Celebrating the re-opening of the Beaconsfield Film Society and the 50^th Anniversary of the National Film and TV School made for a very special evening. Following a glass of bubbly, a full house settled down in anticipation of a stimulating evening and, it can be said, no one left disappointed.

Brief words from Dieter Shaw, chair of the BFS, gave thanks to NFTS director Jon Wardle for the free use of the school’s extensive facilities, including the state-of-the art cinema, most modern projection technology and spacious refectory. Dieter stressed his society’s commitment through a volunteer-only policy allowing for maximum contributions to needy students or student projects.

Director Jon, for his part, spoke about the history of the school from humble beginnings in un-heated buildings with a handful of students in 1971 to its current status at the very pinnacle of film schools worldwide.

The expansion of filmed entertainment, with streaming latterly playing a major part, has led to a world-wide shortage of trained staff and the school’s location close to major film studios also helping to guarantee jobs for the graduates. We learned a lot about the industry.

He concludes by expressing his appreciation for the help received for his students, help that has enabled many to complete a course or finish a project.

Desert Island Film

is an island about 22 nautical miles north-west of BBC’s Desert Island Disc and has been chosen for Jon Wardle’s enforced solitary home. Jon’s trailers for eight possible films accompanied by the story of his life and times kept us all closely involved. We learned about him and his industry, his passion to make his school the best in a very competitive world.

His final Desert Island choice BRASSED OFF, was shown in full as it reminded him of his northern grandparents. An emotional film that closed a memorable evening.

Jon Wardle (left) and Dieter Shaw