2023 has been an incredible year for the Wild Island Film School. Every student has been a joy to work with. As always, the Isle of Mull has thrown every imaginable weather day at us. From high winds and flash flooding to heatwaves and stunning, cloudless skies.

Whatever the weather, the landscapes and backdrops of Mull offers opportunity to tell your story. As the film school progresses, I’ve noticed far more individuals wishing to take a personal approach to being within nature and exploring what that means to them. Wild Island Film School does not have to be about wildlife if you choose not to. In fact, my preference is often to help explore the human condition – but where better to do that than in nature?

The finalists for this year all worked extremely hard on developing their stories. Sometimes ripping up the notes and starting again once they’d arrived. But nonetheless, the sheer determination to develop their thinking shone through.

A big thank you to judges, Philip Dalton (Executive Producer of BBC’s, Spy in the Wild series) and Heather Redderson-Muckle, Producer for Skua Films. Also, thank you to Hilary Jefkins of Silverback Productions (BBC’s Wild Isles) and Gillian Burke (BBC’s AutumnWatch) for their personal feedback notes on Wild Connection.

And the winner is…

2023 WINNER – wild connection

By Rod MacDonald

There was a clear winner for 2023 and that is Rod MacDonald with his film, Wild Connection. Rod was determined from the outset that he wanted to make a film that showed his love of Buzzards. Over emails, I gently asked him to tell me what Buzzards meant to him and during that course of exchanges he quietly revealed more and more about his personal background. It was clear there was a strong story emerging. I just had to gently convince him to be the story.

Rod has been incredibly brave and dug deep to tell a story that is compelling, beautiful and life affirming. It was a humbling experience mentoring Rod and he was a real joy to be with. I’m happy to say we became friends and still catch up from time to time. It’s experiences like this that help me believe in my film school, that I’m offering something worthwhile and understand the power it has for positivity. So, thank you, Rod.

As you can see, Wild Connection was also an Official Selection, Gold Winner of Best Super Short Film and Silver winner of Best Student Film at the Florence Film Awards. These are iMDB qualifying awards. Quite the year for Rod!

second place – landscapes

By Chris Leaky

Second place goes to Chris Leakey for Landscapes. Chris made a film of wildlife artist, Liz Myhill. Again, Chris showed clear vision during the homework phase. The three of us worked through the filming schedule and ironed out any weaknesses on the first morning. Chris was confident to get stuck in and having a subject he knew well, definitely helped his process (he’s married to Liz). The resulting film is a gentle, beautiful film showing a real connection to nature. Watching Liz work so intimately within her environment was a true privilege and Chris did a great job capturing this.

third place – plumose

By Robert Dennet-Thorpe

Third place goes to Robert for his film, Plumose. It’s fair to say that Robert’s film idea changed radically once he was on the island. From a travel log approach to a far more moving personal journey in trying to find the Plumose Anemone. I think Robert worked harder physically on his course than any other student I’ve had. Lugging heavy diving gear and cameras was really challenging at times but at the end of each day, we always had a smile (and a cold beer). The use of black and white into colour really helped carry the narrative.

special mention – kate williams

By Kate Williams

Kate’s film follows her as she documents her quest to see an otter for the first time in the wild. Using piece to camera, Vlog style action cams and long lens, Kate’s film is engaging and uplifting. She did especially well considering her filming was during 50mph winds in Storm babette. Kate is looking to work in wildlife tv and I’ve no doubt that’s where she’s going to end up.