UoG and FilmChelt working together to support future film makers
University of Gloucestershire and the charity FilmChelt have joined forces to support the UK’s future film makers, ahead of the FilmChelt 2026.
The new collaboration is providing BA (Hons) Film and TV Production students with opportunities to gain valuable industry experience working alongside professionals and volunteers from FilmChelt, who have skills, knowledge and a passion for film programme curation and film making.
The students’ roles and responsibilities include a documentary produced by second-year Film and TV Production students capturing the work that goes into planning and hosting the annual film festival.
Isobel Lambie is the director of the film, assisted by Emma Maitland Gibney, with Miruna Olar leading photography. Will Fellows is first assistant camera, Emily King second assistant camera, and Joe Taylor the sound engineer.
The fly-on-the-wall-style documentary shows how films are selected and programmed, and the extensive planning of the event, which runs from 30 October to 8 November.
It includes interviews with key members of the FilmChelt team about their roles and the challenges faced in producing a 10-day festival screening more than 40 films, from classic movies and themed genres to new releases. The film crew will be filming at FilmChelt events over the coming months and during the festival itself.
Isobel Lambie said: “The concept is to show all the work that goes into producing a film festival, and why they’re so important for the film community, especially in Cheltenham.
“It’s such a pleasure to gain experience directing in a professional setting, I’m excited about the documentary and impressed by how it’s coming along. This opportunity has given me the chance to practise my interviewing style and to learn to direct in a fast-paced environment.”
Emma Maitland Gibney said: “I’ve really been enjoying putting this project together, working with clients in a professional setting has been a very valuable experience as it has helped me improved my skills in producing.”
Benefits of the collaboration to FilmChelt include access to a talent pipeline at the University possessing up-to-date knowledge, modern skills, a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic.
Industry experience enables students to put into practice skills and knowledge gained on the BA (Hons) Film and TV Production course – delivered by award-winning filmmakers and industry experts – such as in directing, editing, producing and live broadcasting.
As part of the collaboration with FilmChelt, students have also produced promotional film reels, and are managing the festival’s TikTok social media account to highlight FilmChelt activities.
Student Jamie Adams said: “FilmChelt has provided a place for independent filmmakers to show off their work to a wider audience, and I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that’s dedicated to showing off art which may have otherwise fallen into obscurity.
“My work at FilmChelt has allowed me to develop my own editing skills through my work on the sizzle reels made to promote the festival.”
Student Charlie Godwin said: “FilmChelt is a great environment as we’re a group of people who come together to watch films and screen them for the public. They’re welcoming to all and are always happy for students to collaborate on the festival as it enables the younger generation to encourage people from their own generation to see these films.”
Lizzie Minnion, Academic Course Leader in Film and TV Production, said:“We’re delighted to be working with FilmChelt to offer our students some excellent opportunities to gain practical experience alongside their academic learning.
“We’re always ready to support and encourage our students to secure placements within a real-world environment. It’s a massive benefit to their development and sets them apart from other students when they graduate and enter the jobs market.”
Michael Ratcliffe, chair of the FilmChelt board of trustees, said: “Supporting and encouraging young talent is a key commitment of FilmChelt.
“The documentary is an innovative project by young film makers at University of Gloucestershire. We were delighted to be able to give them the opportunity to see the extent of the planning and work that is done by our enthusiastic team of volunteers, to produce a 10-day film festival for Cheltenham and the wider Gloucestershire area.”
Other opportunities for Film and TV Production students to gain important experience, supported by the University, also include paid work placements on high-profile TV programmes Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors, and in key production roles with England Seniors Cricket.