasing the film at various festivals across the next year.

In Trapped! Stains and Snow are fleeing from the police when they seek refuge in the dingy flat of Boothy, a desperate addict, and his friend Patrick. As the young men navigate the dangers of their environment, they find themselves in a web of drug operations and their ruthless handler, Frank.

Patrick is played by actor Marvin Brown, known for his work in Coronation Street, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023), and The First Team (2020).

BA Film Production alumnus Kuba Glodi said: “The team worked hard, and we tried to challenge ourselves and take a big risk to produce something unique, so we’re all very grateful and proud of our work winning."

Kuba Glodi began his career in the music industry, working with incredible artists like Aitch and Tom Grennan before moving to film. Recently, Glodi received a commission from the British Film Institute to create a short film for the organisation.

Much of Trapped! was filmed around various locations in Greater Manchester.

BA Film Production alumnus Conor Gallagher said: “I'm very grateful and proud [of] my team that worked on Trapped! We all [came] together and put our heart and soul into this work over the course of six months.

Conor added that it was important for the film to get the exposure it needs, saying: “These stories need and deserve to be told. Especially when confronting uncomfortable themes, such as addiction and exploitation."

Tom Kirby, Programme Leader for BA Film Production, said: “Trapped! always had a bold ambition, to the story that they wanted to tell, and winning these awards shows how they were able to use their skills as filmmakers to turn that ambition into a reality.”

Trapped! is also in the running for Best Drama at the RTS North West Student Awards on Wednesday 26 March.