Filmclub

Filmclub is a school-based network of film clubs founded by filmmaker Beeban Kidron and writer and educationalist Lindsay Mackie. It started in 2007 by supplying free screenings to 25 schools. At present there are over 5500 clubs in England and the network is expanding to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.


All state-funded schools can become members of Filmclub and have DVDs delivered to them for free. Filmclub recommends those pictures it considers to be particularly interesting, but teachers can choose from a comprehensive list of films from different nationalities and eras, categorised by theme, age group and genre. Members of the club also have access to special screenings and visits from industry professionals, such as directors, actors and make-up artists.

The main idea is for children to have an extra-curricular activity which does not require that they invest a large amount of time or money in it (as many other extra -curricular activities do).

After each screening, debates and discussions are held and students are encouraged to write reviews and upload them to the club’s site.

The success of this project  proves we should not be afraid to leave aside the more traditional teaching methods and explore alternative, perhaps more informal, ways of educating. Films, or in fact any art form, provide a meaningful context on which children can base their learning. Watching a movie is a valuable educational and social experience, which can help foster children’s emotional and intellectual development.