'Baghdad Bodyguard' film wins award for student

A film about the daily dangers faced by bodyguards protecting the contractors rebuilding Iraq has won an award for a student at the International Film School Wales (IFSW).
The award was presented to 23-year-old Sarah Evans, from Brecon, by acclaimed film director Ken Russell who was full of praise for Sarah and her fellow the aspiring movie-makers of tomorrow at IFSW’s Finest Films Festival, the third annual student showcase and awards ceremony held at the UGC Cinema in Cardiff.
“The standard of films was excellent,” said Russell, a visiting professor at IFSW. “This award is particularly well deserved,” he said of Sarah’s film, ‘Baghdad Bodyguard’, which features the work of her partner, Bob Payne, examining in detail the trials and tribulations of everyday life for him and his colleagues in the post-Saddam urban jungle.
“This film was very different from the others I’ve made in my three years at the film school,” said Sarah, who has also learned that she has gained a first class honours degree in Documentary Film & Television.
“This one involved interviewing Bob and editing footage supplied by his fellow bodyguards working on the frontline in Iraq. In the film Bob talks about witnessing suicide bombings and the colleagues he has lost. Private bodyguards over there are being regularly targeted and have suffered more casualties than the army. They face danger on a daily basis.
“Bob has lost three colleagues through attacks by insurgents. Only since making this film have I realised how dangerous his job is.”
Sarah said that she was very pleased to have won the award and proud that Ken Russell remarked on Bob’s bravery and insisted that he should be also photographed receiving the award.
“I've really enjoyed studying film here,” said Sarah who has landed a job as a researcher with Endemol, makers of Big Brother. “I’ve never had such a great time. Studying film-making here is not just about education but about experience and opportunities offered to you.”
(SP)