Michal Špitálský, Film and TV Production BA (Hons)

Inspired by real-life events, film student, Michal Špitálský who is from Czechia, focused his dissertation project on creating a documentary called Garden of Eden exploring his grandfather’s dedication to his garden.

Now it will be among the films shown at a special gala event for students, their loved ones, and industry professionals which will form part of Northumbria University’s graduate degree shows, known as REVEAL.

Michal said: “My grandfather who is 80 years old dedicated his life to his garden but recently found out that the land doesn’t belong to him. The film is about a man coming to terms with his own mortality. I feel so proud and grateful that this work will be showcased through REVEAL.”

Filming the seven-minute documentary gave him the chance to spend time with his grandad who found the process therapeutic and a way to come to terms with what had happened.

Michal who is a graphic designer by trade, has made films since he was a child, he summed it up by saying: “I have dedicated myself to art, art that makes people feel different things.”

He sees the course as a chance to learn from mistakes and get a grounding in the formal side of filming. He has really enjoyed studying in Newcastle and loved seeing the sea for the first time in his life.

“I’ve really enjoyed exploring this beautiful city and thoroughly enjoyed the course,” said Michal. “The tutors became like an extended family, always making my experience better and pushing my skills further.”

Michal’s next steps will see him return to Czechia and apply for a Master’s degree, as well as turning his Garden of Eden documentary into a feature-length film dedicated to his grandad.

Robert Jefferson, an Assistant Professor who teaches on the Film and TV Production programme at Northumbria University, said: "Michal's film is sensitive and compelling and his closeness to his subject shows real nuance. It is a very mature piece of work, and being both funny and touching it should have a festival life of its own."

Discover more here about studying Film and TV Production BA (Hons) at Northumbria University.