A local filmmaker has been short listed for the prestigious Best of Borough Film Awards (BoBs) - a competition celebrating grassroots filmmaking talent in London.

Molly and Plum, a film made by Wandsworth's Rupert Raby is among the 13 finalists. You can view his entry online and vote for their favourite at www.filmlondon.org.uk/bobs. Voting closes on Monday 29 June.

Molly & Plum tells the story of a troublesome youth who meets his match when doing community service in a care home. An impromptu road trip in a stolen van leads the duo to some surprising places.

Molly and Plum Image by David Raedeker

The BoBs awards celebrate the finest short films produced through the London Borough Film Fund Challenge (LBFFC) - a scheme designed to discover, nurture and support the capital's filmmaking talents.

The LBFFC is run by Film London and participating boroughs including Wandsworth. It offers filmmakers up to £4,000 towards the cost of producing a short film plus advice and other resources.

The BoBs are split into two categories; each with a cash prize of £2,000. A panel of experts will pick the Jury Award winner and the film with the highest number of votes from the public will claim the Audience Award.

Both prizes will be presented at a special ceremony at BAFTA on Monday 6 July.

Cllr Paul Ellis, Wandsworth Council's arts spokesman said:
"This scheme supports up and coming film-makers from across the capital - providing valuable opportunities for these individuals to develop their skills and showcase their work.  We have a remarkable pool of talent in Wandsworth and this competition will help more of our residents to discover the resources available to help them make their first steps into the filmmaking industry."


Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:
"I'm pleased to be backing the London Borough Film Challenge as it will create unprecedented opportunities for Londoners to try their hand at film and learn how to become part of this exciting sector."

Wandsworth Council works in partnership with Westminster Arts to support local filmmakers with film production funding and joint training workshops. The relationship has enabled both authorities to reach a wider network of up and coming filmmakers.

Application forms for the 2009/10 Wandsworth Film Awards will be available in late July.