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We're delighted to announce that our Film of the Month winner for July 2016 is charming fantasy The Magic Pencil, made by a group of pupils from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Leeds.
The Magic Pencil sees lessons get a whole lot easier for one lucky girl, when she discovers a magic pencil that helps her get to the top of the class. However, using her new-found powers for selfish means teaches her an important lesson about the value of sharing. A live-action parable in which clever rhyming narration and special effects combine to create on-screen magic with a strong message.
Lovely use of animation, editing and live action filmmaking to create a wonderful short. Very original idea and brilliant execution.
Film of the Month Judge on 'The Magic Pencil'
The filmmakers at Sacred Heart have already broken up for their summer holidays, but we did catch up the group's teacher, Ashley Lund, to get his reaction. "We began making films this year. We didn't have a lot of money, but after fundraising and lots of team work we were able to put this film together. We now cannot wait to make more and more films in school. It's given everyone a real excitement. It was an incredible experience to be a part of. Having the film shown at our local cinema was one thing, but now winning this award and starring on Into Film's website for everyone to see? It really is a great feeling!"
It's a fantastic feeling and I cannot wait to see the children's faces when I tell them we've won.
Ashley Lund, Teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Sacred Heart's film will now be showcased to over 300,000 film club members online and on the Into Film YouTube channel, and the filmmakers have also secured a £100 Amazon voucher plus an Into Film goodie bag with which to help further develop their future films. If you've been inspired by July's winner, find out more about how you can enter our ongoing Film of the Month competition.
If you liked The Magic Pencil, why not try these related films:
- Matilda (Recommended for 5+) Fast-learning Matilda discovers that she has even greater powers than she imagined when she learns she can move objects with her mind! Beginning with just a humble pencil, Matilda builds up her strength and uses it to help protect her classmates against the terrors of Miss Trunchbull.
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Recommended for 5+) When Charlie Bucket finds a Golden Ticket he is delighted to join the other lucky children on a tour of Willy Wonka's incredible chocolate factory. However, he doesn't realise that behind the tour is a secret test, which the children will fail for showing greedy or selfish behaviour.
- Aladdin (Recommended for 5+) When street urchin Aladdin comes across a magic lamp with a genie inside, he is granted three wishes. Will he be able to use the magic to help him get a better life and impress Princess Jasmine?
- The Book of Life (Recommended for 7+) In ancient Mexican folklore, La Muerte, the ruler of the land of the remembered, and Xibalba, the ruler of the land of the forgotten, decide to place a bet on the destinies of Joaquin and Manolo, who are vying for the hand of the feisty Maria. Xibalba decides to increase the odds in his favour by giving Joaquin a magical charm which will give him strength, and as Joaquin grows stronger, the friendship between the two boys is tested.
