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The short film format is an exciting way for filmmakers to let loose, putting their fresh ideas and points of view into digestible stories that often educate, inform and entertain in equal measure. This makes them ideal for teachers to use in classrooms, introducing new themes or topics that can generate lively discussion between students. These six new shorts on Into Film+ tell stories of young love, allegories of inclusion and diversity, tales of familial heartache, parables about modern technology and historical accounts of rural living. With all classroom ages covered, we hope you can find something to enthrall and inspire.
World I Live In - suitable for ages 8+
In this delightful dialogue-free animation, a girl called Alice is staying at her grandfather's house during the summer. Here, she spends most of her time playing a video game in which she catches butterflies. Absorbed by the world inside the screen, she doesn't show much interest in her grandpa's garden at first, nor his insect collection. But when a storm rolls in and she has to put away her device, she discovers the intriguing nature that surrounds her in real life. It is then that Alice's grandpa learns that technology has its advantages too.
This very gentle animation is non-judgmental, encouraging the enjoyment of gaming alongside other enriching things in life, showing how we can all learn in new ways.
Y Werin/Hiraeth - suitable for ages 8+
Y Werin is Welsh for "folk, the common people of Wales, from and of the land" whilst Hiraeth means "wistfulness, homesickness and yearning". This short documentary explores what it means to be from Merthyr, considered to be one of the most deprived areas of Wales, through the perspective of local filmmakers, artists and photographers who are situating themselves at the centre of the town's cultural renaissance. Captivating and gracefully shot, this short is an impassioned reminder to remain aware of where you're from and the beauty that can be found anywhere if you look hard enough.
Capybaras - suitable for ages 8-15
This beautifully animated fable about community can be interpreted in a multitude of ways - why not find out what your classroom thinks? 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.
Calico - suitable for ages 12-15
High-school student Lorrie is feeling pretty down about life. Bullied for her vitiligo, a rare skin condition that effects 1% of the world's population, she skips out on school regularly and is especially nervous about P.E. and swimming, where her body is most exposed. Her teachers don't seem to understand and treat Lorrie with disdain. But when she discovers a talking, elaborately patterned goldfish in a fishtank in one of their offices, Lorrie's life takes a sharp turn. Desperate to escape the confines of his tank, the wisecracking fish asks his new friend for help in finding his freedom. A modern fable with clever writing, Calico is a superbly entertaining and fast-paced way to show how embracing our differences can boost our self-esteem open our minds to new friendships.
Pommel - suitable for ages 15+
Set within the world of competitive gymnastics, this coming-of-age drama focuses on the tumultuous relationship between two young brothers as they compete for recognition and approval in an upcoming gymnastics competition. When their Coach begins to recognise potential in Noah, Isaac, his older brother and a gifted gymnast, begins to develop deep feelings of jealousy and resentment. What makes things trickier, their strict dad also seems to be more lenient with Noah. The boys' relationship begins to deteriorate as they struggle with the pressures being put upon them by these authority figures, until Isaac reaches breaking point. A film that shines a light on the importance of self-care and care for others within families and competitive sporting environments, which can also be used to explore the themes of toxic masculinity and patterns of abuse.
Jean Fell in Love - suitable for 15+
Eighteen-year-old Jean is the star player of his town's rugby club. He is part of a fiercely united team, and they egg each other on with gruff camaraderie as they defend their winning title in a local tournament. One day, Jean meets his match in Ayoub, a talented new player in a rival team. There is also an attraction between them, and they decide to get to know each other. But while Ayoub seems confident about his sexuality, Jean is nervous about the two of them being seen together. Torn between his growing feelings towards Ayoub and his fear of compromising his status within the club, Jean discovers that his teammates' solidarity and support is far from unconditional. This short French-language drama delivers an uplifting message about pride and standing up against bigotry through its highly accessible and powerful performances.
Please note the film includes homophobic language.
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.
