Pupils at Sandwich Technology School are celebrating after winning two awards at the Kent Film Festival last weekend.

Year 8 pupils took part in the school’s Summer Film School last year and made their very own science fiction movie called The Portal.

The festival, which is held at Canterbury Christ Church College, celebrated its 40th anniversary this year with more than 40 entries.

Director Bruce Partleton and producer Adrian Smith picked up the Dennis Minett Plate for creative editing and the Canterbury Cup for creative use of sound on behalf of the pupils, at the event on Saturday.

Mr Smith said: “It’s really great to see their work screened alongside films from all around Kent.

“It’s what we aim for with every project – to try and reach as wide an audience as possible.

“So we were really pleased that their film was recognised in this way.”

Mr Smith explained the judges were very impressed by the work, commenting: “The makers truly know what they are doing.

“A film like this takes an awful lot of setting up and shooting/editing time.

“Throw into the mix directing young pupils and it’s twice as hard.”

There was further success, too, as a combined project with Sandown Junior School picked up the Vic Currie Plate for comedy.

The judges said: “The children performed so well and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

“If only our school days had been so interesting.”

Mr Partleton, who directed the second film with support from some of Sandwich Technology School’s sixth form pupils, said: “The kids deserved it really.

“They worked so hard. I just hope this summer’s film, Merek, will reach as many people.”

The medieval-themed film will be premiered at the Empire Cinema in Sandwich on Friday, November 14.

Mr Partleton and Mr Smith are also in the process of setting up a Saturday Film School next year.

For more information about the film school, email info@moviesquad.co.uk.