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It's back to school season, but cinemas can be a year-round classroom with films that inspire and educate young minds. We have selected the most interesting films suitable for young audiences out in cinemas this month, from relatable stories about growing up and mental health to documentaries that offer accessible insights into global current affairs. We have also highlighted films that support the study of modern foreign languages and sign languages, and a historical fantasy from a Pakistani animation studio.
Christy (15) - in cinemas 5 September
Offering a sensitive insight into the difficulties young men may have in processing emotions and dealing with mental health, this Irish coming-of-age drama is a moving portrait of working-class Cork that is also at times funny, joyful and hopeful. After being kicked out of a foster home, seventeen-year-old Christy is taken in, rather reluctantly, by his half-brother Shane and his young family. Initially withdrawn and unhappy, Christy begins to settle into the community, getting a part-time job and making some friends - but a turbulent past has a way of resurfacing, and both brothers are forced rethink what family and forgiveness might mean for them in order to look forward to the future.
The Courageous (12A) - in cinemas 5 September
Set in Switzerland's Valais region, this French-language drama follows single mother Jule and her three children, Claire, Loïc and Sami, as they navigate life on the margins. Despite her financial hardship and frequent long absences, Jule is also warm and full of imaginative stories, and she'll do anything to prove to her kids, and to herself, that she still is a good person. The children have learned to support one another, showing resilience and care. This is a moving portrait of motherhood in the face of society's rigid rules and expectations, encouraging empathy and discussions around welfare systems, personal freedom, and the realities behind appearances.
From Ground Zero: Stories from Gaza (12A) - in cinemas 12 September
From a land under siege comes a collection of twenty-two stories reflecting humanity, from heartbreaking to hopeful. Each short film presents a unique perspective on the current reality in Gaza and the challenges, tragedies and moments of resilience faced by its people, using a mix of genres including fiction, documentary, docu-fiction, animation and experimental cinema. This extraordinary time capsule is about artists using their own voices and creativity to share their experiences and is an urgent call to the world to bear witness.
Deaf (12A) - in cinemas 12 September
This immersive Spanish-language drama absorbs the audience into the reality of a young woman who is deaf, highlighting the joys and inadequacies of navigating a life that others may never fully understand. Angela and her hearing partner Hector are expecting a baby. They have a broad support network, and Angela is a confident and independent person, but the imminent responsibility of parenthood, along with the question of whether the baby will be hearing or deaf, brings the differences between their experiences of the world and their expectations for parenting into sharp relief.
The Glassworker (12A) - in cinemas 19 September
Pakistan's first hand-drawn animated feature film is an anime-inspired historical fantasy set in a beautiful coastal town. Here, a young boy called Vincent helps his father to make glasswork using the fine local sand. A war approaches, and Vincent meets the daughter of a military general, Alliz, a promising violinist, who is enchanted by the fragile, sparkling glass artworks. But their families disapprove of their friendship, and as the years go by, the escalation of conflict and personal pride causes a rift between the pair. Exploring themes including freedom of expression and the importance of art and music, this film has a strong anti-war message, woven into a relatable story about families and relationships.
The Librarians (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 19 September
In today's America, librarians have become unexpected freedom fighters, battling censorship and political extremism to defend the right to read and learn. An unprecedented wave of book banning has swept across the country under the guise of protecting children, targeting books that ruffle some people's views on race, religion, LGBTQ+ identities and sex education. But some librarians, gatekeepers of education and access to ideas, are prepared to fight back to defend democracy. Taking a close, personal look at the role of librarians and educational institutions, this effective and impactful documentary offers provocative discussions on human rights, inclusion and different ways to stand up for what you believe is right.
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.
