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Tuesday, 14 Mar 2023
Updated / Tuesday, 14 Mar 2023 09:21
By Conor Hunt
Richard Baneham's Oscar success was being marked today in the Dublin
college where he began studying animation over 30 years ago.
In the halls of Ballyfermot College today there was a sense of
excitement. This is where Richard Baneham set out to learn his craft.
Since then, he has now established himself at the top of his game.
His win last night, for visual effects for Avatar: The Way Of Water, is
the second time he's won an Academy Award.
Daniel Kennedy Student Daniel Kennedy said Richard Baneham's success is
inspiring
"It's just amazing," said Cecilia Munro, Principal of Ballyfermot
College of Further Education.
"We're a small college in the middle of Dublin that has international
success. We're in a very disadvantaged area, economically, in Dublin,
yet we turn out students that can achieve success.
"And that's because we let them do what they like to do. We let them be
creative, let them develop and foster and nurture them," she said.
Richard Baneham Richard Baneham won as Oscar last night for visual
effects (file pic)
The college is well used to success. Beside the Avatar poster that
hangs on the wall, is a picture of the crew from the renowned Cartoon
Saloon. All were students there in the early 1990s.
For Richard Baneham, his time there stretched from 1990-1994.
Richard Baneham during his time in Ballyfermot College Richard Baneham
during his time in Ballyfermot College
At the desks where he once sat, today's students said he is someone to
look up to.
"It's kind of amazing," says Daniel Kennedy. "It's the biggest film in
the world and it comes from a fella from Tallaght who went to college
in Ballyfermot. Yeah, it's kind of inspiring."
For former classmates, the now two-time Oscar winner is remembered
fondly.
Tracy Gill Former classmate Tracy Gill praised Richard Baneham
"He was a nice guy, a friendly guy," says Tracy Gill. "I think it's
just a great inspiration for the students here now that anything's
possible... So well done Richie!"