Short film by Prior's Court pupil hits award scheme longlist

A film telling the story behind an appeal for a ground-breaking performing arts centre is being eyed for an industry award.

'Autism, the Performing Arts, and Jamie' has made the longlist for the Charity Film Awards 2023, and needs public votes to reach the next stage.

All of the winners will then be announced at a ceremony in March at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.

The film revolves around Jamie Lawrence, 19, and his family who are supporting a £900,000 appeal to build a bespoke new arts centre at Prior's Court, Hermitage.

This voting phase will result in a shortlist being chosen, with the winners then picked by an expert judging panel. After the votes close, a second round of public voting will open for the People's Choice awards.

The Guildford-based Lawrence family appear in the film discussing the challenges of having a family member with complex autism needs and why the centre would be so important to Mr Lawrence and other young people.

Mr Lawrence gained a strong interest in performing arts since entering residential care at the age of 10 due to aggressive behaviours associated with his complex needs.

Another short film by Prior's Court, 'Our impact – Geoff and Shaun's story', won the silver prize in the People's Choice award in £20m to £50m turnover category at the 2022 Charity Films Awards. This award was based on the number of votes cast for the film after it was nominated in the awards scheme, with the main award decided by a judging panel.

The deadline to vote for the Lawrences is mid-January.