Big win for teen film-maker

DUMFRIESSHIRE teen Edward Ryan won big at the annual Into Film Awards in London earlier this week. The 14-year-old film-maker from Sanquhar won the publicly voted Audience Award at the annual star-studded film awards in London’s Leicester Square on Tuesday. He was presented his award by actor Andy Serkis and presenter Edith Bowman. His short film, ‘More Than One Way To Go Home’, was inspired by his own experiences; it follows a young autistic girl who has to find her own way home when her brother leaves her to fend for herself. The well-shot film conveys some of the difficulties that autistic people can face and demonstrates how the right support can be key to overcoming those challenges. After accepting the award, Edward said: “I put a lot of hard work and effort into this film but none of it would have been possible without the help of my friends and all the support from my parents and family - especially from my mum for entering me into this amazing competition. “I would also like to thank the whole of my community in Sanquhar for their unwavering encouragement. “I feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to have this opportunity and to receive this award.”