University News Last updated 25 May 2018
A Birmingham graduate who created films raising awareness of issues such as human trafficking and modern slavery has been handed a top honour by the British Council.
Former Birmingham City University student Baby Ruth Villarama was handed the global Social Impact Award at the British Council’s Alumni Awards, having previously scooped the prize for the East Asia region.
After studying for a degree in Film Distribution and Marketing at the University, the Philippines national co-founded Voyage Studios, collaborating with local and international filmmakers.
She has produced five feature-length documentary films in three years with two going on to be finalists at the 2008 New York Film Festival.
Her films have generated national conversations and raised awareness around the world of modern day issues such as human trafficking and modern slavery.
Baby Ruth’s work has aimed to produce stories that inspire audiences around the world and opens their eyes to social issues.
She becomes one of three winners of global awards announced by the British Council.
Baby Ruth said: “My time in the UK moulded my awakening to embrace advances in technology, digital communication channels and opportunities to bring contents across a variety of platforms outside traditional cinema.
Baby Ruth was named as the global winner after the work of each of regional Social Impact Award winner was put forward to an expert judging panel.
The winners were announced on Study UK, following a 21-day campaign to celebrate and promote the stories of the 21 regional winners.
Baby Ruth will now join the other two global winners in being invited to the UK for a special visit.
Now in its fourth year, the Alumni Awards 2018 received more than 1,700 applications from international UK alumni in a record 123 countries, representing more than 140 UK higher education institutions across the UK.
Following several rounds of judging panels, regional award winners were selected for the three award categories: Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial, and Social Impact.