Derby’s grassroots scene is gearing up for another essential night of noise as BANG lands at The Hairy Dog on…
By K Futur LOCALWinning Best Artist at the TRENDИG Awards 2026 is no small feat, particularly in a category packed with talent, originality and community backing. For Sam and Alex Bolton, twin filmmakers currently studying at the University of Derby, the moment was not just about recognition, but about validation from the very scene they are actively shaping.
The pair, already gaining traction within Derby’s growing creative landscape, approached the awards with a mix of ambition and realism. “Since we started our voting campaign, we were eyeing the results like hawks,” they explain. “We had some fierce competition, and any amount of votes would turn the tide.” Among those competitors was SOAP, a name that added genuine pressure to an already tight race. “By the end, however, we’d gained a lead thanks to our community supporting us, and what we felt, ultimately, was gratitude for that.”
That sense of community support sits at the heart of their journey so far. Both Sam and Alex are products of Derby’s evolving creative ecosystem, and their time at the University of Derby has played a crucial role in refining their craft. Studying Film and High-End TV Production, they have developed not only the technical skills required to produce professional work, but also the ability to communicate effectively with modern audiences across platforms.
“Our course has given us the skills and knowhow to back up our creative drive,” they say. “For a while, we’ve known what we want to do, and it’s almost fate that this course is right on our doorstep.” That proximity to opportunity, combined with industry-standard training, has allowed them to sharpen both their creative instincts and their professional output, positioning them as emerging voices within the UK’s next wave of filmmakers.
What makes Sam and Alex particularly compelling is not just their work, but the dynamic behind it. As twins, their shared experiences provide a strong foundation, yet it is their differences that give their collaboration its edge. “Despite our similarities in lifestyle and mindset, we actually differ in many ways, including our career pathways,” they explain.
Their creative partnership is built on a balance of vision and execution. “Sam brings the creativity and ambition as an aspiring writer. Alex brings those visions to life as a pragmatic and thoughtful producer.” This natural division of roles creates a workflow that is both efficient and creatively charged. “This creates some arguments in battles of fun vs realism, but we both balance each other out and (usually) find the happy middle.”
It is this interplay between imagination and structure that feeds directly into their filmmaking approach. Their work is driven by a belief that storytelling should come from a place of authenticity. “Most filmmakers do their best work when it comes from the heart,” they say. “When you can feel the passion oozing out of the screen, you know you’re watching something good.”
Their perspective on storytelling is shaped in part by their lived experience with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy. However, rather than allowing it to define them, they treat it as one of many lenses through which they view the world. “We have a rather unique angle with which we look at life due to our disability, and we have a responsibility to use our platform to raise awareness,” they explain.
At the same time, they are clear about not wanting to be confined by that narrative. “We are also not defined by that one thing, and there is plenty we want to experiment with.” Their creative ambition extends far beyond a single theme or identity, with a focus on exploring diverse cultures, perspectives and human experiences. “Like us, so many people have cultures and views that they want to share. It’s our goal to explore as many of these as possible.”
This philosophy feeds into a broader understanding of cinema as a medium. “Every movie has a reason for being made a certain way,” they say. “Our approach will therefore be specific to each film, and how it can be best executed.” It is a mindset that reflects maturity beyond their years, and one that positions them as filmmakers who are not only technically capable, but conceptually driven.
Their personal journey has undeniably influenced their outlook. “In many ways, having SMA has defined the trajectory of our lives,” they reflect. “It’s certainly given us a fresh lens.” Yet their focus remains firmly on craft and contribution rather than circumstance. “We don’t want to be successful ‘in spite’ of it. At the end of the day, if our being in the industry can inspire people with disabilities to pursue their dreams, that’s great. Our aspirations, however, have nothing to do with our disability and we hope we are not solely defined by it.”
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. The duo are currently in pre-production for their final year film, a project that promises to showcase the full extent of their development to date. “We’re really excited to get it out there,” they say. Beyond that, graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter, with both Sam and Alex planning to continue their education through Masters degrees in their respective fields.
Their ambitions are clear, but grounded. “Moving forward, our goal is to become more experienced. We want to be part of, or even just see, some incredible projects and explore all that our industry has in store.” Alongside that, their commitment to advocacy and community remains central. “We aim to continue advocating and supporting others, and living our life to the fullest.”
As winners of Best Artist at the TRENDИG Awards 2026, Sam and Alex Bolton represent more than just emerging talent. They embody the collaborative spirit, resilience and creative ambition that defines Derby’s current cultural moment. With a strong foundation, a clear vision and a growing platform, they are not just part of the scene-they are helping to shape its future.
