FILMCLUB INITIATIVE HELPS COMBAT BULLYING AND LAUNCHES ‘ANTI BULLYING’ SEASON

An innovative after-school initiative to engage and inspire young people through the world of film is broadening children’s minds and tackling prejudices that often cause bullying in thousands of schools across the UK.  Research into the impact of FILMCLUB – whose supporters include the likes of Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor, Professor Mel Ainscow and Lord Puttnam - shows that by enabling youngsters to share and discuss a broad range of movies in a safe and friendly environment, this free scheme is increasing empathy and tolerance, boosting children’s confidence and emotional intelligence, and promoting greater understanding of different ideas and cultures. 

88% of FILMCLUB leaders say the initiative broadens children’s cultural understanding and 96% say exposing them to different world cultures and languages has a positive effect.

“We can present the young people with different cultures through the medium of film, and get them to think and discuss their ideas about those differences.”                                                                                              

Hannah Davies, Teacher  

“I’ve learned about racism and sexism and watched films I didn’t think I’d like.”                                                                                                                             Aaron, aged 11

“FILMCLUB is good because children get to tell and show their feelings and emotions after the film, as we all sit together and talk about the film and how we felt about it.”                                                                             Courtney, aged 12

In addition, reports that FILMCLUB integrates isolated and disengaged pupils, and helps shy children make friends, suggest the initiative can benefit children socially and reduce their chances of being bullied.  And of 718 primary and secondary school respondents, 83% said FILMCLUB makes them enjoy school more.

“I used to stay in the classroom a lot but now I can go in the playground and play with my friends.  FILMCLUB should be called Confidence Club.”   Laura, aged 11

“The biggest impact for us tends to be how it can integrate isolated students.  New friends are made at our club; students come along and automatically have a feeling of belonging.”                                          

 Kevin, School Librarian

Now, in a further step to help schools combat bullying FILMCLUB has launched an ‘Anti-Bullying’ season of films, available to members through the website, featuring a selection of ten titles including ‘The Elephant Man’, ‘Edward Scissorhands’ and ‘Lord of The Flies’ (original 1963 version), in which the issue of bullying is a major theme.

Founded in 2008 by film director Beeban Kidron (Bridget Jones’ Diary: The Edge Of Reason) and educationalist Lindsay Mackie, FILMCLUB offers pupils and teachers the chance to journey through the limitless universe of film, in an intimate and informal gathering through weekly screenings, online reviewing and industry events.  Free to state schools and easy to set up, FILMCLUB is fast becoming one of the most popular after-school activities in the country.  The accessible and inclusive nature of the scheme mean every child can take part, regardless of age or ability.

Since it launched over 2500 schools have joined, with over 75,000* young people already benefiting from the exposure to inspiring and potentially life changing films every week.  It has proved to be a success in a spectrum of ways, including increasing children’s receptiveness to learning, developing critical appreciation and highlighting the entertainment value of non-mainstream films.

“I’m a huge fan of this initiative and I’m going to do everything in my power to help it become a success.  Not only can it enrich the quality of our lives, it can help us arrive at a far better understanding of the lives of others – something that at this point in our history, may well be more critical than ever.”               

Lord Puttnam of Queensgate

To set up a free film club at your school visit www.filmclub.org and click on ‘Want to set up a club’ or call a member of the schools team on 0207 288 4520.

For more information on FILMCLUB please visit: www.filmclub.org

Follow FILMCLUB on Twitter: http://twitter.com/filmclubuk

* Based on Oct 2009 figures

FILMCLUB ‘Anti-Bullying’ Season of Movies 

The Elephant Man (PG) (UK, 1980)

Au revoir Les Enfants (12) (France, 1987)

If... (15) (UK, 1968)

Welcome To The Dollhouse  (15) (US, 1995)

Edward Scissorhands (PG) (US, 1991)

Lord Of The Flies (PG) (UK, 1963)

A Room For Romeo Brass (15) (UK, 1999)

Kes (PG) (UK, 1969)

Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueburger (15) (Australia, 2007)

The Kid (U) (US, 1921)

FILMCLUB

FILMCLUB was set up in 2006 by Lindsay Mackie and Beeban Kidron, and a successful pilot took place January-March 2007. Following funding from the DCSF a national roll out began in April 2008 and FILMCLUB was officially launched in June 2008.

FILMCLUB is funded in England by the Department of Children Schools and Families (DCSF), in Northern Ireland by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and Northern Ireland Screen, in

Wales by the Film Agency for Wales and Skillset Screen Academy in Wales and in Scotland by Scottish Screen. FILMCLUB also receives generous support from LOVEFiLM, the UK’s largest online DVD rental company, which provides access to their film catalogue;

FILMBANK, leaders in non-theatrical movie distribution in the UK, and UK Film Council, the Government backed lead agency for film in the UK.

What FILMCLUB Offers:

• Easy online sign-up, regional induction sessions, one-to-one support, advice & training
• Thousands of DVDs available to order online – with free delivery straight to your school
• Special events, screenings and inspirational visits by film industry talent
• ”Stars & Sparks” scheme to reward and celebrate outstanding clubs & club members
• Licensing that allows you to show films after-school
• Thousands of great films drawn from over 100 years of cinema, including movies of every genre, style, nationality and era

Primary Times is a What’s on, Where to Go site aimed at Primary Aged children, their families and teachers.  In addition to the competitions our site has a wealth of events listings, handy editorials for parents, children and teachers, holiday information, reviews of book, films, etc and a host more.  So please take the time to visit other pages of our site by clicking on the highlighted links in this text.