University of West London Partners with Ealing Film Festival
Boosting real-world experience for emerging filmmakers
Representatives from UWL and the film festival
July 7, 2026
The University of West London (UWL) has strengthened its ties with the Ealing Film Festival through a new collaboration designed to give students hands-on industry experience and direct access to award-winning filmmakers.
Students and staff from UWL’s London School of Film, Media and Design (LSFMD) recently welcomed director Rebecca Rose to campus for a screening of her acclaimed film The Removed, named Best Narrative Drama at last year’s Ealing Film Festival. The screening was followed by an in-depth Q&A exploring both the film’s emotional story — centred on a mother separated from her child — and Rose’s own career journey from actor to assistant director to award-winning filmmaker.
Rose told students that success in the industry demands a blend of passion and resilience, explaining how her broad experience across film production helped bring The Removed to life. Her insights formed part of LSFMD’s wider Industry Experience programme, which connects students with working professionals.
The event also celebrated UWL’s own rising talent. Visual Effects graduate Rushil Vyas discussed the creative process behind his VFX short Ape of the Unknown, selected for last year’s festival, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how digital effects can transform storytelling. Media and Communications student Karyna Fedorchuk shared her experience of having her documentary Solo screened at the festival’s emerging talent showcase — an achievement she described as a “significant step forward” in her development as a filmmaker.
Fedorchuk is now completing work experience with the festival, which has already led to a placement on a professional film set and an offer of paid work. Media and Communications Course Leader Sarah Lewthwaite praised her success, calling Solo “a great film” and a strong example of the high-quality work produced by UWL students.
The partnership between UWL and the Ealing Film Festival continues to grow ahead of this year’s event, running 15–18 October. Festival Director Russell England said the collaboration will expand opportunities for students through screenings, workshops and volunteering roles, while encouraging more student submissions.
Head of LSFMD Paul Lohneis welcomed the strengthened relationship, highlighting the value of industry recognition for students across Media and Communications, Visual Effects and UWL’s new Film, Screen and Content Production degree. He described the partnership as “a great collaboration” that opens doors for emerging filmmakers and builds on Ealing’s long history of film production.
The festival is offering a 30% discount on subZ using the code EFF3026. Entries close 31 July.
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