Joe’s lockdown nature film receives UK-wide plaudits

A ten-year-old Mid Ulster boy’s heart-warming nature film has been named as a runner-up in a prestigious UK-wide filmmaking competition that took place over lockdown.
By Community Reporter
Published 30th Jul 2020, 09:15 BST
Updated 30th Jul 2020, 15:07 BST
Mid Ulster schoolboy Joe, 10, whose heart-warming nature film has been named as a runner-up in the prestigious UK-wide Into Film competition Nature in My Neighbourhood during lockdownMid Ulster schoolboy Joe, 10, whose heart-warming nature film has been named as a runner-up in the prestigious UK-wide Into Film competition Nature in My Neighbourhood during lockdown
Mid Ulster schoolboy Joe, 10, whose heart-warming nature film has been named as a runner-up in the prestigious UK-wide Into Film competition Nature in My Neighbourhood during lockdown

Joe Olowoyo, who has autism, was recognised for his short documentary in the Nature in My Neighbourhood competition run by film education charity Into Film.

The competition aimed to capture a unique moment in time as shown by the hundreds of short film entries by 5-19 year olds.

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St Malachy’s Primary School, Drummullan, pupil Joe decided to film at Mid-Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown where his favourite rabbits live in a burrow that he visits every day.

“I feel excited I won! I thought the competition was cool because I love animals. I wanted to film the rabbits because they are cute and they have nice cosy homes,” he said.

Into Film launched the filmmaking competition at the beginning of May as a response to the Covid 19 school closures and as part of an extensive home learning campaign.

Joe’s mum Colleen said: “Joe had a fantastic time talking about all the animals. He has autism so he doesn’t always branch out to do certain things but immensely enjoyed this.”

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Sean Kelly of Into Film, said: “This competition was a really positive way for young people to creatively use film to document this period in their lives. Joe’s film shows all the things he loves along his daily walk and his enthusiasm for nature shines through.”

To see Joe’s film go to https://vimeo.com/429749393

Related topics:Mid UlsterFilmPrimary school