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Former UEL student in line for Oscar success

Tuesday 25 January 2011

 

Two documentaries distributed exclusively in the UK through a company set up by a former UEL student have been nominated for Oscars today.

Among the nominees, which include big hitters such as the King’s Speech and Inception, are two films in the Best Documentary Feature category, both of which are distributed by Dogwoof Films, a company set up by Anna Godas, who graduated with a distinction in Media Studies and French from UEL.

Anna said: “I'm thrilled; both films are a real treat. They are both about regular people taking extraordinary journeys, and taking on really big challenges. We had the pleasure of working with the films' directors (Josh Fox for Gasland and Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger for Restrepo), and what I like about both films is that once you start watching them, you can’t stop.”

Restrepo follows the US Marines Second Platoon in one of Afghanistan’s most strategically crucial valleys, revealing extraordinary insights into the surreal combination of hard labour, deadly gunfire and camaraderie as the soldiers painfully push back the Taliban.

Gasland looks at the phenomenon of rural landowners in America waking up to find a lucrative offer from an energy company wanting to lease their property.

Anna is committed to distributing socially and ethically responsible films and added: “What we do at Dogwoof is to try to make a difference through powerful films made by people who really have something to say.”

Anna said of her time at UEL: Studying at UEL helped me so much. All the bits I learned about editing, design, and production gave me an incredible knowledge that allows me now to make educated judgements on other people's work. Many of the theories I learned I now see every day in practice; but also at other levels, UEL was key for me, the diversity I found at UEL opened my eyes and made me a better person. My best friends today I met there and I hope one day that I can teach people who want to set up their own businesses.”

Selena Bolingbroke, Pro Vice Chancellor, said: “We are very proud of Anna’s success, as a former UEL student. She embodies the values of women’s entrepreneurship which we are committed to promoting.”

The company also runs an ambassador programme, which allows film enthusiasts to set up their own screenings. Anna is keen for UEL students to get involved with the programme. For more information click here.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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