BAFTA CEO Amanda Berry and actress Gemma Arterton pose with the First Light Open Access Award winners in 2010.

First Light Open Access Award in association with BAFTA

10 March 10

Find out which young short film maker won the First Light Open Access Award in 2010.

For the first year, BAFTA partnered with First Light and invited filmmakers aged 13-19 to submit their short films for consideration by a BAFTA panel.

The top three films were then put to a public vote and the winner announced at the First Light Awards on 2 March in Leicester Square. Eight other awards were presented at the ceremony hosted by Dick and Dom.

The winning film, AWOL by Megan Salter, was described by the judges as "an understated and poetic marriage of bold imagery and a strong script with a thought-provoking soundtrack. A captivating film, especially for an audience who is ready to pay attention to details and nuances."

When they called out AWOL as the winner we were speechless!

Megan (pictured above in the blue dress) and fellow filmmaker Sara Harrak were presented with the Award by actress Gemma Arterton and BAFTA Chief Executive, Amanda Berry.

Megan has enjoyed the whole experience, "To be nominated in the first place was such a shock, but we were absolutely ecstatic, especially because the award we were nominated for was in association with BAFTA, which was a huge honour! When it came to our category, I think it's safe to say both mine and Sara's hearts were in our throats and when they called out AWOL as the winner we were speechless! Winning this award has really inspired us to continue making films - it's nice to know that we're doing something right! Sara and I will continue to make films whenever we get the chance - I've already written something about split personality which I hope to shoot around Easter time."

First Light provides funding and expertise to enable 5-19 year olds, from all backgrounds throughout the UK, to make their own short digital films and media projects. First Light is supported by the National Lottery, through the UK Film Council and by DCSF. Through First Light, young people are given the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals and are involved with every aspect of the creative and technical process.