A YOUNG Oxford film-maker is hoping to win a coveted Bafta award - with your help.

Joe Kennard, of Magdalen Road, East Oxford, is a regional finalist in Bafta's 60 Seconds of Fame film competition with his movie Celebrate Life.

The 30-year-old is hoping to win the regional heats, so he can be invited to the Orange British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 11.

An overall winner will be chosen by a Bafta panel on the night and will see their film broadcast to millions on BBC1 during the event. Mr Kennard, who runs a film production company making corporate videos, said he was thrilled to find out his film had been shortlisted.

He said: "I spent about an hour jumping up and down. I had work to do that afternoon, but I didn't do anything except phone people and tell them.

"Ever since I was a kid I've always wanted to make films and this could really set me on my way."

The competition invited members of the public aged 16 or over to make a 60-second film around the theme of 'celebrate'.

Mr Kennard's film tells the story of a grandfather in the final stages of his life leaving a message for his new grandson about the wonders of the world.

He said: "It takes the form of an old man's message to his grandson, but it's really a message to everyone to celebrate life - there are so many possibilities and it's never too late!"

Friends and family were brought in as actors and shooting took place in Oxford and London.

The film, posted under Mr Kennard's nickname, PurpleJoe2, is in the south category on the website www.60secondsoffame.co.uk, where people can vote for their favourite before the deadline of Monday, February 5.

Mr Kennard said: "I hope people will have a look at it and vote for me.

"I'd love to go the Baftas!"

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) identifies and rewards excellence in the artforms of the moving image.