One Sixth Form College meet David Puttnam and Asif Kapadia

A group of students from One Sixth Form College took part in an event called Futures Festival 2022, which aims to inspire and educate young people about career opportunities across the film business.

In the Pinewood Studios in Slough, the college group met the legendary Oscar-winning producer of Chariots of Fire, David Puttnam, as well as Radio1 film critic, Ali Plumb.

The next day, a different group of learners travelled to The Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge to meet with Asif Kapadia, the BAFTA and Oscar winner, who worked on documentaries such as Senna, AMY and Diego Maradona.

Asif Kapadia during the meeting with One Sixth Form College students (Image: One Sixth Form College)

Liza Putwain, the head of media at the college, said that the experience was “priceless” for the students.

Ms Putwain added: “To hear two respected giants of the industry talk so openly was an amazing experience.

“Lord Puttnam talked about Chariots of Fire and gave advice to students saying, ‘you need to get your foot in the door and once you have done this, then work hard, be trustworthy and reliable’.

“For the students to have direct input from an Oscar winner seems like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so to then have a second talk from Asif Kapadia the next day was incredible.”

Last year a group of students were involved in a talk with Edgar Wright, the filmmaker behind Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

Students will also be experiencing another visit to Pinewood. Students and staff are also looking forward to welcoming back former alumni, such as George Mattock who is currently making a name for himself in the media industry.