The work of a local film student has been celebrated at a national awards ceremony.

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) student, Ruby Dutton, has been awarded a top prize at the 12th Moving Image Awards, held at the British Film Institute in London.

Ruby, who progressed from studying A Levels to studying Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at NSCG Newcastle College, won 'Best Animation Short Film' at The Moving Image Awards for her thought-provoking project, Little Old Me.

Launched in 2014 in partnership with the British Film Institute, the Moving Image Awards celebrate outstanding moving image work by A Level students studying Eduqas Film and Media qualifications. 

Speaking about her award, Ruby said: "I'm so thankful to receive this award and honestly didn't expect to win at all. It was such an amazing event, and coming away with an award just made it even more special."

The animated short film, which she worked on during her A Level Film Studies course, explores the emotional journey of growing up, following a character who feels increasingly disconnected from their inner child as the pressures and mundanity of adult life begin to take hold.

Through a blend of stop motion animation, rotoscoping and crafted visual aesthetics, Ruby brings to life the contrast between childhood imagination and adult reality.

Judges described Ruby's piece as a "beautifully animated and relatable film" that explores the experience of growing up and losing touch with your inner child.

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They also praised Ruby's ability to incorporate different animation styles to convey the character's parallel lives.

Verica Travar, Curriculum Leader for Film Studies, said: "I am incredibly proud of Ruby and everything she has achieved. She has dedicated eight months of hard work to creating this piece, and the end result is a truly beautiful piece of animation.

"She is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished through commitment, creativity and perseverance."

The 2026 awards featured categories including Short Film, Music Video, Screenplay, Film/TV Extract, Animation, One to Watch and the Student Jury Prize, with Ruby taking home the award for 'Best Animation Short Film'.

Ruby is now on track to complete her studies this summer and will go on to study Illustration Animation BA (Hons) at Kingston University, as she continues to pursue a career in the arts.

Watch Ruby's film here.

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