Northern Ireland shone on the BAFTA stage on Sunday night as local short film A Irish Goodbye took home the award for 'Best British Short Film'.
Set against the backdrop of a working farm in rural Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye is a black comedy following the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother.
Written and directed by East Belfast filmmaker Ross White and his creative partner Tom Berkeley, the film stars Seamus O’Hara, James Martin, Paddy Jenkins and Michelle Fairley.
Read more: Northern Ireland film An Irish Goodbye wins the BAFTA
Accepting the award on stage on Sunday night, Ross and Tom dedicated the win to their mothers as their award-winning creation is centred around familial love.
East Belfast filmmaker Ross White said: "Thank you so so much BAFTA. Short films are often described as a labour of love - particularly with an emphasis on the labour part.
"But with this film, it was very much on the love part.
"This award will serve as a constant reminder of the small but mighty cast and crew who gathered together on a farm in rural Northern Ireland for five days to help us tell this story."
Tom continued: "To all the casting directors out there, please don't give these lads [Seamus O'Hara and James Martin] any more work - we'd like exclusive access to them for the rest of their careers.
"This is a film about two lads' love for their mum so I think if we forgot to thank our mums then there mightn't be any tea on the table tomorrow night - so thank you mum."
Watch the full video below...
An Irish Goodbye is also nominated for an Oscar in the 'Best Live Action Short Film' category and is the only nominee in the category to be selected from the UK and Ireland in this year's awards.
Reacting to the BAFTA win, Sir David Sterling, Chairman of Northern Ireland Screen said: "Everyone at Northern Ireland Screen is delighted for the entire team behind An Irish Goodbye.
"A BAFTA win is a tremendous endorsement for Ross and Tom to receive from industry, especially at this early stage in their careers and is testament to the incredible work both on camera and behind the scenes from local creatives and crew.
"Awards matter not only for individual development but for sectoral development too and this BAFTA win along with the Oscar nomination puts out a strong message that Northern Ireland is bursting with talent.
"We wish the team the best of luck as they head to LA for the Oscars next month."
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