And the FOUR awards for best actor go to… …graduate Sharni

Date 18.12.2019

An actor who has won awards for her latest film and is about to jet to the Philippines for her next shoot has paid tribute to the training she received at the University of Northampton.

Since graduating in 2016 from the Acting course, Sharni Tapako-Brown has been busy working on both stage and screen, and her latest performance, in British indie short Safely to Shore, has seen her collect FOUR best actress awards.

Written and directed by Birmingham’s Matthew R. Ford, Safely to Shore sees Sharni play Maria, a self-harming prostitute who is the victim of trafficking, and mental and physical abuse.

Watch a trailer of Safely to Shore, below.

Playing the role was exhausting work for Sharni, who is originally from Dudley in the West Midlands. She said: “It was challenging to hold so much emotion in without completely breaking throughout the film, and it was equally hard not to feel Maria’s pain.

“I did a lot of research into trafficking, prostitution and its psychological effects, including self harm. I dug deep into myself to find the truth of the action – and dread to think what my Google history displays.

“This is the first production I’ve won awards for and it’s exciting to have the recognition for my work, and serves as proof that I am on the right track. It wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing cast and crew, in particular Matt, for being so free with his directing allowing the cast to explore the world he created.”

Sharni Tapako-Brown in Safely to Shore.

Sharni Tapako-Brown in Safely to Shore.

Sharni Tapako-Brown in Safely to Shore.

Sharni Tapako-Brown in Safely to Shore.

Sharni added: “The University of Northampton has been a pillar of support for me, in regards to the industry training I received on the course and the professionalism I need to be a success.

“Since graduation I’ve had industry professionals praising me and I fully believe it’s down to the level of detail the course goes into.

“The roles I’ve had are testament to the tutors and the hard work they put into training us, the knowledge they share – all of which gives students a firm foundation to work on after graduation.”

With 2019 coming to a close, Sharni is focussed on her next project, which will see her travel to the Philippines, in January, to shoot scenes for a pilot she’s producing with Country Star Productions, before a month’s filming for another feature.

Sharni Tapako-Brown in Safely to Shore.

Sharni Tapako-Brown in Safely to Shore.

Sharni Tapako-Brown in Safely to Shore.

Sharni Tapako-Brown, third from left, with cast and crew from Safely to Shore.