Brothers scoop special film award

Joel and Nathan Somerville submitted their short film but on the day had a sinking feeling that they would have no chance of winning.

However, they were thrilled when they were crowned winners in the 18-25 year old category and had the opportunity to meet one of their idols, Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, who also penned ITV’s Titanic mini-series.

The brothers entered the competition after a teacher at Malone College suggested the creative pair submit a Titanic-themed film.

“I study Film Studies at school and my teacher Mr Cassidy told me about the competition,” explained Joel. “My brother and I created a film about a young man who finds his great-grandfather’s diary and he sets out to find out things about his life.

“He goes to the Titanic Quarter and finds out about his great-grandfather’s work there and about his heritage.”

The brothers were certainly not brimming with confidence when they attended the recent awards ceremony, which was held in the newly opened Titanic Belfast building.

“We definitely didn’t think we would win,” continued Joel, “especially once we saw the high standard of the other entries.

“When we were announced as the winners it was amazing.

“We are both fans of Julian Fellowes so it was fantastic to get to speak to him. He made a few jokes and he was really nice and down to earth.”

The boys have been enjoying their first taste of the limelight and are hoping to go on to pursue careers in the film industry or documentary making.

Joel and Nathan will get a boost to their future careers thanks to the top prize in the competition, which will see them jet off to New York for one week to take part in the highly acclaimed New York Film Academy filmmaking course.