STEVEN SPIELBERG TALKS TO FILMCLUB 

Education charity FILMCLUB has been chatting to one of cinema’s most successful film directors – Steven Spielberg.  The man behind Jaws, Indiana Jones, E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan – and many, many more films – spoke to the charity about his latest film War Horse and about why he believes watching film is an effective way for young people to learn.  

The three-time Oscar-winning director chatted to 16-year-old FILMCLUB Young Ambassador Lily at the Royal premiere of War Horse, which was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 

Spielberg told the charity; “Children learn, as we know, exponentially from media today and we feel responsible that when we make a movie that even touches on historical fact that there has to be more than a kernel of truth in the history of, especially the First World War.” 

The junior reporter also interviewed the author of the book, Michael Morpurgo about what he thinks of the big screen adaptation, and to many of the films cast members, including Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), David Thewlis (Anonymous, Harry Potter series, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas), Tom Hiddleston (The Deep Blue Sea, Midnight In Paris, Thor) Emily Watson (Cemetery Junction, Gosford Park, Angela’s Ashes) and newcomer Jeremy Irvine about what it was like to make the film. 

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch spoke about what it was like to work with Spielberg; “It was an absolute dream come true, he is an absolute master of film and also a very nice person. He makes you feel that you’re very important and welcome and integral to the days work – and we struck up a great friendship and mutual respect. I’m incredibly privileged that along with riding horses is what made this job really special.” 

Speaking about her experience at the premiere, Lily said; “I really enjoyed the atmosphere because it was really hectic - that kind of got my energy up. I was buzzing to meet Steven Spielberg and it was incredible! Interviewing Benedict Cumberbatch was amazing as well.” 

FILMCLUB is a nationwide education charity and expert in film for young people.  The initiative offers access to thousands of popular and classic films from around the world for young people and teachers to watch, discuss and learn through a variety of films in their school film clubs. 

FILMCLUB is hosting free start-up sessions – and now made even easier with online induction sessions. To find out more and register your interest please visit www.filmclub.org or call 0207 288 4520 for more information.  Don’t forget you can also just browse the website for great film recommendations and follow @FILMCLUBUK on Twitter (http://twitter.com/filmclubuk) for all the latest news!  

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