A student from Potton has taken a trip back in time to find out more about her Italian heritage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4asAX3HeJIY

Evie Mundy, a 21-year-old photography student at Southampton Solent University, has produced a 10 minute split-screen film about her ancestors’ story – blending old family footage with her own shots.

Evie, whose great-great-grandfather came to this country from Castelforte in central Italy, says the project has led her to discover family she never knew she had.

“Through making the project I have met 20 new relatives, some of whom remembered my great-great-grandfather,” said Evie, who went to Stratton Upper School in Biggleswade.

“It has been an amazing opportunity to reconnect with my Italian roots and discover more about the beautiful town my family originated from.

The Comet: Evie Mundy from Potton meets relatives in Italy. Picture: Evie MundyEvie Mundy from Potton meets relatives in Italy. Picture: Evie Mundy (Image: Archant)

“The film has three elements running throughout.

“These are an old Super 8 film of my grandmother and her family at a baptism, an interview with my grandmother where I ask her all about our Italian heritage, and footage taken in Italy where my family emigrated from and met some relatives still there today.”

While the film is inspired by Evie and her own heritage, she says that a crucial factor in the film was the importance of cultural inclusiveness amid the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

“The project is a celebration of cultural diversity,” she said.

The Comet: A still from Evie's film Castelfortesi, showing her own footage on the left alongside an old family video on the right. Picture: Evie MundyA still from Evie's film Castelfortesi, showing her own footage on the left alongside an old family video on the right. Picture: Evie Mundy (Image: Archant)

“I thought that it was important to celebrate cultural diversity and inclusiveness – especially considering that if my great-great-grandfather had not been allowed into the country all those years ago, then I would certainly not be here, along with four or five other generations of my family.”

The 21-year-old described the film as “an amazing opportunity” to reconnect with her roots.

“It has been an amazing opportunity to reconnect with my Italian roots, to explore deeper into my own cultural background and learn more about where my family come from,” she said.

Having now graduated, Evie intends to go back to the continent for a spell before pursuing a career in the capital.

She said: “My next plan is to go travelling around Europe for a couple of months.

“After that, I aim to apply for any curatorial traineeships or internships in London. My aspiration is to become a curatorial trainee for a well-known London gallery.”