We are delighted to share the results of this year’s PQA Winter Filmmaking Challenge, Bring Hope Home. The competition was Inspired by Charlie’s Trek, a 5-day, 140km fundraising campaign for Alzheimer’s Research UK, in honour of Charlie’s mum, Pauline Quirke MBE, who founded PQA in 2007 with her husband Steve.
The Bring Hope Home filmmaking competition invited young people to explore what hope means to them and express it through the power of film.
Our judges were genuinely overwhelmed by the quality, imagination and emotional depth shown by filmmakers aged from 6 to 17 years old. We received a wonderful range of films, from personal, heartfelt family stories to pieces tackling real issues in the world.
Each film was carefully assessed on theme, creativity and originality, storytelling, sound, cinematography, technical execution and emotional impact. The standard was truly extraordinary, and, after some tough decisions, the judges agreed on our winning and runner-up entries.
A huge congratulations to Matylda, our overall winner, from PQA Ealing, whose beautiful film captured the spirit of the challenge with warmth, creativity and emotional clarity. Her work stood out for its storytelling, visual style and heartfelt message, and we are delighted to recognise her achievement with a full year of free PQA membership.
Watch Matylda’s winning short film here: Hope Is All Around
Our three runners-up impressed the judges with their originality, technical skill, and powerful interpretations of hope.
Congratulations to our winners and runners-up for their outstanding visuals and stories.
Thank You Message From Charlie Quirke Bring Hope Home Challenge
Thank you to everyone who entered, supported, and encouraged these young creatives. Their films remind us that hope isn’t just an idea, it’s something we carry with us, something we pass on, and something we can all share with one another.
PQA is dedicated to helping young people discover who they are through the performing arts. If your child is curious about filmmaking or loves bringing stories to life, our unique Film & TV classes Film & TV classes are a feature of our Main Academy, for young people aged 6-18.
Yes! Every academy offers one free trial session, as long as there is space available in the age group. If the group is currently full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
PQA runs for 41 weeks throughout the school year. You can find the full list of term dates on each academy’s webpage, just search for your local academy and visit its web page.
PQA provides performing arts training for children and teens aged 4–18. Our Main Academy (ages 6–18) includes three core classes:
Some academies also offer Poppets (ages 4–6), an energetic 90-minute class introducing young children to singing, dancing and acting.
PQA welcomes all children, whether they’re complete beginners or already confident performers. There’s no audition needed to join.
At PQA students in Main Academy are grouped by age, learning with other children and young people at similar stages.
This depends on where you feel your child will be happiest. Some 6-year olds are ready to join the 6-9 age group in Main Academy, others will feel more comfortable starting in Poppets.
Your always welcome to discuss what’s best for your child with your local Principal before booking your free session.