Into Film Clubs
Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.
In times of uncertainty around the world, approaching discussions of conflict with anyone can be a daunting task, let alone with young, curious students who may be worried by what they hear on the news and on social media.
Here at Into Film, we believe that the medium of film can help young people with processing both the management of personal conflicts (a key part of PSHE and RSE) as well as the ongoing conflicts around the world. Viewing films and discussing them later allows students to approach the subject at their own pace. Through analogy or direct representation, stories of empathy, resolution and equality allow us to see the world through somebody else's eyes and reveal perspectives that we may have otherwise been unaware of.
Below you will find a selection of films, available to stream for free* on our Into Film+ streaming service, that can aid in starting conversations around conflict in the classroom from a clean slate.
Home - suitable for ages 5+
This short film collaboration between Save the Children and Aardman Animation (the creators of Wallace and Gromit) explores the challenges experienced by young refugees faced with displacement. Brilliantly depicted without dialogue, the film sees a small orange circle starting at a new school, where everyone and everything is purple and triangle. Feeling lonely and unable to communicate with others at first, the small circle finds friendship and understanding through the care of the community. This colourful animation, inspired by real life experiences of the young people displaced in Ukraine that Save the Children have worked with, encourages discussions around migration and acceptance in a gentle and accessible way for young age groups.
Capybaras - suitable for ages 8+
A family of capybaras must escape from a hunter who has settled in their riverside habitat, threatening their survival. Their search for a new home takes them to a nearby chicken coop, but the chickens are immediately mistrustful, rejecting the capybaras and keeping them at a distance they believe to be safe. However, the youngest members of the two families begin to form a bond of friendship, slowly realising they share many of the same lifestyle values. When danger begins to creep into their lives, they must face it head-on by working together instead of being pulled apart. A beautifully animated fable about community that can be interpreted in a multitude of ways.
Bango Vassil - suitable for ages 8+
Bango Vassil, otherwise known as Roma New Year, is celebrated every year by the Romani people on the 14th January in Bulgaria. In this short animation, an argument over biscuits breaks out between a young Romani girl and non-Romani boy on a chilly Bango Vassil and they find themselves adrift on an ice float in a river with no way of getting home. Realising they must work together, the children find they may have more in common than they first realised and maybe there is somebody out there who can help them on their journey of survival. A sweet fable of friendship and understanding across cultures that can open up universal conversations between young people.
All of Us - suitable for ages 8+
In a desolate world, two communities are fenced off from each other for a reason long forgotten. Despite the gloom and tension in the air, two youngsters band together to create a bridge between the two communities but find themselves in dangerous peril when the adults decide to thwart their efforts. This visually inspired animation aims to put a spotlight on the global rise in cultural and religious intolerance by conveying a simple yet powerful premise: no child is born with prejudice and therefore children can be a way to build bridges between communities.
Cwch Deilen (Leaf Boat) - suitable for ages 12+
Falling in love can feel like a whirlwind adventure, full of discovery. But for the greatest adventures, you must overcome your greatest fears. Heledd and Celyn explore a sea-side town together, delighting in each other's company. As they grow closer, the world around them seems to become a more colourful and magical place, and they imagine sailing away on a leaf boat, just the two of them. But along with the giddy excitement comes the fear of things going wrong and the worry about feelings getting hurt. With rich visual metaphors and warm playfulness, this Welsh-language animation celebrates LGBTQ+ love and relationships and frames life as a brilliant journey to be embraced.
We Are Many - suitable for ages 15+
On February 15th 2003, the largest coordinated global protest in history took place, to demonstrate against the looming Iraq war. In London alone at least one million people took part, many inspired by the issue to protest for the first time. This documentary looks back at the events of that extraordinary day, putting them into context and examining its legacy through to present day. Despite the tragic events which eventually took place in Iraq and elsewhere, the film concludes optimistically, celebrating the protest as a time when the young, the apathetic and otherwise disengaged became engaged with politics and inspired an on-going "quiet social revolution" across the globe.
White Riot - suitable for ages 15+
With the National Front on the rise and musicians like Eric Clapton supporting racist views from politicians, Rock Against Racism was formed by a handful of like-minded individuals in London, 1976. Seeking to reclaim punk bands who had gathered followings from racist groups, Rock Against Racism quickly became a UK-wide movement. Branches were set up by supporters all across the country, with its members united by its central tenet: love music, hate racism. Culminating in a momentous concert at Victoria Park in 1978, this documentary charts the historical movement, adeptly using archive footage to tell the story. White Riot is a timely examination of the history of racism in the UK, as well as providing a demonstration of the positive impact music can have.
Further information and Resources
For further teaching about conflict we recommend the following resource by our partners The British Red Cross.
The British Red Cross have partnered with Into Film on a new themed filmmaking competition called Filmmaking for Good. Filmmaking for good is about young people using their voices to encourage empathy, inspire action, and bring people together. Film entries can highlight an issue affecting local community, celebrate everyday heroes, or show how young people are stepping up to make a difference.
The British Red Cross believes in building a more compassionate and connected UK and we can't wait to see how your film brings that vision to life. Films submitted to the competition should respond to the theme Filmmaking for Good. We're particularly interested in stories that inspire change, build understanding, and encourage kindness across the UK and beyond.
Please note: Film is a powerful tool for learning, helping to develop critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of different perspectives. Our films have been selected with consideration to age-appropriateness, safeguarding, the curriculum and statutory and non-statutory guidance to schools. Some of our films and resources include sensitive content which is highlighted in the guidance that Into Film provides with each film. Educators should carefully watch or read all elements of any content and must ensure they are following their own school's policies and guidelines prior to using films and resources in the classroom or in after-school clubs. The final decision to use any film or resource sits with teachers, who should decide what is appropriate for their students using their professional judgement and their knowledge of their students, their school context and their community. Teachers must follow their school's safeguarding protocol if a student is distressed or makes a disclosure as a result of the use of any film or other content.
How Do I Get Started?
To access Into Film+, all you'll need is an Into Film Account - it's completely free, and only takes a moment to set up. Into Film+ is free to use for all UK state schools that hold a valid Public Video Screening (PVS) Licence from Filmbankmedia.
Filmbankmedia PVS Licences are paid for on behalf of schools by all local authorities in England and by some local authorities in both Wales and Scotland. Into Film NI cover the license cost for some schools in Northern Ireland. For further information on licensing in your locality please see our FAQs.
If you're a state school in England that's funded by the Department for Education, you will automatically have access to Into Film+ Premium, which offers an extended catalogue of 700+ titles. Find out more about Into Film+ Premium in our FAQs.
If you don't have a PVS Licence, or aren't already covered, then a licence can easily be obtained from Filmbankmedia.
Filmbankmedia
Filmbankmedia licenses and distributes film and TV entertainment to many groups and is the licensing authority we work with to ensure schools, libraries and youth groups have the permissions to screen films from our catalogue.
* Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.
The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen.
