Into Film launches step-change in film education

06 Feb 2014

2 mins
Into Film launches step-change in film education

Into Film launched at Westminster Academy on 5 February kick-starting a major step-change in film education for 5-19 year olds across the UK. The new charity puts film at the heart of the educational and personal development of children and young people.

Our guest speakers at the launch included Into Film Chair, Eric Fellner (Co-Chairman of Working Title Films), who explained how watching a broad variety of films ignites young people's imaginations and leads them to explore new worlds. Into Film Trustee and filmmaker Beeban Kidron spoke of the importance of supporting the next generation of filmmakers, and Into Film Trustee and retired Headteacher Sir Alasdair Macdonald enthused about the immense educational value of embracing films in the classroom.

Youth voice and film industry interaction

The launch was presented by 16-year-old Talent Development members, Josh from Tenby and Eronita from London. Eronita interviewed one of our guest speakers, British actor Eddie Redmayne most recently seen in Les Misérables and My Week With Marilyn. The Q&A was an excellent example of the industry interaction our programme provides. Josh took the stage himself to explain his pride at being part of his film club and how being a member of Into Film's Young Reporter Programme has provided him with some unforgettable opportunities to explore the film industry.

Being a part of my own film community in school has allowed me to share an adventure with best friends and even make a couple of new ones.

Josh, Talent Development member

Young filmmakers

The talents and creativity of young filmmakers were also celebrated. Jake and Jazzie from Sawston Village College, Cambridgeshire, screened ‘Zombie School: A Survival Guide'. The smart and brilliant shot short film recently picked up an award at our 2013 Film Festival.

Their presentation was soon followed by Emese and Robert from Wey Valley School and Sports College in Dorset. They screened their short film 'Vin Diesel's Socks' a puppet-based comedy that encourages young people to respect copyright and make positive choices when accessing film.

It's the 'why not?' that we're here launching today. Why not give young people creative filmmaking skills so they can be the filmmakers of the future? Why not give equal access to all young people so that young filmmakers from the regions, from different communities, different social backgrounds, different ages, can tell their stories?

Beeban Kidron, Into Film Trustee and filmmaker
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