Fifth Form pupil Eva stars in award-winning film ‘Lost Youth’

Eva, who balanced the project alongside her GCSE studies, appeared in the film alongside fellow members of the local Ukrainian community. The moving production, directed by her friend Anna, explores themes of war, loss and resilience, inspired by the experiences of young people affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

Speaking about the moment Lost Youth was announced as the winner, Eva described it as “incredible”. 

“We felt the film was amazing and had such a deep meaning to it, but we had no idea we were going to win,” she said. “When I saw the title come up on the screen and Jodie Whittaker announced our name, it felt so great.” 

Although the team had travelled to the ceremony as nominees, they had entered the film into the Time for Action category and were surprised when it was instead shortlisted, and ultimately won, in the Best Story category. 

The film centres on themes of friendship and grief, with a powerful twist ending. Eva plays Anastasia, a friend of the main character whose true fate is only revealed at the conclusion of the story. 

“There is a big plot twist where it turns out that Vlad’s character and mine are actually deceased,” explained Eva. “They are spirits that Anna’s character has been seeing. It’s a little bit like The Sixth Sense in the way it surprises the audience.” 

For Eva, the film’s message is deeply personal. 

“Even though this is a film, it is based on events that are still happening today,” she said. “The war in Ukraine is ongoing, lives are being lost, and cultures are being damaged. I want people to watch the film and remember that, recognise the knock-on effects of war and continue to support Ukraine.” 

The project also gave Eva a new perspective on her own opportunities. 

“It made me appreciate what I have here,” she reflected. “There are young people my age still living through the reality of war. There could be a girl with the same abilities as me sitting in a bomb shelter. It makes me grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.” 

Alongside filming, Eva continued her GCSE studies, crediting the support of staff at King’s for helping her balance both commitments. 

“Mrs Agg-Manning really inspired me to pursue drama and taught me so much about acting,” she said. “She loved the film when I showed it to her and was really proud. Lots of teachers also gave me flexibility with deadlines, which made a huge difference and showed they supported what I was doing.” 

For other pupils considering creative projects, Eva’s advice is simple: “Just do it. Once you’ve started making something, you’re already further ahead than if you never tried at all.” 

Following the success of Lost Youth, Eva plans to continue pursuing her passion for performance. 

The experience has only strengthened her ambitions. 

“I’d love to become a professional actor and dancer,” she said. “Whatever I do next, I want it to have a powerful message and make an impact.” 

Lost Youth won Best Story at the Into Film Awards 2026, with judges praising its powerful storytelling and its moving exploration of the experiences of young people affected by war and displacement.