The Dudley-born comedian sent a message to the awards. “Thank you for sending me these films to peruse, enjoy and, in some cases, spit out my tea with laughter,” he said.

“The hard work and perspiration that has gone into these little gems is very easy to see. The makers care about their films and filled each frame with emotion, enthusiasm and energy. I laughed a lot at the winning entry, but I was also moved by the other pieces.”

BBC Asian Network DJ Yasser hosted the ceremony, which was held at the Library of Birmingham in late February.

The universities of Lincoln and Derby led the way, each taking home four awards with Staffordshire and Birmingham City University students also winning awards across 12 categories.

“This year we had a standalone event for our Student Awards so that students had an opportunity to network with all the producers from the region who attended,” said Dorothy Hobson, the chair of judges.

“We were delighted that Sir Lenny Henry put his name to a special award and chose the winning entry from the winners of each overall category.’

Film Birmingham, BBC Three, North One TV and Rural Media sponsored the awards. BBC Three, Second Home Studios, 7 Wonder and Full Fat TV will be offering mentoring and work experience to award winners. The BBC Drama Village also supported the event and discussed opportunities in the TV industry with students.

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RTS Midlands Student Award winners

Sir Lenny Henry Award:

Jack Barrie, Cal Brown, Charlotte Glasgow, Celine Woodburn and Ben Evans

Meatball

University of Derby

 

Animation:

Tabitha Lay, Emily Leaning, Katie Thomas, Natasha Ray and Charlie Bartlett

Papier

University of Lincoln

Comedy and Entertainment:

Jack Barrie, Cal Brown, Charlotte Glasgow, Celine Woodburn and Ben Evans

Meatball

University of Derby

Drama:

Sabrina Bal, Kristen Jennings, Joshua Rout, Kate Seeley, James Fuller, Natalie Afshin Kia and Gianni Basi

Writers Block

University of Derby

Factual:

Joshua Timmins

Swan's Signature

University of Derby

News:

Elliott Hawkins

Horse Racing’s Gender Divide: The Final Hurdle

University of Lincoln

Short Form:

Jordan Tonge, Seb Shackel, Edward Walker and Alex De Jesus Egan

The 38 To Hackney

Staffordshire University

Craft Skills – Camera:

Callum Mitchell, Gus Ayling, Joel Bedworth, Lydia Nash, Robert Whittle and Benjamin Ridley Porteous-Butley

The Block

University of Lincoln

Craft Skills – Editing:

Soph Webberley

For My Girls '83

Staffordshire University

Craft Skills – Production Design:

Michael Strachan Brown, Jake Hatton, Stefanie Oswald, Nicola Cowley, Will Hounsell, Mark Atkinson and Ed Sargisson

Flintlock

University of Lincoln

Craft Skills – Sound:

Carl Heffy

Twist Again

Staffordshire University

Craft Skills – Writing:

Amber Griffith

A Voice Not Mine

Birmingham City University