A talented teenager from Suffolk has won a national award for a film that she made.
Eliana Whitcomb, 17, from Kesgrave is studying on a level three interactive media course at West Suffolk College.
She sent one of her creations called Brontë to the panel in charge of the Young Animator of the Year competition.
Over 2000 people entered and Eliana was nominated as one of six finalists in the 15 to 18 stop motion category.
Stop motion is an animation based filmmaking technique seen in movies such as Wallace and Gromit and the Fantastic Mr. Fox.
She then travelled to the Manchester Animation Festival with her best friend and her dad where her film was announced as the overall winner of the category she was involved in.
This is a link to the winning film: Eliana Whitcomb, Ipswich, Suffolk – Young Animator of the Year UK – and the film was inspired by the music of Gotye.
Eliana received a trophy and will also get the chance to travel to Aardman Studios in Bristol.
She said: “The awards took place in a cinema and I saw my work on the big screen for the first time. It was crazy (to see my work) and my heart was racing. I was overwhelmed and my best friend was balling her eyes out.
“When I was announced as the winner, I was speechless. Luckily, I didn’t have to say anything. Although if it had been an Oscar type moment, I would have thanked my parents, my friends and Krystie from the college. It’s really amazing to win national acclaim and people know of my work. Some of the judges were well known animators and two of them have followed me on Instagram.
“For now I’m going to work hard on my course and my dream is to one day have my own studio.” Eliana’s mum (Ruth Whitcomb) reflected on her daughter’s achievements. She said: “My husband Barry and I are extremely proud. It’s been wonderful to see Eliana progress and see her discovering her talent. She has really blossomed, and I see all the hard work and sacrifice that goes into it.
“If she were to get an Oscar or Bafta in the future – that would be an extra bonus – but we (Barry and I) just want her to be happy in what she does. Making beautiful things for people to enjoy.”
Krystie Hall, a lecturer in art and design at West Suffolk College said: “Eliana’s film is incredible. It’s emotionally intelligent, stunningly shot and beautiful to watch. What a talent – we are so proud of her.”
