Alumni and staff collaboration wins big at Birmingham Film Festival
Short film 'Safe', co-written and directed by Govind Chandran, Oxford Brookes Senior Lecturer in Film, secured the prestigious Best Short Film award at the 10th Annual Birmingham Film Festival.
The award, announced at the Gala & Awards Ceremony on 22 November 2025, is a result of a successful collaboration between current Brookes staff and a host of talented alumni.
A Brookes team effort
'Safe' - which received funding support from the Isle of Man Arts Council - is truly a Brookes production. The core creative and technical team included:
- Govind Chandran (Senior Lecturer in Film): Co-Writer and Director
- Jamie Laxton (Film alumnus and Associate Lecturer in Film): Cinematography
- Conor Tychowski (Film alumnus): Post-production Colour Grading
- Grace Thornley (Film alumna and Technical Ambassador, School of Arts): Assistant Director
- Benjamin Doherty (alumnus, Creative Music Production): Score Composer
Further crucial support was provided by Luke Holmes, Lecturer in Digital Media Production, and James Wakenell, Film alumnus and Programme Administrator in the Business School.
Adding high-profile industry backing, the film was executive produced by Jeremy Theobald, lead actor and producer in Christopher Nolan’s debut feature film, 'Following' (1998).
Victory against stiff competition
The film’s win is particularly significant given the level of competition. 'Safe' was up against a field that included BAFTA and Oscar-contending short films, such as 'Rhoda', which was directed by Alex Lawther and starred Emma D’Arcy ('House of the Dragon').
The film was screened at the IMAX theatre at Millennium Point - one of the largest screens in the country - followed by a filmmakers’ Q&A. The closing Gala attracted over 400 guests, including past BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar nominees, underscoring the festival’s industry standing.
The Best Short Film award marks a brilliant start to the film's run. 'Safe' now begins a year-long festival circuit, aiming for recognition at leading film festivals both in the UK and internationally.