Michal Wdowiak beat professionals and higher education students to win the Editor and Writer awards for his short drama Yogi, which he shot in Edinburgh last summer for his final college project. Yogi tells the story of a man who wanders the streets, breaking into flats in search of food and comfort.

The annual BAFTA Scotland New Talent Awards celebrate the up-and-coming talent working within Scotland’s creative industries, and this year featured 36 nominees in 12 categories from across the country. Judging panels made up of industry professionals considered hundreds of entries to decide the shortlist and winners.

Michal, who received his awards at the ceremony at the Drygate Brewery in Glasgow last night, said: “I think it’s an amazing start for me and I hope it boosts my career. I didn’t expect to win in both categories. This is the first script I have ever written. I didn’t know anything about filmmaking when I started out – I learnt everything I know on my course and developed all the skills I needed to make my own films. I’m really excited about the future and owe my lecturer and mentor Fergus Robb a big thank you for helping me develop my potential.”

Michal has been employed as a cinematographer for production company The Gate Films in Manchester since graduating from Edinburgh College, and he is hoping to make more drama-based films in the future.

Michal encourages other young people to go to college and study, and said: “My advice is definitely do it. Try it, you don’t know if you don’t try.”

Fergus Robb, Broadcast Media lecturer at the college, said: “I’m very happy for Michal. He’s talented and a genuine guy who helps others and goes out his way. He does his best, isn’t afraid to experiment and he asks plenty of questions – all good traits of a good filmmaker.”

Edinburgh College Principal Annette Bruton said: “Congratulations to Michal and all the other winners. There is no shortage in up-and-coming talent in Scotland and this event is important as it showcases new work made by students and other emerging stars. We are very proud of the work we do in the college and it’s a tribute to all the staff working in our Creative Industries department that we enjoy continued success. We are particularly delighted when one of our students or former students is honoured in this way.”