Every month, Sparks Film School awards a new Film of the Month award to a production made by students.
Every month, our panel of judges assess films from across all Sparks Film School crews and select one standout entry as their Film of the Month.
February 2026:
Congratulations to the crews behind Rise of The Super Spies from Sparks Film School Guildford
This month’s Film of The Month Award goes to film students from Sparks Film School Guildford for their fun and action packed film Rise of The Super Spies.
From the Judges…
“Superkids! Super Spies! Bad Guys!” Rise of The Super Spies is a mile-a-minute film packed full of action, exciting fight scenes and comedic performances. The filmmakers have been full of ambition here, with a great fun energy throughout complimented with some engaging cinematography and direction.
The film follows its super kids and super spies as they collide after appearing out of a magic portal. Our panel particularly loved the performances by the cast in this film. The crew have clearly very much dedicated the film to being a fun and energetic action romp, and the performances match the direction style beautifully.
It’s enjoyably over the top, with some evil villains and swashbuckling heroes. The crew clearly enjoyed making this film and it really comes across, with an infectious energy.
Our panel also commended the crew on their daring fight scenes. The film features a couple of moments of screen combat, which has been well shot and well conveyed. These have been choreographed nicely (and safely) and translate to screen really well.
The fight scene between the big group was particularly enjoyable, with some handheld camera work adding to the tension and feeling of being in a chaotic fight between good and evil.
Lastly, the film contains some lovely cinematography and editing choices. There is a flashback, where the screen suddenly becomes black and white, indicating a shift in time and using a proven trope to good, easy-to-understand effect. It’s a good example of how sometimes keeping things simple, can mean you have the most effective on screen storytelling.
The crew also introduce the spy master character very well, only showing part of his face in an extreme close up, with his eyes also covered by sunglasses. This gives the character a real edge of mystery and intrigue that’s perfectly appropriate for a spy.
Overall, Rise of The Super Spies is a great, fun little film, full of action and high energy performances and fight sequences. The crew clearly had a lot of fun making this film and have made some lovely choices with camera shots, and ensemble performances in big scenes.
Congratulations to the makers from Sparks Film School Guildford for being selected as February 2026’s Film of The Month!
About Sparks Film School’s Film of the Month Award
The Sparks Film of the Month Award shines a spotlight on a new film each month from the imaginative filmmaking talents of Sparks Film School students.
Each month, a film production made by Sparks Film School crew members is chosen as Film of the Month.
Our panel of judges – assembled from our team of filmmaking instructors – look at submissions from across Sparks Film Schools nationally and choose one film that they think stands out as an impressive piece of filmmaking.
They assess based on each film’s impact on screen and explore all its little details to uncover all the things we love about each film chosen.
Film of the Month: Selection Criteria
To be selected as Sparks Film of the Month, a film production needs to be…
Original:
We look for originality and imagination above all else when choosing the winner of Film of the Month. We looks for films that surprise us, offer some inventiveness and challenge convention.
Interesting:
To be chosen as Film of the Month, a production needs to be interesting. We want to see what happens next; we want to learn more about the characters. We should be invested in watching until the very end.
Well Made:
We need to be appreciate the technicality in how a film has been made for it to be awarded Film of the Month. It should feature a clear storyline, be well shot, well acted, well edited and put together.
Made by Students of Sparks Film School:
Film of the Month can be awarded to any film production made by students at any Sparks Film School across the UK. It can be made independently or during film school sessions.
About Sparks Film School’s Filmmaking Courses
Sparks Film School offers filmmaking, animation and photography workshops for ages 5-18, including term time classes and holiday camps.
We offer free taster classes and there are lots of opportunities to get involved. You can find out more about our filmmaking courses here >>>
