On Thursday 26 February 2026, local filmmaker Hynek Gannon was named winner of the inaugural Short PLATFORM Professional Development Award, which The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity proudly sponsored with a £250 prize fund.
The partnership between Phoenix Leicester and STWLC saw the introduction of a £250 Professional Development Award to a Leicester-based writer, producer or director involved in the production of one of the films submitted to Short PLATFORM.
After a panel selection, Hynek Gannon was named as the winner and was presented with the award by Anne Whitlock, Trustee of STWLC.
Speaking about his award and appreciation to the Charity, Hynek Gannon said:
“It feels great. I personally don’t really see myself as someone who wins things, so this meant a lot. It’s really helped with my confidence as a filmmaker, especially now that I’m working more independently. It also came at a great time, as I’ve just spent a lot of money on a new camera, so it genuinely feels like perfect timing.
“This award reminded me that there are people out there who value and champion the next generation of artists and their work.”
“With the prize money, I can now buy fixed ND filters, which will really help improve my images. I’ll also use the money to buy some Black Pro-Mist filters to make my images more cinematic and add texture. The money has also widened my options to look into other creative filters that can manipulate the image — like changing the shape of bokeh or affecting lens flares — which helps when you’re trying to make your images stand out.
“This award reminded me that there are people out there who value and champion the next generation of artists and their work.”
STWLC Trustee Anne Whitlock said:
“It was a pleasure to attend the Short PLATFORM event and present Hynek with the first-ever Professional Development Award – a very worthy winner and my favourite film of the night! As a local charity we are always so inspired by the creative talent among young people in our county, and this event was certainly no exception to that. Huge congratulations to Hynek and thank you to Phoenix for inviting us to such a fantastic occasion.”
Award-winning filmmaker and director Keith Allott, who is an expert tutor at Phoenix, added:
“This is the first time a sponsor has donated a prize to an emerging filmmaker through a PLATFORM event. It makes an enormous difference for the filmmaker by giving them an opportunity to use the prize to develop their career, but it also boosts their confidence in their work and creative processes. It can be easy for an artist who is starting out to question their work and if they are doing the right thing and awards like this one help to affirm they are. It’s also positive for PLATFORM and Phoenix to be able to connect the sponsor with the filmmaker, building trust with the filmmaking community. We’re looking forward to hopefully awarding many more opportunities and awards for Leicester-based filmmakers in the future in partnership with The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity.”
About Phoenix
Phoenix is an independent cinema, art gallery and Café Bar in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Phoenix is a registered charity which aims to bring inspirational film and art to all. Further information is available at phoenix.org.uk
About PLATFORM
PLATFORM is a programme for filmmakers and digital artists interested in moving image in Leicester, offering a space to meet, learn, and collaborate. To find out more and sign up, visit https://www.phoenix.org.uk/platform/
About STWLC
The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity provides personal loans for new business ideas, businesses needing investment and for the study of postgraduate education. Eligible candidates may borrow up to £20,000 for business purposes and up to £10,000 for postgraduate education purposes, to establish themselves in their chosen career. All loans are personal loans which are interest free for 9 years, repayable by equal instalments after 3 years, and are available to people aged over 18 and under 45.
