Imagine being just 11 years old and seeing your artwork displayed on cinema screens across the nation—talk about a dream come true! But here’s where it gets even more incredible: Maidah, a young artist from Liverpool, not only won a nationwide competition but also had her illustration featured before screenings of the highly anticipated Wicked sequel. Her sunset scene, depicting witches Elphaba and Glinda gazing at the Emerald City, has captivated audiences far and wide. And when she first saw her work on the big screen? She described it as having "butterflies in my stomach"—a moment of pure, heart-pounding excitement.
Maidah’s journey began as one of over 700 entries in a contest organized by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to design a ratings card. And this is the part most people miss: she entered the competition purely for fun, never expecting to win. But her vibrant use of water-based paint, acrylic pens, and coloring pencils—combined with her imaginative interpretation of Oz—set her apart. "I wanted to bring Oz to life with popping, bright colors and iconic elements like the Emerald City and hot air balloons," she explained. Her creativity didn’t just impress the judges; it earned her a spot in the spotlight, with her win announced by none other than Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh in a special clip.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Maidah’s success is undeniably inspiring, it raises questions about the pressure young artists face to stand out in competitive fields. Her art teacher, Jade Miller, encouraged her entire class to enter the contest, using the tantalizing possibility of meeting stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as motivation. Is this a healthy way to inspire creativity, or does it risk turning art into a means to an end? Let’s discuss in the comments.
As part of her prize, Maidah and her family attended the UK premiere in November, rubbing shoulders with the cast. Her mother, who had to keep the win a secret, shared the news in a moment Maidah describes as both shocking and deeply honoring. Even her teacher, Ms. Miller, was moved to tears, calling it a career highlight. "It’s made my year," she said. "It’s amazing."
The film’s director, Jon M. Chu, praised Maidah’s work, saying it reminded him of the shared experience of cinema—a place where "your best friend, total strangers, and your family" come together to witness something extraordinary. "You can tell how much dedication and creativity has gone into this artwork," he added.
The BBFC, which has been issuing black ratings cards since 1913, launched this annual contest to encourage young people to think critically about the media they consume. But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an age of digital content, are initiatives like this enough to foster media literacy among youth? Or do we need more hands-on, creative opportunities like this to truly make an impact?
Maidah’s story isn’t just about winning a contest—it’s about the power of creativity, the thrill of seeing your work celebrated, and the inspiration it can spark in others. So, what do you think? Is this the kind of story that deserves more attention? Let us know which stories we should cover next on Merseyside—we’re all ears!
