An Ealing poet and author has scooped one of the top honours at this year’s Ealing Film Festival for his moving animated short Two Black Boys in Paradise.
The film, based on a poem by award-winning writer and local resident Dean Atta, won the Animation Award at the 2025 festival, in a category sponsored by KFB Animation.
The short tells the story of Eden, 19, and Dula, 18 – two young Black men navigating self-acceptance and love in a world that often denies them both. Their journey, imagined as a “paradise free from shame and judgement”, is adapted from Atta’s poem in his acclaimed collection There is (still) Love Here.
Narrated by Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks, with non-verbal performance by actor Arun Blair-Mangat, the film explores homophobia, racism and belonging. Directed by Baz Sells and produced by One6th Animation Studio, it was supported by the BFI Short Form Animation Fund, with early backing from Ian McKellen and Partizan Films.
Atta, who grew up in Ealing and attended Twyford Church of England High School, said: “It’s an incredible honour to win the Best Animation award at the Ealing Film Festival. It was a wonderful evening. As an Ealing resident, it’s fantastic to have a world-class film festival on our doorstep.”
He added: “I’ve travelled far and wide to represent this film at festivals, from Brussels to Hollywood, but it was extra special to screen the film and receive an award in the borough I call home. The film is all about love and acceptance, and both were in abundance at the event.”
