The first Pembrokeshire Schools Film and Animation Festival was premiered last week. The glittering Oscars-style event showcased films made by pupils from 17 schools in the county. Many young film-makers dressed up for the event, arriving in limousines to the Merlin Theatre in Haverfordwest, where they were interviewed on the red carpet by local radio. Organised by Pembrokeshire County Council's education department, the festival gave pupils the opportunity to display their work to a wide audience, as well as view productions made by other students. A wide range of films was displayed including plasticine animations, a black and white silent movie epic and an outstanding art house film. Every school taking part received a Pembrokeshire Oscar - a recycled aluminium Razorbill designed by sculptor Sonja Dawn Flewitt. Schools also received a review of their film from a panel of judges - Michele Ryan (head of media at Trinity College), Dave Welton (independent film- maker) and Janice Jenkins (film studies lecturer at Pembrokeshire College). The awards were presented by Pembrokeshire County Council's director of education, Gerson Davies. Festival organiser Duncan Whitehurst said the response to the Film Festival from schools had been overwhelming and the standard of the entries has been high. "The judges were impressed by the awareness of place and history in the films, by the amount of work involved on the part of teachers and children, their willingness to try out new ideas and the range of styles of film produced," he said. "Film-making allows schools to bring many areas of the curriculum together and encourages learning skills, creativity and teamwork - and it's fun too!" He added that it was hoped the festival would become an annual event.