Residents of a care home have enjoyed a night of glitz and glam with an 'Oscar awards evening' in honour of the films they themselves produced.

Culliford House in Dorchester held Oscars night on Wednesday, March 15.

The residents who starred in, directed and filmed their own movies were presented with awards such as Best Director, Assistant Screenwriter, Creative Assistant and Best Actor.

This was the finale culminating from weeks of commitment, dedication and hard work of the residents who participated in the newly actioned Film Club as part of the ‘Living Well’ programme.

Dorset Echo:

Margaret, the winner of the Best Actor Oscar, said: “I can’t get over, the arrangement of all this for us, making it such a lovely surprise. I didn’t have an idea, and neither did anybody else. It’s a lovely surprise and just a lovely event. And thank you, thank you all of you.”

Peter, who received the Oscar for Best Director, said: “Thank you very much. I am extremely honoured, but even more surprised and thank you very much.”

Bob, winner of Best Assistant Screenwriter, said: “You are all part of a group, that frankly, I’ve never heard of this time a year ago, but you certainly made your mark now and for the future.”

The Film Club was created by volunteer Emily A’Court. Emily is taking a gap year and plans to study English literature and film at university later in the year.

Emily said: “It was wonderful to witness both the residents and the staff together celebrating the residents’ achievements at the lovely setting of Culliford House.

"It is with great thanks personally for allowing me to volunteer and share my passion for film and storytelling with the residents, there have been challenges, lots of laughter and commitment from everybody.”

The residents actively and practically explored some of the very fundamentals of filmmaking and engaged with various film techniques such as using filters inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 Space Odyssey, camera movement, cinematography, and the work of directors such as Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, which inspired them to create their very own short films titled The Surprise.

Suzanne, the Registered Manager/Proprietor, said: “I would just like to say thank you very much, it’s been a pleasure to be part of this experience, we couldn’t have done it without Emily, she’s come in, it was her suggestion to do it and it’s been absolutely great fun. The residents have absolutely enjoyed it and it has been a pleasure to see everyone’s creativity."

Film Club continues as a regular weekly activity at Culliford House.