2026 Student Award

The Bet

On a stormy night, James finally builds up the courage to come out to his religious parents, only for their reaction to take a completely unexpected turn. The Bet is a heartfelt coming-out story with a sharp comedic twist, exploring love, miscommunication, and the chaos of unconditional support.

DIRECTOR:

Jack Patterson

RELEASE YEAR:

2026

UK, 7 mins

Director’s bio 

Jack Patterson is a Glasgow-based writer, director, and producer. A recent graduate, he crafts character-driven narratives anchored by intense interpersonal tension, frequently utilising sharp comedy to undercut heavier themes. Spanning multiple genres from dark humour to distinct human dramas, Jack focuses on versatile, performance-led independent cinema. 

Ar noson stormus, mae James o’r diwedd yn magu’r dewrder i ddod allan i’w rieni crefyddol, dim ond i’w hymateb gymryd tro cwbl annisgwyl. Mae The Bet yn stori dod allan o’r galon gyda thro comedi miniog, yn archwilio cariad, camgyfathrebu, ac anhrefn cefnogaeth ddiamod. 

Bywgraffiad y cyfarwyddwr 

Mae Jack Patterson yn awdur, cyfarwyddwr a chynhyrchydd sydd wedi’i leoli yn Glasgow. Wedi graddio’n ddiweddar, mae’n creu naratifau sy’n cael eu hysgogi gan gymeriadau ac sy’n cael eu hangori gan densiwn rhyngbersonol dwys, gan ddefnyddio comedi finiog yn aml i danseilio themâu trymach. Gan gwmpasu ffurfiau lluosog o hiwmor tywyll i ddramâu dynol unigryw, mae Jack yn canolbwyntio ar sinema annibynnol amlbwrpas, dan arweiniad perfformiad. 

2026 Student Award Shortlist