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Congratulations to Rosie, aged 16, from Varndean College in Brighton, England, whose film The Freedom of the Sea has won Best Documentary (sponsored by IMDb) at the 2025 Into Film Awards. The award was presented by Sally El Hosaini and Amani Simpson.
The Freedom of the Sea depicts the story of Rosie's own family, whom, having emigrated to the UK in the wake of the Iranian revolution in the 1970s, discuss the difficult decision to leave their home, and the way being able to swim in the sea together is a perfect encapsulation of the freedom they found in the UK.
"When I found out I was nominated I was almost at the peak of Mount Snowdon in Wales", explained Rosie. "I weaved through the other mountain climbers to get to my dad to tell him, and we excitedly talked about it most of the way down! This film is so important to me, as it highlights the rights and freedoms that we take for granted every day, and how something as simple as swimming in the sea at my local beach is a huge privilege, and we should always remember that."
"My main source of inspiration was a conversation that my family was having about their past over dinner", Rose continued. "I quickly rushed to film with my iPhone, and after some thought, I realised it would make a great documentary subject - as well as an excellent way to practice my technical skill for future projects."
'The Freedom of the Sea' is intended to show my family's journey to a country where they enjoy freedoms previously lacking for them, while still holding the memories of the home they once held dear.
Rosie, aged 16, filmmaker of 'The Freedom of the Sea'
"This was a hugely personal project", Rosie continued. "Of course I was always aware that my family had immigrated to Britain from Iran, but growing up I don't think I ever truly appreciated just what that meant. Through making this film I got the chance to sit down with them, and learn in detail about the joys - as well as the challenges - they left behind in Iran. How they were forced to flee all sense of familiarity; their childhood home, friends, jobs, language and culture, and adapt to an unknown environment, because of the oppressive regime which ruled over their once-free country. The Freedom of the Sea is intended to show their journey to a country where they enjoy freedoms previously lacking for them, while still holding the memories of the home they once had dear."
