The 23rd ANNUAL FOCAL INTERNATIONAL AWARDS took place on Thursday 18th June ’26 at Church House, Westminster, London and it was certainly a night to remember for fellow FAUK Members who won in all their nominated categories!

and the winners are:……………………………..

• Megan McCooley Co-Director and Head of Collections at Yorkshire and North East Film Archive who won Footage Person of the Year:
  Sponsored by: UV&S

“I feel hugely honoured to receive this award from FOCAL International, an award which helps to shine a spotlight on skilful, talented, and dedicated people that make up the wider film archive community.  I’m very lucky to have a great team behind me, whose enthusiasm, passion, and support has been so important in navigating a challenging and exciting couple of years as YFA / NEFA embarks on its next chapter.  Archive film is hugely important, especially in today’s society, and I hope this award will help to champion the vital work of the of the UK’s Regional Film Archives and the significant value of screen heritage we preserve.” 

Megan McCooley, Co-Director | Head of Collections, Yorkshire and North East Film Archive at York St John University.

• The Imperial War Museum were winners of Best Archive Restoration and Preservation Project or Title: Sponsored by: Hollywood Film Company
  for ‘The German Retreat and Battle of Arras’ about the aftermath of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and the Battle of Arras, Western Front, March-April 1917
• Northern Ireland Screen won Best Use of Footage in a Factual or Natural World Production: ‘Craigavon, New City’ (link here)
  and
• Yorkshire Film Archive at York St John University who won Best Use of Footage on Innovative Platforms:  for their reminiscence resource ‘Memory Bank: Bradford’ (link here)

“Every three seconds, someone in the world will be diagnosed with dementia. We know that Archive footage is a powerful tool to help people living with dementia to unlock memories and improve their wellbeing. We’re delighted that in a small way Memory Bank: Bradford is making a difference! Thanks to the hard work of Ruth Patman, Andy Burns and Mandy Tennant with the support of the Harry and Mary Foundation, the FOCAL International Award shines a light on the condition. We look forward to developing the reminiscence tool further to reach more people across our regions and beyond.”

Graham Relton, Co-Director | Head of Access, Yorkshire and North East Film Archive at York St John University.

It is great to see so many entries from our Members. Many many congratulations to you all on your awards.