International recognition marks proud moment for Hull-based Godber Theatre Foundation
From left, Laura Jennifer Banks, Martha Godber and Emilio Encinoso-Gil at Nòt Film Fest, held in Santarcangelo di Romagna, Italy(Image: supplied image)
Two rising actors from Hull have been recognised on the international stage after both winning performance awards at one of Italy’s leading independent film festivals. Laura Jennifer Banks and Emilio Encinoso-Gil have each won Best Performance for their leading roles in the new short film, Right Here in Hull.
It was written, directed and produced by fellow Hull creative Martha Godber, founder and CEO of the Godber Theatre Foundation, who said: “I don’t think I could be prouder of Laura and Emilio and for myself for creating the film. To take a film set and filmed in Hull all the way to Italy for its world premiere was already incredibly special, but to then watch two actors from our city both be recognised for their performances was an amazing moment.”
The awards were presented at the ninth edition of Nòt Film Fest, held in Santarcangelo di Romagna last week. The international recognition marks a particularly proud moment for the Godber Theatre Foundation, the Hull-based organisation founded by Martha to support and create opportunities for emerging working-class performers from Hull and East Yorkshire.
Both Laura and Emilio have been supported through the Foundation, which helped enable the actors to travel to Italy and attend the international premiere of the film. Martha said: “There is an extraordinary amount of talent in Hull and East Yorkshire, but talent alone isn’t always enough; young people need opportunities, support and the chance to get into rooms and spaces that can sometimes feel very far removed from where we come from.
“Laura and Emilio are amazing and I hope this shows other young creatives from Hull that there is no reason their work can’t travel around the world. We have the talent here, we just need to keep championing it.”
The eight-minute short is Martha’s directorial film debut and is set in east Hull against the backdrop of the 2024 riots. It follows young couple Leah and Ryan as they navigate financial hardship, political frustration and a moral dilemma after Ryan returns home carrying an item looted during the unrest.
The project continues Martha’s commitment to telling stories rooted in the city and putting Northern and working-class voices on screen. It will also play at the UNTHINKABLE festival in Hull this October.
For the Godber Theatre Foundation, the double award represents exactly what the organisation was established to achieve: ensuring that where a young person comes from does not determine the scale of opportunities available to them. The Foundation, connected to the world-renowned John Godber company, works with emerging talent from Hull and East Yorkshire, supporting young people pursuing careers in the performing arts and helping to bridge some of the financial and geographical barriers faced by those trying to enter the industry.
Nòt Film Fest is an international independent film festival held annually in Santarcangelo di Romagna, near Rimini. Its 2026 edition brought together more than 100 films from around the world, with a focus on independent and emerging filmmaking.
Right Here in Hull was written, directed and produced by Martha Godber, with cinematography by Sam Schoettner. The Godber Theatre Foundation is supported by patron Andrew Lincoln.