Two young Stevenage filmmakers had their work screened at London’s British Film Institute as part of a UK project to promote new talent.

Jonathan Bonnett, 24, of Tippett Court and Mary-Ann Vooght, 18, of Broad Oak Way, joined over 50 young creatives from across the UK on Saturday to watch the premiere of seven films inspired by the concept ‘roots’.

The works are the culmination of a youth film-making project run by not-for-profit art group, Chocolate Films. Commissioned by the Affinity Sutton Community Foundation in May last year, the project taught story creation and development, scriptwriting, acting, directing, producing, editing and technical skills.

Jonathan and Mary Ann wrote, filmed and edited their film, Day of the Dave, which explores a dream-like post-apocalyptic world, shot in Stevenage.

Jonathan said working with professionals on the one-day workshop boosted his confidence in his abilities.

“It made things which seemed complicated in the past quite achievable,” he said.

“I already had my own camera but it’s made me see how easy it can be. I’ve since invested in a much better one and all the necessary software.

He added: “David Cameron has been saying how he wants Britain to focus on big budget movies in the future, but I think the independent movies are a great part of British arts culture that allows anyone with a good idea to have a go.”