ECA student wins British Documentary Award

Caring for Calum took the inaugural Sky Arts Best Student Documentary award at The Grierson Awards 2011 on Tuesday 1st November, making it Bafta-winning graduate Lou McLoughlan's third big prize this year.

BBC’s Charlotte Moore, who chaired the jury said:

The jury was hugely impressed by this beautifully observed, poetic film. Very much in control of her material, the director showed real maturity and vision, by allowing the man's disturbing and surprising story to unravel gently to produce a film that is both touching and gripping in equal measure.

Charlotte Moore

The Griersons 2011 - the most prestigious annual British Documentary Awards, supported by Sky Arts HD and Honda was hosted by presenter and cultural commentator, Mariella Frostrup. The star-studded awards ceremony took place at the BFI Southbank where the great and good of the documentary world came together to celebrate another outstanding year of film-making.

Director Lou McLoughlan, who graduated from eca/Screen Academy Scotland last year said:

The Grierson award is such a milestone in any documentary maker's career that to get it at this stage is hugely encouraging.

Lou McLoughlan

Emma Davie, Programme Director Film and TV at Edinburgh College of Art / Screen Academy Scotland said:

We're delighted by Lou's success with her MA film - to have this on top of her two new talent BAFTAs wins really promises well for her further ambitions as a documentary maker.

Emma Davie

Lou McLoughlin has already won the New Talent Award for best Director and Best Short Film Award at the Scottish BAFTAs.