Rock, Paper, Scissors, a poignant 20-minute drama directed by Franz Bohm, has been nominated for Best British Short Film at the 2025 EE British Academy Film Awards. The nomination represents a significant achievement for the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF), as this marks the first time in its 20-year history that one of its official selections has received recognition at the prestigious BAFTA awards.
The film made its UK premiere at the 2024 British Urban Film Festival in London last October, captivating audiences with its gripping portrayal of war and resilience. Based on a true story, Rock, Paper, Scissors follows Ivan, a young man managing a makeshift hospital in Ukraine alongside his father. As Russian forces draw near, Ivan faces an agonising decision to protect his family and their patients amidst the escalating conflict.
Originally submitted as a student project from the National Film and Television School, Rock, Paper, Scissors is a powerful and timely exploration of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Having directed his first film at just 16, director Franz Bohm brings a fresh yet profound voice to the narrative of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
On the BAFTA nomination, producer Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer expressed his gratitude, calling it “a surreal and deeply humbling moment.”
“This film is a story of resilience, a reflection of the strength it takes to overcome adversity, and seeing it recognised on this level is truly an honour”, Hoozeer said.
The British Urban Film Festival, founded in 2005 by Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE, is the UK’s longest-running festival dedicated to promoting diversity in film.
BUFF has long been committed to showcasing voices from underrepresented communities, helping filmmakers from marginalised backgrounds gain wider exposure.
Over the years, BUFF has served as a springboard for filmmakers who have gone on to achieve critical acclaim, including Asif Kapadia (director of Amy, 2016) and Andy Mundy-Castle (director of White Nanny Black Child, 2024).
In 2020, BUFF received BAFTA qualifying status for British Short Films and British Short Animation, further cementing its role as an influential platform for emerging filmmakers. Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe commented on the significance of Rock, Paper, Scissors‘ nomination, saying, “The themes explored in Rock, Paper, Scissors resonate deeply with the global reality we face today. We are honoured to have played a part in this journey, ensuring the film’s eligibility for BAFTA recognition, and proud that BUFF continues to connect filmmakers with the opportunities they deserve.”
“The British Urban Film Festival has always sought to create a platform for filmmakers who are telling stories that matter, and with Rock, Paper, Scissors now firmly on the international stage, the British Urban Film Festival’s continued commitment to diversity in filmmaking has once again demonstrated the vital role it plays in shaping the future of British cinema”.
