STAR students gave an Oscar-winning performance at the premier of their latest box-office blockbuster.
Award winning actors from The Dales School, Morton-on-Swale, stepped onto the red carpet at a glittering ceremony for the first showing of their most recent movie Rene and Celine.
The nine-strong star cast from the all-age special school, who have created their own production company The Dales Snappers, wrote, filmed, directed and starred in the 30 minute film based on a fusion of Romeo and Juliet, Harry Potter and Snow White, as well as composing the original music score.
Assistant head teacher Mike Sissons, who helped the students with the final editing of the film, said: “This is the third year that the Dales Snappers have screened their end of term project following on from Fleeing the War in 2013 and the very successful A Touch of Poison which they produced last year.
“What makes it so special is that the students have led the whole project from start to finish.
“Its wonderful to watch them use their imaginations to develop a script and get into their characters on screen and also see their confidence grow year on year.”
Based in 18th century France, Rene and Celine tells the story of two lovers, both artists, who emerge from their own paintings into 20th century England.
Following the screening the students were presented with their very own Oscars at a sparking black tie Hollywood-style awards ceremony hosted by Northallerton School and Sixth Form College principal Chris Byrne.
“It is an absolute pleasure and a privilege to share this evening with such talented students and celebrate their remarkable achievements,” said Mr Byrne.
Dales School student and award winner Thomas Cullen, 17, of Thirsk, made it a hattrick by scooping the best actor trophy for the third year running.
“I really enjoyed playing Rene the hero of the film,” said Thomas who attends FUSE Theatre, a project that enables young people of all abilities to come together and take part in weekly theatre workshops.
“I’m very happy to have won my third Oscar and I would love to be an actor one day like my favourite Hollywood star Nicholas Cage.” And the winners were…………
Best leading actor – Thomas Cullen Best leading actress – Ella Coulson Best villain – James Gill Best actor in an action role – Dominic Laycock Best actress in a supernatural role – Bethany Siddall Best supporting actress – Laura Taylor Best supporting actor – Jake Burgess Best newcomer – Alexander Hamilton Best music score – Emily Keeling Best movie – Rene and Celine
