Each year, around 900 budding filmmakers from ISP schools around the world take part in ISP Filmmakers, part of our International Opportunities for Students. Taking on roles in the filmmaking process, students work in teams as they develop their collaboration skills and gain insights into careers in film and media.
As we look ahead with excitement to the launch of this year’s showreel of short films, we’re reflecting on an outstanding achievement from one film crew who participated in last year’s programme.
Reaching international heights
As part of our ISP Filmmakers programme, a team of eight young filmmakers at Asia Pacific Schools in Malaysia produced a film called “The Swap”. Inspired by the 2003 film ‘Freaky Friday’, it features twins as protagonists who swap places, experiencing school life through the other’s eyes for the day.
The film won the international category at the prestigious Bond University Film & Television Academy (BUFTA) Awards, having been shortlisted among 27 films from 180 entries worldwide across all categories. The film was also shortlisted in BUFTA’s ‘People’s Choice Award’.
The winning team from Asia Pacific Schools comprised Nuha – producer, Aidan – supporting cast, Mia – director, Kayden – actor, Imran – video director, Adylia – script writer, Aqief – script writer and Damia – script writer.
This award win reflects the skill level and creativity of the film crew, with the selection criteria for award winners including: ‘a very high level of filmic style and creativity in both the subject matter and the manner in which the elements of the category are explored. The films also reveal a strong understanding of screen language and high levels of technical competence.’
The production process
We sat down with the winning team to hear all about the filmmaking process.
Q: Why did you choose to tell this particular story?
Mia, Director: “Through [the characters’] experience, we wanted to showcase the importance of self-improvement, empathy and how change doesn’t mean losing yourself, but rather becoming a better version of who you truly are.”
“We chose the idea of twins because it really captures learning to learn – for example how we can grow by stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes.”
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced in filming?
Imran, video director: “Time management was something that really challenged us. Whenever we would film a scene, there were mistakes that we would only catch in post-production. So, we had to extend our schedule to film during the school break, which clashed with some of our holidays. Whenever we would catch a mistake, we listed it down to make sure that we didn’t repeat the same mistake.”
Q: What was your favourite bit of the filmmaking journey?
Damia, script writer: “Honestly, it was seeing everything go together so well. We all had different roles – for example, actors, scriptwriters, and to see all these pieces go together to make something so complete was amazing. It was also incredible to watch something as simple as a draft idea on a paper turn into a fully-fledged film. With these results and knowing how hard we worked, it made it even more worthwhile.”
Kayden, actor: “At the beginning of this whole thing, we were all friends, but we weren’t super close. Over time, as we spent more time together, when we made the script, planned the plot etc, we became a lot closer. I think having a good relationship with all your teammates is crucial to ensure smooth sailing during the production of the film.”
Q: What was the biggest lesson that you learned when making the film?
Nuha, producer: “Cooperation must come first. We all need to be responsible and accountable and this is the key to success.”
Aqief, script writer: “I feel like we all thought that it was just about the technical process, such as filming and editing and putting it together. But we all realised it was actually the storytelling that was the heart of it. Even how a character delivers a line or how a scene is framed can shift the impact of the story. So overall, I think we have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the effort and collaboration [taken to create] the film that we watch today.”
Aidan – supporting cast: “We all felt very proud of ourselves because it was all thanks to our hard work, dedication and effort we put into our film.”
Q: What’s next as young filmmakers?
Adylia – script writer: “In the future, we would love to work on more short film projects that not only entertain people but also spark meaningful lessons and experiences. I think exploring innovative and thought-provoking stories is really important as it challenges different perspectives. One of the ways we can do that is by creating scripts that really resonate with the actors – that can help engage the audience more.”
Imran – video director: “We are looking forward to this year’s ISP Filmmakers and any other film festivals and competitions that we can enter. Who knows, maybe there’s even be ‘The Swap’ part two!”
With many thanks to student advisors at Asia Pacific Schools – Mr Saifuddin, Mr. Shahmie, Mr. Azad, and Ms. Liyana.
You can watch the winning film “The Swap” on our YouTube channel.
Stay tuned for this year’s winning films!
