Oscar win for Mat

Congratulations are due to Suffolk-based director/writer Mat Kirkby and his partner James Lucas for their film The Phone Call which last night won an Oscar for best Live-Action Short Film.

Starring Jim Broadbent, Sally Hawkins and Prunella Scales, the film tells the tale of Heather works in a helpline call centre. When she receives a phone call from a mystery man, she has no idea that the encounter will change her life forever.

Shot on location in London almost 2 years ago, the film has been picking up awards for quite a time but the Oscar has to be “the big one”.

The win was something of a surprise and not just for Mat and James. Their Oscars acceptance speech made reference to the quality of the doughnuts at Pump Street Bakery here in Suffolk, where founder Jo Brennan was left shocked and delighted by the endorsement. Mat spends time at the bakery cafe whilst writing. We can be pretty confident that the doughnuts and coffee will be on the house next time he visits.