A Cockermouth teenager has been shortlisted for an award for a short, emotive film she made about her life.

Harriet Wigginton, 18, is in her final year at Cockermouth School.

She made the seven-minute film about her memories of growing up in Cumbria and thoughts about the future as part of her art and design exam last year.

The film, The Eleutheromaniac and the Nostalgic, has been shortlisted for an Osprey Short Film Award at the Keswick Film Festival.

Harriet, who lives in Pardshaw Hall, shot the film herself on the shores of Loweswater.

She also made the props and costumes and spent hours editing it.

She said: "It's quite an arty, personal film, about growing up and not knowing what's coming next.

"I made the film last year, when I didn't know what my future held. Things have changed a bit since then."

Harriet, who is also studying biology, geography and maths for A Level, has recently been offered a place at Oxford University to study geography.

She is delighted to have been shortlisted for the prize.

She said: "I have been making comedy films with a friend since I was 11 or 12.

"I really enjoyed making this one although it was freezing standing up to my knees in the lake with not many clothes on in February. My mum was standing nearby holding my coat.

"I liked the logical process of editing. Because there is no narrative I could fiddle about with it when putting it together.

"I was really excited to hear I had made the shortlist."

Harriet hopes to make many more films in the future. 

She said: "I like the idea of using film to communicate ideas, you can get across messages about climate change and conservation.

"I want to work within the environmental sector and nature conservation and can see myself using film in the future."

Sam Tinkler, head of art, said: "It's a beautiful and moving piece, nostalgic and contemplating.

"I am very proud of Harriet’s nomination."

The film will be shown with the shortlisted films at Keswick's Alhambra Cinema on Saturday, February 27, from 11am.

The winning films in the under 19 and open categories will be announced at the free event.