Graduates from BA (Hons) Film & Television at London College of Communication (LCC) have celebrated a major achievement at this year’s Royal Television Society (RTS) Student Television Awards, a national event recognising the best student-made content across the UK and Ireland.
‘Outsiders’ received the award for Undergraduate Factual: Short Form. The film was produced during the 2023–24 academic year by Sharleen Sarzuelo Dydland, Lyam Dara, Tom Fowles, Sierra Fofanah, and Marco Chan as their Final Major Project. The documentary explores themes of grief, healing, identity and belonging through the personal stories of people of colour who have found solace in nature.
‘Outsiders’ follows two individuals. Koshii, a mother navigating the loss of her son to a rare cancer affecting young Black men, finds comfort in birdwatching.
She visits the same park they used to walk in together, keeping a diary of her bird sightings. “I come here very often and think of him. Sit on a bench and remind myself of our walks here,” she says.
Jordan, who grew up as one of the only Asian students in a rural English village, reflects on his experiences of racism and bullying at school, and finding relief through time alone in the woods and cycling: “When you sit down low enough, the horizon disappears below the barriers… it was my way of escaping everything I was going through.”
The film concludes with Koshii and Jordan attending a birdwatching event hosted by Flock Together – a collective founded in 2020 that supports people of colour in accessing and reclaiming green spaces. Jordan describes the experience: “Seeing others who were like me and not having to explain myself… I knew they would just understand.”
The RTS jurors were impressed by the film’s strong storytelling and sensitive handling of the subject matter. They praised the well-drawn characters, excellent casting, and technical execution, calling it a “thoughtful, insightful, and beautifully made piece”. The soundtrack was also noted for its subtle and immersive quality, described as “gentle and haunting.”
Chair of the RTS Student Television Awards, Sinéad Rocks, said: “This year’s winners and nominees are again a true representation of the widespread skill that is flourishing across all corners of the television industry. We’re proud to recognise and celebrate the very best fresh talent who are also paving the way for future emerging creatives in the industry."
The success of ‘Outsiders’ at the national RTS Awards followed two additional LCC wins at the regional RTS London Student Television Awards 2025, where the College was the top performing institution this year.
Phil Barnes, Chair of RTS London, commented: “The quality of the submissions was impressive, and it was reassuring to witness that the students entering the industry were well-prepared.”
Congratulations to all of the students involved!
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