Oscar winner’s hint at Suffolk’s starring role

Brian Tobin - University of Suffolk (Image: Archant)

Mr Kirkby, who won an Academy Award for best live action short film in 2015, was in Ipswich yesterday to pick up an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk.

He is currently awaiting confirmation for a new feature film he is working on called Code of Life, bringing to life the true story of the race to map the human genome.

“Ipswich has some amazing film location potential,” he said.

“When you are a film director you are constantly looking for the next place to film.

Will Gardner - at the University of Suffolk (Image: Picture:James Fletcher)

“The Hollywood film script I am working on is set in East Anglia, California and Bermuda.

“Half of it is set here so that would be a dream to film on my doorstep.”

Mr Kirkby, who lives in Shottisham, near Woodbridge, said he was excited to be honoured.

He said: “The last time I got on stage was to pick up an Oscar and I slipped up the stairs and fell on my face so it can only get better.

“I have only lived in Suffolk for two years, my Mrs is from Suffolk and I ended up falling in love with the place.

“Now I’m getting an honorary degree my in-laws have finally accepted me.”

Honours were also presented to Brian Tobin, founder and chief executive of Iceni, and Will Gardner, CEO of Childnet International and executive board member on the UK Council for Child Internet Safety.

Mr Tobin said it was ‘flattering and humbling’ to be honoured.

“I am privileged to have worked for 25 years in the charity sector and deeply honoured to be awarded in this manner for doing something I enjoy.”

Mr Gardner said: “I am very proud for Childnet too as it really is a reflection of the work we have been doing for the last 20 years. I am hoping people will see that this award is being given to me but really to the organisation too and I am hoping that will be of great benefit as we are always trying to reach out to more people.”