Joe recognised at international film festival near Venice.

A young animator from Raymonds Hill has been making waves at an international short film festival.

Joe Blandamer was awarded with the first special prize of the jury in the children’s section at the Corti a Ponte International Short Film Festival near Venice.

“I am really proud of myself. I am speechless – It is fantastic to win an international competion.”

There were 100 films entered from competitors all over the world with only 50 chosen to be shown at the festival.

The 11-year-old was lucky enough to have six of his animated films selected to be shown at the event.

Festival organisers said his films proved to be very popular with audiences and were enjoyed by audiences both young and old.

The Woodroffe School student has had a successful year and was crowned the under 16s winner of the first-ever Vue ExeterShorts.

He was also recognised as an emerging talent at this year’s Animated Exeter Festival in the under 12’s category.

Joe has already entered his next competition, Animate It, which is being run by the Sensory Trust and LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).

To see some of Joe’s work visit http://vimeo.com/user6416789