October on ‘Shrooms: celebrating MetFilm School successes at the BFI London Film Festival and beyond

With the 69th BFI London Film Festival in full swing, we’re feeling incredibly proud of the MetFilm School community. This year, an impressive 29 MetFilm School graduates are credited across 14 of the festival’s films, reflecting the incredible breadth and creativity of our alumni network.

Among the standout achievements, Leo Hughes (BA Practical Filmmaking) co-produced the festival’s Opening Night Film, Wake Up Dead Man — the latest instalment in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series starring Daniel Craig and Glenn Close. Meanwhile, The Choral features the work of two MetFilm School graduates behind the camera, and on screen, graduate, Jack Perrons and current student Oliver Briscombe (both BA Acting for Screen), who takes one of the lead roles alongside Ralph Fiennes.

MetFilm Production takes the spotlight

Produced by MetFilm Production (our partner production, distribution, and sales company), Lady had its festival premiere this week and it’s already making headlines. The Guardian called it a “barnstorming comedy, outrageous mockumentary… like Saltburn on ‘shrooms.” The film includes credits for seven MetFilm School graduates, making it a real community success story.

MetFilm Distribution is behind the distribution of two other acclaimed festival titles: The Blue Trail — winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival — and Hedda.

Small screen, big impact

Outside the festival circuit, MetFilm School graduates are also making waves on television. Last week saw the ITV debut of Frauds, starring Jodie Whittaker and Suranne Jones, which earned a 5-star review from The Guardian. The first three episodes were directed by MetFilm School graduate Giulia Gandini (MA Directing); and we’re absolutely hooked as the series continues.

Meanwhile, the BBC recently released Series 2 of Dreaming Whilst Black, which also received a 5-star Guardian review. The hit series was created by, written by, acted in, and shot by MetFilm School graduates, including its creator and star Adjani Salmon (MA Directing).

Global recognition and awards

Zooming out to look at 2025 so far, it’s been an exceptional year for our graduates on the international stage.

Two of the fifteen shortlisted films for the 2025 Oscar for Best Feature Documentary were directed by MetFilm alumni — Ibrahim Nash’at (MA Documentary & Factual) for Hollywoodgate and Agniia Galdanova (BA Practical Filmmaking) for Queendom.

In addition, Sidharth Harikumar’s (MA Cinematography) short film Vasu was named one of seven finalists in the Student Academy Awards’ narrative category, while Hayder Rothschild-Hoozeer (BA Practical Filmmaking), took home a BAFTA for Best Short Film for Rock, Paper, Scissors.

A month to remember

From the BFI London Film Festival to global award nominations, it’s been a phenomenal month for the MetFilm School community. A huge congratulations to all our graduates, students, and collaborators who continue to tell bold, innovative stories on screen.

📖 Read The Guardian review of Lady here

📖 Read The Guardian review of Frauds here

📖 Read The Guardian review of Dreaming Whilst Black here

Step into your future

If you’re passionate about storytelling and ready to turn your creativity into a career, MetFilm School is the perfect place to begin. Offering BA and MA Degrees as well as Short Courses across filmmaking, acting, and digital media disciplines, you’ll develop the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in the screen industries.

Ready to join us?

Discover what makes MetFilm School unique by visiting us at one of our next Open Days

Contact our Admissions Team on 01273 096406 or email admissions@metfilm.ac.uk to learn more about our courses and how to apply.