Journalism graduate’s cancer documentary wins short film award at Cannes
17 December 2024
Journalism and Creative Writing BA graduate Tavie Carey’s compelling documentary won the best short documentary at Cannes Short Film Festival earlier this year.
The Cannes Short Film Festival brings together the work of indie filmmakers from around the world and featured three days of screenings at the Cinema Variétés in Nice, France.
Tavie’s piece, entitled Topless, tells the story of one woman’s inspiring response to breast cancer after undergoing a double mastectomy and refusing reconstructive surgery.
Louise Butcher was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2022, and six weeks later, she ran her first marathon. Now, she embarks on regular ‘awareness runs,’ going topless to spread her message of empowerment and body positivity.
Tavie, who graduated this year, chose to tell Louise’s story for her Final Major Project on the course’s mini-documentary module.
“I came across Louise through her Instagram page,” recalls Tavie. “From the moment I first encountered her story, I knew it was one I needed to tell. Not only did it resonate with me on a personal level, but it felt like the kind of story everyone could take something away from. I decided to reach out, and things went from there. She was such an incredible person to work with because we were both new to filmmaking and equally excited and passionate about the process.”
The Cannes selection came about because Tavie took advantage of opportunities highlighted by module leader Abigail Wincott and fellow lecturer Kit Chapman, who encouraged her to apply.
On being selected, Tavie told us: “I'm in disbelief! I’m truly honoured that my documentary has been recognised at the Cannes Short Film Festival, where it will reach an even wider audience. Louise's story carries such a powerful message, not just for cancer survivors but for anyone seeking empowerment. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my supervisor, Abigail, and my lecturer, Kit. Without their invaluable feedback and support, my documentary would never have reached the quality it did.”
Course Leader for Journalism & Creative Writing, Andy Chatfield, commented: “The film is an extraordinary achievement, testament to Tavie’s storytelling talents and capacity for sheer hard work. We are thrilled it is getting this recognition. I am also really grateful for Abigail and Kit’s work in supporting her and the other students on that module this year, in which we had a number of outstanding film and audio documentaries.”
Tavie is hoping to collaborate with other filmmakers on a documentary later in the year.
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