A short film made by University of Winchester students has won an award at a New York festival.

Children of the Valley, created by third-year film production students Benjamin Phillips, Ollie Trowern, Ben Dunks, and Nathan Bloor, was awarded Best Ensemble Acting at the International Film Festival Manhattan.

The film was also a runner-up in the Best Student Film category.

Benjamin Phillips said: "It felt amazing having our film screened in New York but to also walk away with a win is beyond exciting.

The official poster for Children of the ValleyThe official poster for Children of the Valley (Image: University of Winchester)

"Everyone involved on this project worked so incredibly hard to make it the best it could be and to be recognised for that work is truly just great."

The students entered the film after meeting a representative of the Manhattan event at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Ben Dunks said: "We spoke to a guy from Manhattan at a networking event who was interested in our film and gave us his card.

"I emailed him when we got home, and we ended up being chosen for the festival."

Set in Benjamin Phillips' hometown of Abercarn in south Wales, the 20-minute-long coming-of-age story is largely told in flashback and features a cast of professional actors.

Filming a scene in AbercarnFilming a scene in Abercarn (Image: University of Winchester)

The bulk of the film was shot in February, but the schedule was disrupted by the Welsh weather, which meant many scenes planned as exteriors were moved inside.

Benjamin said: "We hijacked my grandparents’ house for one of the scenes."

Another key scene was filmed in the village pub, The Crown.

He said: "The first week of shooting was the most stressful of my life but also the most fun.

"We were the talk of the town.

"Everyone was so helpful.

"I don’t think there’s ever been a film set in Abercarn."

Rob Ferrin, programme leader for film production at the University of Winchester, said: "From all the staff and students on BA Film Production, we send a huge congratulations to the whole crew on their win.

"We could not be prouder."

Vice-chancellor of the University of Winchester, Professor Sarah Greer, said: "Everyone at the university is very proud of our students’ achievement.

"It is amazing to see some of them now making their mark internationally."

Children of the Valley is one of just ten in its category chosen for The Graddies, a film festival judged by industry professionals, to be held at The Vue in London’s White City on October 18.