CAREERS AND AWARDS
HUGH’ S SHORT FILM WINS TOP FESTIVAL HONOUR
A short film written by OP Hugh Stubbins( 00- 11) has earned a major accolade at the Edinburgh International Film Festival( EIFF), winning the Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence. Hugh( pictured centre), who attended Pocklington School from 2000 to 2011, wrote Mother Goose, a dark comedy described as a“ modern-day Grimm’ s fairy-tale about grief, isolation … and a goose.” The film premiered at the festival and was voted Best Short Film by audiences, securing a £ 15,000 award to support the team’ s next creative venture.
Directed by Joanna Vymeris, Mother Goose stars Olivier Award-winning actress Sophie Thompson and fellow Old Pocklingtonian Ralph Ineson( 83-88), who voices the goose. The story follows a grieving widow who adopts a goose with the intention of preparing it for Christmas dinner— only to find herself increasingly consumed by her loneliness and fixation on the bird.
The collaboration between Hugh and Ralph has its roots in a message sent over a decade ago. After graduating from university and beginning his acting career, Hugh reached out to Ralph via social media, introducing himself as a fellow Old Pocklingtonian and asking for advice. Ralph responded with encouragement, guidance, and a list of recommended books – an act of generosity that left a lasting impression.
Years later, when Hugh wrote Mother Goose, he could only imagine Ralph’ s voice in the role. He contacted Ralph’ s agent, reminding him of their earlier exchange, and Ralph agreed to join the project after reading the script. Though their schedules haven’ t aligned for a proper catch-up yet, Hugh hopes to reconnect with Ralph in London soon.
The film’ s success at Edinburgh has also led to its inclusion in the prestigious BFI London Film Festival this October, further cementing its place on the international stage.
Hugh commented:“ EIFF was a wonderful experience, and the film was very well received. I was delighted to win the Thelma Schoonmaker Award. It means a lot to me personally and to the team. It’ s fantastic that the film will now feature as part of the 69th BFI London Film Festival, which runs 8th-19th October 2025. It’ s the UK’ s biggest film festival and a major
international festival too, so it’ s amazing to have made it in. We feel very excited and grateful!”
Hugh is hoping to return to Pocklington School early next year to show the film and speak with students about his journey in the arts.
Update: click here to watch a YouTube video of Hugh’ s interview on Mother Goose at BFI London Film Festival 2025.
SIXTH FORM STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT BIOTECH CAREERS
OP Matthew Durdy( 79-84) recently took part in an online Pock Connects talk with two Upper Sixth biology students from Pocklington School. During the session held on Teams, Matthew shared insights about his career journey, with a particular emphasis on his work with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult where he is Chief Executive.
Founded in 2012, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is an independent innovation and technology organisation specialising in the advancement of cell and gene therapies, the topic of a Medical Society research project the students undertook at school.
During the discussion, Matthew emphasised the importance of being curious and asking challenging questions. He highlighted how these traits, along with his determination to find solutions and get things done, had been a driving force in his professional life.
The students’ preparation was evident through their extensive research into the subject. They posed several probing and relevant questions about cell and gene therapies as well as the wider biotech industry to help clarify and broaden their knowledge and understanding.
Matthew commented:“ Giving back to super smart and well-prepared young people at the start of their careers while talking about yourself and a subject you love is not a commitment; it is a pleasure. I hope I have recruited at least one to the cause!”
Thank you to Matthew for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak to the students.
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