Screendaily.com – 6th September, 2011

By Peter Stuart

Former medicine graduate and now playwright to be mentored by Richard E Grant

Prasanna Puwanarajah, a writer, actor and director from West London has won the chance to produce a short film with an Olympics theme as part of the British Airways Great Briton competition.

Prasanna submitted his Olympics film script in competition with hundreds of amateur and professional scriptwriters. He was chosen by a panel of judges including Richard E Grant, who will be his mentor through the production of his film.

Other judges included producer Barnaby Spurrier and Film London’s David Parfitt.

Prasanna’s winning film is set to be shown on BA flights and in the pre-show to the 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Prasanna has already enjoyed critical recognition with his debut play, Nightwatchman, currently playing at the National Theatre in London.

The BA Great Britons Programme was launched in May to find the best in British talent to collaborate with the airline on a project in the run up to the London 2012 Games.

ABOVE: Richard E. Grant with winner Prasanna Puwanarajah at the British Airways PR Shoot – The Savoy Strand, City of London.