Every year the Foundation gifts £2000 to someone we believe Mark would have wanted to support. This plays an important part in our commitment to help young people break into the industry.
We are pleased to announce that Zara Trott has been selected as the recipient of Mark’s Gift 2023.
Zara, a recent film school graduate from the University of Westminster, is embarking on her first filmmaking project as a producer since completing her degree. Collaborating with fellow University of Westminster graduates and friends, she is working on a short film, entitled ‘Salt Line’.
The film is an interrogation into matters of the heart and the lengths we go to for love and acceptance. This story creates a haunting portrayal of two individuals navigating the complexities of their relationship against the backdrop of a world turned against faith. We follow Connolly who tries to reconcile his feelings for Tim but loses himself in the process. Set in a fictional seaside English town during the 60s, Salt Line explores themes of morality, sexuality, and faith.
Mark’s Gift will enable Zara and her crew to bring this moving film to life and help all involved achieve their filmmaking aspirations.
Zara Trott says: “Mark Gift will help fund the first short film I am producing outside of academia. ‘Salt Line’ is not only special to me because of the nature of the script, a film about the challenges of faith and love, but also because it’s a film being made by young creatives who are kickstarting their professional careers. Thanks to Mark Gift’s we are all able to be creative and make something we really care about.”