'My Friend Frank' wins Best Film: 16-19

Congratulations to My Friend Frank, which was made by Badshoes Film and a group of young filmmakers from Leicester, and has won Best Film: 16-19 (Sponsored by Motion Picture Solutions) at the Into Film Awards 2019. Their award was presented by actor Tom Taylor and actress Lily James.

My Friend Frank is a startling look at the dangers of online grooming through gaming, and follows a young boy with a difficult home life who finds solace in a new friend he meets via an online video game. The film was written and directed by Joel Caborn (aged 19), and made with a group of twelve other young people under their production banner Checkered Productions. 

Along with fellow winner Layla, My Friend Frank was made as part of the Safer Frontiers project commissioned by Safen3t and produced by Badshoes Film. The films will now be used in Prevent funded workshops throughout 2019 in Luton, Liverpool, Manchester and Leicester.

"We are very honoured to have two films picked for the 2019 Into Film Awards", Keith Allott, Filmmaker at Badshoes Film, said. "It's a real testament to the creativity and talent of the young people involved in both productions and well deserved reward for all their hard work.

The Into Film Awards are a major part of of our production calendar, so to have two films selected is hugely positive for the young filmmaking talent in our region. Both of our films are focused on internet safety and highlight how important it is to have an environment of communication with young people so that they feel able to communicate when things aren't right.

The films were commissioned by Safen3t who provide training with regards to the safety of young people online. The films will be available to help vulnerable young people across the UK and make a huge difference in the safety of those who need protecting most."