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Self-taught Ipswich filmmaker's nostalgic Jaguar E-Type film receives international acclaim in Tokyo

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Competing against 499 entries from 73 countries, Ipswich-based filmmaker Nick Skinner was crowned the Grand Prize winner at the International Auto Film Festa 2025 in Tokyo on Saturday, 26 April, for his short film "Memory Lane – A Love Letter to the Jaguar E-Type".

A rapid rise: Nick taught himself to make films at a young age, but he never expected international acclaim for his work. After joining Suffolk-based classic car company Bridge Classic Cars, he began photographing and filming classic vehicles just three years ago, developing a distinctive style that eventually caught the attention of judges in Tokyo.

Nick Skinner filming at the Bridge Classic Cars garage
Nick Skinner filming at the Bridge Classic Cars garageBridge Classic Cars

The story behind the film: Created to celebrate the iconic Jaguar E-Type's 63rd anniversary, the short film tells the touching story of an elderly woman named Rose reminiscing about her younger days with the legendary vehicle.

The award-winning documentary wasn't just made by local talent – it was filmed across Suffolk locations including Seckford Hall and the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe, as well as on various roads throughout the county.

What they're saying: Rob Harvey, Marketing Manager at Bridge Classic Cars, said: "Self-taught, humble, and quite possibly the worst person I've ever met at accepting praise! Nick is finally getting the recognition he deserves for his talent, skill, and vision."

He captures everything "with one camera and, occasionally, a small drone. He then spends hours in the office putting everything together until it leaves us at an award-winning level," he added.

Nick Skinner shooting a Racing E-Type
Nick Skinner shooting a Racing E-TypeBridge Classic Cars

The legendary E-Type: Manufactured by Jaguar Cars from 1961 to 1974, the E-Type revolutionised sports car design with its sleek appearance, advanced technologies and impressive performance. With a claimed top speed of 150 miles per hour and sub-7-second acceleration to 60 mph, it was as capable as it was beautiful.

The bottom line: Nick's film celebrates what Enzo Ferrari was once said to have called "the most beautiful car ever made" – a British icon that continues to captivate hearts worldwide, now told through the lens of one of Suffolk's most talented creatives.

Watch the brilliant film below:

Memory Lane | A Love Letter to the Classic Jaguar E-Type
Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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FORKNIGHT returns to Ipswich with 30+ delicious offers

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Now's your chance to discover Ipswich's incredible food scene – special offers await at pubs, cafés and restaurants across the town centre from 19-31 May, as the beloved FORKNIGHT returns after a six-year hiatus.

Why it matters: This campaign isn't just about the deals – it's about discovering what makes Ipswich's food scene worth celebrating and finding your new favourite spot. From British classics to African-inspired dishes, FORKNIGHT celebrates the diversity that makes Ipswich's food scene special.

Forknight header
Ipswich Central

What's new: More than 30 participating venues are offering special deals throughout the day – whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out.

European delicacies, American comfort food, Asian flavours, African cuisine, and much more, giving you plenty of reasons to step outside your usual habits and try something new, somewhere new.

What they're saying: Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central , said: "We've got a wonderful array of places to eat around the town, that for a two-week period we're showcasing these and encouraging people to make use of great food offers to eat out with friends or family.

"Visit a venue you haven't tried before, maybe enjoy a type of cuisine that you wouldn't normally try or didn't even know was available right here in town!"

How to take part: Visit www.allaboutipswich.com/forknight to browse the offers. Choose one that catches your eye and quote 'FORKNIGHT' when booking at participating venues.

Walker added: "FORKNIGHT is a reminder that we have some great places to eat out around the town, for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out we've got all options covered."

The bottom line: FORKNIGHT offers the perfect opportunity to support local businesses whilst expanding your culinary horizons. Why not make this the fortnight you finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit?

Over the next two weeks, we'll be spotlighting some of the incredible people behind Ipswich's most-loved eateries, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and visit our website regularly.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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