BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production student Stuart Hunter is the recipient of this year’s The Gavin Murphy Achievement, Film Student of the Year Award 2026! This award is given to the student who has displayed an excellent attitude in helping others and a commitment to excellence throughout their studies. This reflects the memory of Gavin Murphy, a former student and staff member who would always go the extra mile to help others in pursuit of their dreams.
Lecturers noted: “A mature student, Stuart is a student who has taken filmmaking into his soul. While being an outstanding student in his own right, he has gone way above the normal support expected of a student. He has, in fact, become a fixture in independent filmmaking in the North East. Alongside his student work, he has set up ‘In the Frame’, a successful support network for filmmakers across Hartlepool that has been a huge benefit to the students across The Northern School of Art’s Stage & Screen faculty, as well as independent filmmakers. He is incredibly supportive of others, sometimes to the detriment of himself, and we hope that, going forward, he will remember how well regarded he is, not just as a film student, but as a human being.”
Stuart, 47 years old, from Ferryhill, County Durham, said that winning the award was “of course, a lovely surprise and a wonderful way to celebrate the culmination of my degree. It is always an honour to have my efforts recognised. I put everything I can into my degree, so I hope I am a worthy recipient.”
Stuart’s final production, Agua Mole, captivated audiences at this year’s Northern Film Festival. Stuart said the film “was born from a lot of hardship after losing the budget for my initial proposed final major project. I had to really draw on all my resourcefulness to get something of a high standard, and Agua Mole was ultimately the film I made as a pep talk to myself not to give up when times are difficult.”
“I wrote the story of Mila, an immigrant struggling to find acceptance until she finds an unlikely ally in her care patient with early-onset dementia, which gives her the determination to forge the life she wants. I needed to rely heavily on friends’ and family’s support, but I think this epitomises the importance of surrounding yourself with the best people you can.”
Reflecting on his time on the course, Stuart said, “I enjoyed the course overall. Of course, there were challenges, but I feel I was trusted enough by tutors to stretch my capabilities, and that has been the most enjoyable part: being allowed to attempt things that might fail, but would fail forward for personal and creative growth, leading to eventual success. Being creatively fearless, I feel, will help my career ambitions.”
Stuart said one of his favourite memories from his three years of study was taking part in a trip to Aardman Academy. “One of my favourites was going to Bristol to spend time at the Aardman studios, as I love stop motion. That memory will stick with me for a lifetime.”
Stuart said his advice to students starting out is to “network, find things that complement your course that are outside of it that you can bring into your practice. The more you throw yourself into your course and the subject matter, and show people beyond your degree that, when the time comes for graduation, you are well versed in your chosen subject beyond the academic.”
Reflecting on living in Hartlepool, he said, “Appreciate the small moments and simple pleasures. It can be tempting to feel the need to ‘keep up’ with lots of nights out, which can add pressure at a sometimes stressful time in your life. If you can find a few simple pleasures that don’t require spending lots of money or need a lot of time, a walk along the beach, joining one of the many clubs via the Student Union, etc., can all help to be a grounding force.”
Keep up to date with Stuarts work on Instagram: @stu.art.hunter
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