University of Worcester Students Organise Film's UK Premiere

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The University of Worcester students were behind an event to mark the first screening in this country of Hedda Gabler, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival.

The premiere, at The Hive, also kick-started the film's UK promotion, which the students are involved in, helping promote the film's costumes, styling, actors and actresses and soundtrack music.

Based on Henrik Ibsen's famous 19th century play, Hedda Gabler tells the story of a woman who tries to elevate her husband's career, but comes to a tragic end.

Director and producer Matthew John and actress, Rita Ramnani, attended the Worcester premiere, organised by Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations students Diana Iusco, Lucija Vuletic, Sonja Holopainen and Alexandra-Maria Simpson and Frazer Kelly, studying Business, Economics and Finance.

Final year student Diana, 22, said: "It was nerve wracking. There was pressure, a pressure that we mostly created ourselves, because we wanted everything to be perfect. Also, because we had to work with external people, it was even more tense, as we could not totally control the outcome."

However, she said everything had worked well and feedback had been positive.

"I found it very useful career-wise, as I got to experience hands-on how to organise an event from scratch," she added.

"It tested so many of our skills - time management, organisation, team working, communication in a professional matter, with external parties and it also helped us create great connections and get feedback from experts in the field."

Costumes used in the movie were on display, while the costume designer, Olya Wallington, was on hand to answer questions.

A month in the planning, the evening concluded with questions from the audience, who got an insight into the making of the movie, followed by a drinks reception.

The students also had the chance to get top tips from PR industry experts like Penelope Brooke Hamilton, who is in charge of publicity for the film, and Vivienne Sharman-Lewis, a PR specialist representing Vision PR and Creative Network, who was covering the event.

Proceeds from the screening go to the Arts in Mind Foundation.

Dr Paulo Mora-Avila, lecturer in PR and Corporate Reputation, Public Relations and PR Module Leader, who oversaw the event, said: "This was a first rate event that I am sure will have a great impact on the future careers of our students."

Picture: Credit Peter Barnes