FILMCLUB SUPPORTS NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK WITH NEW RESOURCE FOR TEACHERS

In support of National Storytelling Week on January 30th, the education charity FILMCLUB has produced a new classroom resource to help teachers bring to life through film the ancient art of storytelling.  The ‘FILMCLUB Guide to National Storytelling Week’ includes five expertly selected films based on great stories new and old - including a classic interpretation of Lord of the Flies, an exploration of childhood fantasy in Bridge to Terabithia and one of the most timeless stories every told in The Wizard of Oz.   Each film is accompanied by a synopsis, background information, highlights, discussion points and review starters to enable the themes in it – and their relevance to storytelling – to be fully explored.

Acclaimed Film Director and FILMCLUB founder Beeban Kidron says story-telling is what her film clubs are all about:  “I think that stories, and the telling of stories, are the foundations of human communication and understanding.  If children all over the country are watching films, asking questions and telling their stories, then the world will eventually be a better place.” 

Feedback from FILMCLUB’s 7000 member schools shows that encouraging youngsters to discuss and review stories presented in film is increasing language, communication and presentation skills, and boosting imagination and self-expression.  In a survey 80 per cent of teachers involved in the scheme said it has improved children’s critical skills and 70 per cent that it increases their confidence.

This and other FILMCLUB resources are available for members to download free via the website www.filmclub.org

The Films in FILMCLUB’s ‘Guide To National Storytelling Week’ are as follows:

• Rashomon (1950, 12) (age 11+) Masterpiece set in ancient Japan about a bandit accused of killing a merchant, though there are wildly different accounts of the incident.
• Bridge to Terabithia (2007, PG) (age 7+) Based on Katherine Paterson's novel, this charming family fantasy film follows the adventures of two tenyear-old misfits.

• The Princess Bride (1987, PG).  A film which takes apart the traditional damsel-in-distress story and puts it back together again. A classic for children of all ages.
• Lord of the Flies (1963, PG) (age 11+) Classic story of a group of schoolboys stranded on an island, who try to recreate civilisation and co-operate but start turning on each other.
• The Wizard of Oz (1939, U) (age 7+) This timeless family musical and one of cinema's much loved productions, sees young Dorothy escape Kansas for the Technicolor land of Oz.

Launched in 2008 by educationalist Lindsay Mackie and filmmaker Beeban Kidron, FILMCLUB now operates in 7000 schools across the UK, where it provides free access to a curated catalogue of films from across the world and over 100 years of cinema.  Through weekly screenings, online reviewing, industry events and hands-on support the charity promotes learning in an informal setting while encouraging critical engagement from young people, with proven educational and social benefits.

Start a film club in your school! Joining FILMCLUB is now even easier through free online induction sessions with one of our expert School Coordinators throughout January, February and March 2012. To register and for further information visit www.filmclub.org, email schools@filmclub.org or call 0207 288 4520.

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