A Streatham filmmaker has won a competition to have his futuristic version of a bible story turned into a professionally produced short film.

Simeon Lumgair impressed judges, including legendary Poirot actor, David Suchet, and Oscar-winning creator of Wallace and Gromit, Nick Park, with his pitch at the famous Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.

His film, A Runaway Slave, is an interpretation of St Paul’s letter to Philemon, in which the apostle urges a slave-owner to forgive an escapee.

The 27-year-old said: “I chose the story because it connects directly with salvation. I’ve thought it could make an amazing film but it was at the back of my mind until this competition came up.”

Mr Lumgair will now use £20,000 worth of professional support to turn his idea into a motion picture before travelling to Hollywood to show his work to Ralph Winter, producer of the X-men and Star Trek blockbusters.

He said: “I’m going to do my best to make something of this but there’s no promise of fame or success. When your feet are on the ground you’re able to appreciate the sky a lot better.”

The competition, which was organised by the Bible Society, is intended to highlight the good book’s best stories.

Mr Suchet said: “Giving a budding filmmaker the chance to realise their ambition, as they make a pitch of their idea, is real generosity on the part of Bible Society.”