Into Film Clubs
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Congratulations to Ella (age 15) from Chichester, whose review of George Méliès Le Voyage dans la Lune (A Trip to the Moon) has won Review of the Year (sponsored by IMDb) at the 2022 Into Film Awards. The award was presented by actors Emma Appleton, Aliyah Odoffin and Marli Siu.
Coming an incredible 120 years after the release of Méliès' hugely influential early sci-fi film, Ella's review acknowledges the almost inconceivable way that cinema has changed in the time since, but also the way in which many of the foundations laid by Méliès still form the basis of even modern Marvel spectaculars.
It's incredible to consider that, at the time, Le Voyage dans La Lune would be the equivalent of what Guardians of the Galaxy is now, but believe it or not, this 12 minute short laid the foundations for science fiction cinema that would later bring us 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, and yes, Marvel, making it a must see for all dedicated film fanatics.
I like creative writing and I love telling people my opinions, so I think film reviewing offers the perfect balance... and there's no set formula of how to write a review. You can be funny, clever, cruel, irritated. There's no right way to do it.
Ella (aged 15) - Into Film Award winning film reviewer
Ella got into reviewing through her dad, who is a big fan of Empire magazine. Helen O'Hara became her favourite critic after she read her book Women Vs Hollywood. "It's an amazing read, and it was my first introduction to the real-life horrors of Hollywood. I always enjoy her articles in Empire too."
On the art review writing, Ella appreciates the freedom that it can offer. "I like creative writing and I love telling people my opinions, so I think film reviewing offers the perfect balance between opinion-based writing whilst also keeping that creative style", explains Ella. "There's also no set formula of how to write a review: you can be funny, clever, cruel, irritated. There's no right way to do it."
If there's one thing Ella isn't short on, it's ambition. "Over the last few years, I've also been leaning into the screenwriting and/or directing side of the industry. The plan is to take on the patriarchy of Hollywood by becoming a world-renowned female director/writer. I've already picked out the shelf at home where all my Oscars and Golden Globes are going!"
With her well-deserved Into Film Award, Ella already has one trophy for that shelf - and we're sure it won't be the last!
