life@beds.ac.uk
Yusupha Janko and Krystle Lewis
News
Students’ work praised at international film festival
M
Beds defeat Cambridge
EDIA Production students and graduates had their films screened at the prestigious Berlin British Shorts Film Festival. At this seventh annual festival – a venture funded by organisations including the University and the British Council – three Bedfordshire films were shown. These included Walking in the Clouds – made by MA Documentary 2013 graduates Bosi Zhao, Ling Yin Pan, Shan Jiang and Yawen Hu; It’s a Good Life – made by Tasos Giapoutzis, a third year Media Production BA student; and Take Your Seats, by MA in Documentary 2013 graduates Davinia Dillon and Helen Easter. Tasos, 27, who originates from Greece, has already experienced the “great” buzz of festivals during his studies, having attended the star-studded Cannes International Film Festival last year. He said having his own work shown at Berlin was “an honour” however. Following screening, Tasos was in a question and answer session, along with Davinia, whose film is about the preserved Rex cinema in Berkhamsted, Herts. David Green, a senior lecturer and course leader for the MA Documentary and BA (hons)
Media Production courses at Bedfordshire, was a festival organiser. He said: “Bedfordshire’s students were in very strong film-making company this year”, and all the University’s films received “much praise”. David chaired the jury for the Best Short Film Prize – won by a Scottish Documentary Institute film, Pouters, – and also helped run a workshop, along with senior lecturer in Video Production at Bedfordshire, John Digance, where student film-makers produced a short film which was shown at the end of the festival. Describing the four-day festival as “a great success, with sell-out screenings throughout”, David added: “Our media production students benefited from the experience in so many ways – showing their work and receiving feedback from their peers and industry experts, making many useful contacts along the way.”
A
TEAM of students at the University has defeated a side from Cambridge University in a national law tournament – the most prestigious of its kind. Second year Law students, Krystle Lewis and Yusupha Janko, made it through to the third round of the English Speaking Union (ESU) National Mooting competition, where undergraduates argue both sides of an appeal from a fictitious lawsuit in a mock court. The duo – both on the LLB course – beat Cambridge in a case where they had to present a contract law case where the claimant had his car damaged in a car park. “In the research we conducted, all the cases we found were judged in favour of the appellant,” said Krystle. “Therefore we had to find snippets which we could use in the argument instead.” The team will now face Birmingham City University in the last 16 in March. Dr Sonal Minocha, Executive Dean of the Business School, said the competition is “excellent” for students as it tests their argument skills and their understanding of context and practice in the courtroom. Tom Mortimer, Head of School of Law, added the students are “fantastic ambassadors” and “highlight the good work done in the Law School”. “The judge complimented them on their research, preparation and the professional attitude in the court environment.” The victors of the competition stand to earn £1,000 each, whilst their respective university will receive a donation of £1,000.
New café at Butterfield
The University launched Neo Café at Butterfield Park campus on Monday, 24 February. Open weekdays 08.30-16.00, in building 210, the Café serves Costa Coffee and a selection of hot and cold snacks for students, staff and visitors.
Life – March 2014 09