News / Film
Student filmmaker wins top regional award for ‘heartfelt’ documentary
A UWE Bristol student’s deeply personal experience of finding a kindred community in a new country has earned top honours at the Royal Television Society West of England Student Awards.
The short film Bow and Rise, directed by Jasmine Mok, was inspired by Bristol’s lion dance scene.
The documentary follows the University of Bristol Lion Dance Troupe, the UK’s only student-led lion dancing society.
Ahead of the regional television awards in 2026, the film had already gained international recognition, winning the Audience Award, Best UK-China Collaboration and Best Made in UK Production at the Odyssey Film Festival in 2025.
The documentary follows the University of Bristol Lion Dance Troupe, the UK’s only student-led lion dancing society – photo: Jasmine Mok
The documentary was produced by Juliet Harper and edited by Megan Eyres, with the trio studying filmmaking at UWE Bristol.
For Jasmine, the project grew from a deeply personal place.
After arriving in the UK from Singapore, she said she initially struggled to adjust and felt disconnected from the unfamiliar culture.
Speaking to Private Waves she said: “When I came to the UK, I didn’t have many friends and I was feeling lonely.
“I felt really left out because I wasn’t familiar with the culture, so I looked for something to do on the weekends and stumbled across the Lion Dance Society.”
Although she had grown up watching lion dancing, Jasmine had never considered taking part herself. Joining the troupe soon became a turning point.
Realising that many people in Britain were unfamiliar with the tradition, Jasmine decided to share the story with a wider audience.
She first experimented with the idea during her first year at university, producing a three-minute version of the documentary to gauge interest.
Filming eventually took place over around six months, following the troupe as they prepared for their Chinese New Year performance.
Top industry recognition for UWE Bristol filmmakers (from left to right) Jacob Priddle, Max Dunn, Ben Pritchard, Jasmine Mok, Juliet Harper and Meg Eyres – photo: UWE Bristol
Because the filmmakers were students themselves, they were able to blend naturally into the group and capture its strong sense of community.
The film also highlights the inclusive nature of the Bristol troupe, whose members come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
University of Bristol’s Lion Dance Troupe performing a polished routine at the Chinese New Year celebrations at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery – photo: Rob Browne
John Podpadec, senior lecturer in filmmaking at UWE Bristol, said: “It was a great night for the UWE BA Filmmaking programme, winning the award for Best Factual and a collection of craft prizes.
“Huge congratulations go to all those who were nominated but especially Jasmine Mok and her team for their thoroughly engaging and colourful documentary Bow and Rise, a film that explores and celebrates the experiences of international students in the University of Bristol Lion Dance Troupe.”
The Royal Television Society West of England Student Awards ceremony, held at the Watershed, proved a strong night for UWE Bristol’s student filmmakers.
Movie poster of Bow and Rise, directed by Jasmine Mok – photo: Jasmine Mok
All four shortlisted entries in the animation category were created by UWE students, while the university had 11 projects shortlisted across four categories.
In the animation category, the top prize went to Meal Deal by Anais Kheir, Niamh McArdle and Amy Mulcahy.
Ian Friend, course leader for the BA (Hons) Animation programme, said: “We’re thrilled that Meal Deal created by Anais, Niamh and Amy has won the Animation Award at this year’s RTS West of England Student Awards.
Amy Mulcahy (left) and Niamh McArdle wkith their awards after winning the top prize in the animation category for “Meal Deal” – photo: UWE Bristol
“This caps off another exceptional year for the course, with all animation nominees studying at UWE. It’s a phenomenal testament to the creativity, craft and dedication of our students and staff.
“A massive congratulations to all our talented filmmakers – your imagination, hard work and storytelling continue to shine.”
Main photo: Jasmine Mok
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