From Longford to the BAFTAs: Aidan Robert Brooks is 'feeling really great about it'

The BAFTAs (British Academy Film and Television Awards) is one of the biggest arts and entertainment events on the UK calendar. Surrounded by glamour, achievement and support, this renowned occasion has come home to Longford, specifically Ballinamuck.

Although it is a small village, it is renowned for its artistic endeavours and enriching history, and now its celebrity links are being defined by a nomination for Aidan Robert Brooks’ short film.

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Aidan Robert Brooks, the founder of Love Child Studio, has been nominated for the Best Short Film category in this year’s BAFTAs for Magid / Zafar (2025). According to his official IMDB, this film was backed by BFI and Film4 through the Future Takes scheme (it was one of the nine films commissioned) and won the BIFA for best short film in 2025.

In short, Magid / Zafar is about tensions arising “amidst in the heat of a busy Pakistani takeaway.” The film runs at approximately eighteen minutes, starring Eben Figueirido as Magid and Gurjeet Singh as Zafar. In the 79th BAFTAs, it will be up against Nostalgie, Terence, This is Endometriosis and Welcome to Home Freckles to win the award.

Ballinamuck is proud of him. His grandparents still live in the local area, and his mother grew up in Bandra, Ballinamuck. The BAFTAs are now looming, so the ‘Longford Leader’ spoke with some of his family members about their emotions and excitement surrounding the positive acclaim that Aidan has already received as a nominee.

“I’m a proud granny,” said Ann McGee, 84, who is his grandmother. “I’ll be watching and hoping for the best. We’re hoping for a good outcome.”

She explained how Aidan was always interested in filmmaking since he was “knee high,” and that he visited them during Christmas, 2025. Both proud grandparents found out about his shortlisting on January 27. They plan on enjoying the BAFTAs at home and look forward to it this month.

As for Aidan’s mother, Karen McGee Westfield, she was beyond proud of her son’s massive achievement. Living in the UK, she also stopped to chat about how this news has settled in the family. Although she has not lived in Ballinamuck since the eighties, aside from some stints, she recognises the importance that this achievement has for Longford and the village.

“Honestly, I’m incredibly proud. I can’t believe it. He comes from Bandra and suddenly is a lad up to London, preferably comfortable mixing with people you see on TV,” she said.

When first hearing about the news, Karen admitted that she started off calm in her reaction, but as reality began sinking in, the excitement began to increase. She acknowledged how this recognition is such a big opportunity for him.

Akin to Ann’s description of how Aidan loved the filmmaking world since he was a young boy, Karen added to this by explaining what his earliest creative interests were.

“It started out with him just 10-11 years-old, starting out by making stop motion with his Lego bricks; telling stories; creating comics. He’s just always been a creative storyteller. I almost couldn’t imagine him doing anything else!” she said.

Karen announced on January 30, members of Aidan's family will be able to attend the BAFTAs. Proud and pleased of his achievement, this means that attendees with Longford connections will be at one of the fanciest events on the global calendar.. When asked what she is most proud of as his mother beyond the impressive nomination, Karen immediately acknowledged Aidan’s bravery and ability to aim for something when he puts his mind to it.

She added: “One thing is the sheer hard work Aidan has put in to have some success in a business where there are not a lot of opportunities for working classes.”

As to his continuous relationship with Longford, Karen said the following:

“We’re constantly over and back. We’re always over. We have a foot in both countries. It’s home. We’re over here six, seven times a year.”

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Aidan took a moment to make comment about the acknowledgement:

“I’m feeling really great about it, excited,” said Aidan. “I am excited to watch all the other films. I’m half-Irish, and so is the director, so it’s nice that we have that connection.”

“I think it’s an emotive, powerful, resonant film. We won BIFA in October, so the film is on a good momentum. Hopefully, working towards more films in the future.”

The BAFTAs will be on Sunday, February 22, in the Royal Festival Hall, London. Ireland is getting plenty of acknowledgement for its talented stars. Many more Irish individuals are involved in various other categories.