Young Film Fund - Studio Grant
Studio Grant
- Funding for between two and four films of up to three minutes in duration
- Maximum grant – £30,000
- 20% match funding requirement
- Track record of filmmaking with young people necessary
Movies
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2 Faced Fees
PLAY What does this mean?
Steve is just about to start Alum Rock University. He is excited about his future but as he learns that student fees are rising he begins to worry. Will he be able to handle the stress that such a huge debt will bring?
Length 03’ 00”
Aged 11-18 -
23 Pieces
PLAY What does this mean?
Whilst growing up Gerald was unsure who his biological father was. Following a science lesson at school he decides to piece together an image of what his genetic father would look like. An image starts to appear using DNA research to create a picture of his genetic make-up.
Length 09’ 02”
Aged 14-16 -
3005
PLAY What does this mean?
Jex and Sharla are the only survivors in a world destroyed by pollution but when they exchange a soul stone new life springs up.
Length 09’ 58”
Aged 10-11 -
60 Years of Teenagers
PLAY What does this mean?
An empty room, a sofa and a hundred TV sets. This is our past, our present and our future.
Length 3’ 19”
Aged 11-18 -
A Bangladeshi Folktale
PLAY What does this mean?
An old woman prepares to visit her grandchildren, taking plenty of gold coins for the long journey. On her way she meets a greedy merchant who wants paying for a lift on his horse. Exhausted she falls asleep but is woken much later on by an enormous bear!
Length 04’ 06”
Aged 9-11 -
A Day in the Life of Tony
PLAY What does this mean?
Tony is a teenage in Gravesend, present day. It is a very cold day. Tony’s friend encourages him to steal a jacket from a parked car, but this jacket is a gateway into a strange world in the clouds. In this parallel universe, Tony meets a ghost of himself from the future. The ghost shows him the scars of a life of crime and Tony is spat back out into the real world a changed young man.
Length 03’
Age 16-18 -
A Mile in Our Shoes
PLAY What does this mean?
The average age of a young carer in the UK is 12. This is a poignant & moving tribute to those many young carers tending to parents or siblings or both. They manage the domestic needs of a household as well as the physical needs of those they are caring for. They sometimes care for more than one family member with ailments ranging from autism to muscular dystrophy.With a constant lack of understanding from the rest of the world, no wonder there is little time for sleep let alone a social life.
Length 10’ 31”
Aged 11-16 -
A Place For Me
PLAY What does this mean?
Jonnie Brown is a student at Furze Down Special Needs School. In this documentary he investigates his fellow pupils experiences of both special needs and mainstream education. Is one better than the other?
Length 07’ 06”
Aged 13-16 -
A Single Trace
PAUSE What does this mean?
Through a series of flashbacks & intricate overlays, a young girl pieces together the day she last saw her friend, Danny. Today she is attending his wake. How do teenagers cope with death? Conflicting emotions from blame to denial rage; Feelings of devastation as friendships are torn apart by a mindless act of violence. This atmospheric short portrays the tender relationship between two young people and is set against a dark and dangerous gang culture.
Length 07’ 56”
Aged 12-14 -
Ability v Ability
PLAY What does this mean?
An abstract animation made with fabric focussing on the journey of some Paralympic athletes to the London 2012 games.
Length 02’ 16”
Aged 8-10 -
Albana's Asylum
PLAY What does this mean?
Albana is a young asylum seeker, who is attempting to settle in at the local secondary school after a turbulent time back in Albania. Stephanie and Alex are two classmates who feel for her after hearing her sad story. Stephanie is happy to be friends with Albana, but Alex is worried about what others may think. Eventually he changes his mind but it’s too late.
Length 10’ 13”
Aged 12-18 -
And it's goodbye to care
PLAY What does this mean?
The young people of Islay face a tricky decision when they come of age; should they stay on their home island in western Scotland? or make that journey to the mainland to pursue an education or career? This heart felt documentary explores the young filmmakers aspirations and emotional attachments to the island alongside opportunities available to them on Islay.
Length 09’ 40”
Aged 11-16 -
Anwylyd and the Donkey
PLAY What does this mean?
When the Prince gets turned in to a Donkey, he must travel across the entire kingdom in search of a way to break the hideous spell upon him. A farmer’s daughter, a wise pig and a two headed dragon will all help him solve the riddle and restore the Kingdom to normal.
Length 7’ 38”
Aged 7-10 -
Arrival
PLAY What does this mean?
In this mysterious drama, something strange has been discovered by adventurous explorers. It’s awesome and people are allured to it. As time passes, people become more curious and bold. It causes a riot with local wheelchair users! Serious measures have to be put in place.
Length 05’ 04”
Aged 11-25 -
Babes
PLAY What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2006 Winner of Best Documentary
This sensitive & touching documentary was produced by 11 young parents talk about the challenges and rewards of being young mums and dads. In this beautifully presented short, they candidly discuss the adverse reactions of others, their fears for their children’s health and the sheer joy of being a family unit.
Length 10’ 55”
Aged 15-18 -
Baby Love
PLAY What does this mean?
Ashley can’t wait to show off her new baby to her friends. She’s got the booties and the buggy but is a baby really what a 14 year old wants and needs? Ashley has one night of motherhood to find out. Will it be baby dreams or baby nightmares?
Length 10’
Aged 6-16 -
Backfire
PAUSE What does this mean?
A small favour can turn into a big problem but when someone asks for a favour, how can you refuse? Ryan needs something hidden, Frankie should have said no. Frankie’s paranoia grows as he imagines the various outcomes of doing Ryan’s favour. It is just too hot to handle, someone could get hurt and the whole thing might backfire.
Length 06’ 58”
Aged 15-17This film contains strong language.
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Banished
PLAY What does this mean?
Zed is a boy washed up on a desert island, his punishment by a wizard for breaking a magic globe. He experiences loneliness and hardship. Helped by the island’s Parrot Girl, he makes amends. This animation evokes powerful feelings of loneliness & abandonment. This is an allegorical story reflecting the isolation experienced in the filmmakers own lives.
Length 06’ 52”
Aged 9-14 -
Beloved
PLAY What does this mean?
Dan is young and dreams of love. Flicking between two worlds of fantasy and real-life, we feel his pain of unrequited love. As the narrative comes to a close, Dan’s love is left unsaid and unknown, except between him and the audience.
Length 4’ 14”
Aged 15-18 -
Binderella
PLAY What does this mean?
Binderella wants to go to the ball and meet the handsome Prince. Her awful step-sisters have already gone. So she talks to the flowers and the birds and even the spiders, who all help her in her quest to impress her man. Who will the prince choose? Whose hand will fit the glove? Based on the fairytale Cinderella, this imaginative and colourful animation was adapted for a contemporary audience by a group of 10 year olds.
Length 05’ 40”
Aged 10 -
Black & White
PLAY What does this mean?
Luke King is bored and lonely when a commotion outside his bedroom window triggers him to slip into a black and white world where he becomes a 1940s style crime fighting detective. On the hunt for his arch nemesis Cain Knight, he realises that you can’t judge someone by their past.
Length 09’ 24”
Aged 11-15 -
Blurred
PLAY What does this mean?
Toby is autistic and struggling to cope. While hiding from the local bullies he finds a piece of sanded glass which, when looked through, helps him stay calm around people. Able to communicate better, he is able to talk to his mum and social worker about his future.
Length 08’ 59”
Aged 11-18 -
Broken Circle
PLAY What does this mean?
This atmospheric and spellbinding thriller sees a group of friends gather a year after the death of their gang leader. Everyone seems to have a reason but will the real culprit ever be revealed? With a haunting soundtrack this thriller is a modern twist on noir classics.
Length07’ 37”
Aged 10-18 -
Broken Sleep
PLAY What does this mean?
A young girl’s dreams are haunted by strange and horrid images. As she becomes more and more distressed, the dream begins to take over, threatening to keep her forever and reveal her secrets. Is she the bully or is she being bullied?
Length 3’ 40”
Aged 6-13 -
Chucks
PAUSE What does this mean?
Chuck runs a diner in the middle of nowhere. He can cope with interfering villagers poking their noses into his business, but when Ted and his gang decide to make the diner their local hang out, Chuck is forced to reveal his more sinister side. This is a 1950s pastiche that will have you jumping out of your seat.
Length 09’ 27”
Aged 13-17 -
Cityscape
PLAY What does this mean?
This short film is a textured multi-layered piece where three intertwining stories are explored and then converge on a small shop hidden between a vast animated cityscape. Using special effects that blur their identities, the gripping tales unfold as the animated world blurs with reality.
Length 07’ 00”
Aged 10-18 -
Cloud Jumper
PLAY What does this mean?
This is a rotoscope pencil drawn animation film. Foggypop enjoys playing on his X-box until he falls asleep wearing his new cloud jumper. Follow him through several worlds in his game when he returns with some flowers. Was it real or just a dream?
Length 05’ 08”
Aged 6-7 -
Clowning Around
PLAY What does this mean?
Set in a Catholic boys school, this film is a chilling horror about a troubled boy running away from a terrifying figure.
Length 09’ 00”
Aged 13-14 -
Communic8
PLAY What does this mean?
Communic8 portrays a dystopian world where nobody talks to each other face to face anymore. Text talk has developed into a new language; communication has become reliant on technology. Can humanity survive without it?
Length 06’ 42”
Age 12-14 -
Concealer
PLAY What does this mean?
A group of young women talk about how they use make-up as more than just a cosmetic. It can be a means to cope with school life and the pressures of being teenage girls.
Length 06’ 30”
Aged 14 -
Counter Punch
PLAY What does this mean?
Harry is inspired to become a boxer by a beloved granddad, a former champ. Overcoming resistance at home and some bad attitudes at the gym, Harry breaks the mould, leaving rivals on the ropes.
Length 4’ 48”
Aged 11-18 -
Crumbs
PLAY What does this mean?
A teenage girl’s addiction leads her down the path of no return.
Length 3”10
Aged 12 – 20 -
Crystal Clear
PLAY What does this mean?
Crystal is a very curious thirteen year old girl. Her enquiring mind turns to that around her. She becomes increasingly aware of her Grandmother and Mother’s special powers. One bright day Crystal’s inquisitiveness gets the better of her. Crystal decides to do a little more investigation, against her Mother’s will. What will Crystal discover?
Length 09’ 51”
Aged 10-19 -
Culture
PLAY What does this mean?
This experimental short takes you on an exploration of culture through fantastic visual collages, taking inspiration from the local area in East Oxford.
Length 3’ 47”
Aged 16-25 -
Cupcakes
PAUSE What does this mean?
As three students try to concentrate on their school cake baking exam they are distracted by other class members they have secret feelings for. Cupcakes moves between fantasy and reality in a tender, heart-warming film that explores young love and sexuality.
Length 04’00”
Aged 12-16 -
Dangerous Relations
PLAY What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2004 Nominated for Best Film made by Over 13s
This quirky animated tale is a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of teenage life between siblings. A nosy brother sneaks into his sister’s bedroom to steal her diary which is full her romantic hopes and dreams. The diary ends up being circulated at school with humiliating consequences. Taking her inspiration from other cartoon feuding duos, she exacts her revenge.
Length 06’ 44”
Aged 16-18 -
Darkness Visible
PLAY What does this mean?
Addressing key issues about stereotyping and mental health, this sensitive documentary explores the effect of labeling young people with mental health problems. With insightful interviews alongside strong symbolism this well crafted documentary provides a platform for people to start talking more openly about mental health.
Length 11’ 12”
Aged 15-17 -
Dawn and the Living Dad
PAUSE What does this mean?
Down trodden teenager Dawn, does what her dad tells her, the poor girl even puts up with his obsessive tittle-tattle about golf. Meanwhile outside in the street, two bullies wait for a chance to inflict their own style of cruelty. Will Dawn ever find the courage to rise up and break free?
Length 09’ 00”
Aged 11-18 -
Days That Made Us
PLAY What does this mean?
In this frank and powerful documentary, a group of young offenders reveal the decisions they took that led them to committing crime.
Length 10’
Aged 16-19 -
Dear Diary, Today I Had a Baby
PLAY What does this mean?
This touching documentary features several teenagers talking about becoming new mothers.The film dispells the many myths & stereo types about teenage parents and positively rejoices in the joys of motherhood.
Length 10’ 37”
Aged 14-18 -
Death's Apprentice
PLAY What does this mean?
The classic story of unrequited love is turned on its head when the Son of Death falls for a mortal girl on Halloween.
Length 10’
Aged 12-18 -
Destination Point
PLAY What does this mean?
Kings Cross is an international destination point. Thousands of people travel in and out of the station every day. Some are travelling through on their way to somewhere else, some come into work and others travel to Kings Cross and make it home.
Length 09’ 09”
Aged 9-10 -
Determination
PLAY What does this mean?
A paralympic hopeful has to overcome his bully and trust in the support of his father in order to make it to the trials.
Length 03’ 00”
Aged 17-19 -
Diary of Year 6
PLAY What does this mean?
Year 6 class are set a new class project where they have to explore what they love. One by one they share their thoughts on love, in this quirky and fun loving film.
Length 9’ 36”
Aged 9-10 -
Director's Cut
PLAY What does this mean?
A surreal take on a film premiere where the director and producer try to capture the perfect scene. We are transported into the world of film within a film and get a fresh look at a film premiere from the Director’s point of view. The result is an interesting juxtaposition between his memories of shooting a scene and what the audience sees.
Length 08’ 45”
Aged 16-18 -
Dirty Secret
PLAY What does this mean?
Brian suddenly finds that his clothes don’t fit and his bed is too small for him. What’s brought on this mysterious growth spurt? His landlady comes to his aid when he becomes too big to leave the house and rumbles his dirty secret!
Length 10’ 09”
Aged 14-18 -
Dogheart
PAUSE What does this mean?
Dazed and confused a man staggers along with bloodied hands & face. Through stylised flash-backs, we piece together the nightmare ordeal he has been through. However he is not the only one to have suffered.
Length 04’ 27”
Aged 16-18 -
Donkey and Bob in Sweet Land
PLAY What does this mean?
Donkey & Bob have run out of sweets but before you can say sugar rush, they are sucked into Sweet Land. There, they see tons of sweets, jars of marshmallows, bags of jellies, boxes of chocolates and even a sweetie caterpillar. They stuff themselves full until they are catapulted back into the real world.
Length 05’ 41”
Aged 7-8 -
Double Take
PLAY What does this mean?
This tense thriller follows a young man around the streets of London as he tries to shake off his pursuers. In desperation, he calls the police for help but is met with scepticism. As his paranoia increases, are we to believe this man is being hunted or is the whole scenario a figment of his imagination? This powerful depiction was filmed using a hand-held camera to create a strong sense of emotion.
Length 04’ 54”
Aged 17-19 -
Dr Death
When Dr Death falls ill on a busy Victorian street, the unsuspecting passersby try to help him, unaware of his grizzly past.
Length 03’
Aged 12-17 -
Dream Land
PLAY What does this mean?
With 68 different languages being spoken in Margate today, this documentary investigates the integration difficulties the Roma and local teenagers face. Looking at community violence, in particular the knife fights that started in Dalby Square, young teenagers discuss the myths surrounding immigration.
Length 03’ 15”
Aged 12-24 -
Dreams & Nightmares
PLAY What does this mean?
Kyle and Ella are couch potatoes unlike their mother who was once an Olympic runner and their father who was champion body builder. However their parent’s dreams become Kyle and Ella’s nightmares as the children find themselves having to escape a forest of wolves and a wicked witch’s dungeon!
Length 3’
Aged 6-13 -
Drwygan
PLAY What does this mean?
Once upon a time there was a very, very naughty girl called Drwgan. She always played nasty tricks on her brother, her pets and even on her Gran. One day, she stole a pair of magical pants which gave her three wishes. Being so naughty, Drwgan couldn’t resist using them to cause trouble.
Length 4’ 52”
Aged 9 -
Easier As A Spaceman
PLAY What does this mean?
Nick and Pete are boys who love to play imaginary games. When Nick has to move abroad, the friends escape to the woods but can they run away from reality? This is a subtle bittersweet coming of age story.
Length 10’ 00”
Aged 6-16 -
Echoes of Murder & Manslaughter
PLAY What does this mean?
This film follows three women whose lives have changed by the devastating and life changing effects of murder and manslaughter. These tragedies have led to the women championing change to stop hate crime and support and help other affected by such crimes.
Length 10’ 27”
Aged 13-19 -
Echoes of Road Loss
PLAY What does this mean?
This film examines the devastating consequences of road loss and how we can make ourselves safer on the roads. Following the personal journey of Pauline Fielding and how the loss of her son on the road changed her life and led her to start campaigning for safer roads.
Length 10’ 31”
Aged 14-19 -
Echoes of Substance Abuse
PLAY What does this mean?
Following Mike, aka Rapper Innuendo’s journey from drug abuse to musician, we learn how he turned his life around to develop a successful music career free from drugs.
Length 09’ 01”
Aged 15-19 -
Eochu's Lake
PLAY What does this mean?
This 2D drawn animation set in ancient Ireland, recounts the legend of Eochu, a spoiled prince whose stubbornness brought about the creation of Loch Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles.
Length 06’ 56”
Aged 8-10 -
Every Street Dreams
PLAY What does this mean?
This quirky film journey’s through the dreams and nightmares of residents in a typical terraced street in Manchester. Using an imaginative range of animated techniques, including claymation and computer graphics, the audience is treated to the sometimes funny and sometimes scary unconscious minds of others.
Length 06’ 11”
Aged 14-18 -
Exposed
PLAY What does this mean?
This fast paced film is a modern morality tale with amusing consequences. Dorien is caught with his trousers down as he tries to justify the vanity which has driven his girlfriend to dump him. As his justification becomes more hypocritical, he imagines he’s losing his clothes but is he just losing his mind…
Length 05’ 35”
Aged 15-18 -
Fast Break
PLAY What does this mean?
The Nike representative for American Pro Basketball is scouting on the sideline of a local game. He recognises Theo’s skills and offers him an all expenses paid trip to the US to play ball. Will an incident with a knife and his younger brother, jeopardise Theo’s chances of basketball fame?
Length 10’ 51”
Aged 10-18 -
Father and Son
PLAY What does this mean?
This drama explores the relationship between a father and son whilst focusing on modern-day slavery to coincide with the 2008 bicentenary of the abolition of slavery celebrations. As he learns more about slavery in school, the boy suspects his father’s business is not being run as it should. Willl he face up to the truth?
Length 05’ 17”
Aged 12-13 -
Fences
PLAY What does this mean?
When Tom’s dad is made redundant, family tensions rise. Tom escapes to the calm and comfortable home of his friends Katie but neither Tom, nor his dad can avoid facing up to their responsibilities.
Length 10’
Age 12-17 -
Flashback
PLAY What does this mean?
Flashback follows the story of a young girl who is befriended by a stranger over the internet. One night, against her better judgement, she arranges to meet this new friend and lies to her family about where she is going.
Length 06’ 25”
Age 9-12 -
Freedom Ain't Free
PLAY What does this mean?
Influenced by the work of artists Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, this powerful docu-drama, relays the troubling stories of various young people when their world entwine whilst ordering food in a chicken restaurant. From near-fatal stabbings and mistaken arrests to parents being deported, young people share their harrowing tales with the camera. The film is a powerful portrayal of civil liberties abuses against the younger population.
Length 09’ 35”
Aged 16-18 -
Future Past
PLAY What does this mean?
Children come across an old newspaper whilst rummaging in their grandmother’s attic and find themselves travelling back in time to the 1940s. When they innocently help Maria Romana to hide from soldiers threatening to deport her to Canada as an internee and potential spy, they are unaware of the consequences.
Length 03’
Aged 10-12 -
Ghost Girl
PLAY What does this mean?
This short film uses archive footage and animation to reveal the truth behind the notorious Wem Town Hall Ghost photograph. Are ghosts real? Spooky stories of ghost cats and scary anecdotes of strange goings on add to the mystery.
Length 09’ 18”
Aged 12-16 -
Glimpse
PLAY What does this mean?
Shortly before demolition and redevelopment, this exploratory journey through the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop captures the essence of an old building at a key turning point in its history.
Length 3’ 00”
Aged 12-16 -
Half Pint
“Please Miss, I never saw that boy!” The girls at St Augustas are adamant they didn’t let a boy in their dorm but their headmistress doesn’t believe them. Can they convince her of the truth before she punishes them all?
Length 06’ 49”
Age 10-15 -
Happy
PAUSE What does this mean?
Happy is the story of the modern craze of happy-slapping whereby teenagers assault strangers for no reason and the attacks are captured by their friends using mobile phone cameras. These clips are then sent onto to other mobile users as a form of amusement. The film follows Rosie, who is regarded as Europe’s finest happy-slapper, and how her conscience intervened and she finally stopped happy-slapping.
Length 08’40”
Aged 15-18 -
Happy Cloud
PLAY What does this mean?
Kids TV show, Happy Cloud, is losing viewers. In an attempt to boost ratings, the director brings in Jiggy Bigwig to give his cast a makeover. As the show’s star, ‘Happy Cloud’ is not happy with the changes until he realizes change could mean the opportunity of winning some prestigious awards! However a bump on the head & a visit from the Awards Fairy shows him his future self & how the show hits the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Length 05’ 24”
Aged 7-18 -
High Above The Sky
PLAY What does this mean?
Little Leo helps himself to a jar of sweeties in the supermarket. His Dad tells him off so he goes on the run. However when he finds himself heading for the moon, he starts to wish he’d never been naughty.
Length 03’ 01”
Aged 5-19 -
Hillfort - The Lost World of Ely
PLAY What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2006 Nominated for Best Documentary
This touching documentary was made by pupils from Trelai primary school using live action and animation. It explores the colourful history of the ancient fort in Ely, an area of Cardiff thought to be the oldest settlement in Wales. The area survived many changes from its beginnings as an Iron Age hillfort, through the Roman invasion, a Norman church was built and then was finally used as farmland to feed the growing population of Cardiff.
Length 6’ 30”
Aged 9-10 -
Home Truths
PLAY What does this mean?
This split-screen short creatively shows the drastic differences in the way four people play out their morning routine.
Length 03’
Aged 18-19 -
Hopeless or Courageous?
PLAY What does this mean?
Some groups of young people can be typically viewed as growing up to be hopeless cases. An onlooker watch a group of young people and labels them mugger, vandal, shoplifter and drunk. However a closer look reveals something altogether more courageous.
Length 02’
Aged 12-18 -
Horse Power
PAUSE What does this mean?
This wacky documentary is both heart-warming & funny. It follows a group of young people as they attempt to break the world record for running 100m in a pantomime horse costume!
Length 05’ 22”
Aged 14-16 -
Humans!
PLAY What does this mean?
Two aliens watch a programme about scary humans instead of driving their spaceship. They crash land on earth and decide to investigate a nearby building. Panicked by the humans, they attack! A young potwasher stands up to them and persuades them that maybe they are not so different after all.
Length 03’27”
Aged 9-25 -
Hundreds & Thousands
PLAY What does this mean?
Ruth is a young science student who stumbles upon a unique civilisation whilst doing her homework examining a doughnut. However, Ruth her new found species only to find her brother has discovered something else!
Length 03’
Aged 9-17 -
I Believe
PLAY What does this mean?
While fasting during Ramadan, a young Muslim girl bakes cakes to eat in the evening. Through this simple process we discover the depth and relevance of her beliefs.
Length 03’00”
Aged 16-18 -
I Could Live Yours
STOP What does this mean?
I Could Live Yours is an inspirational documentary following a group of young lads growing up on Littleham housing estate in Exmouth. The audience is privy to a frank and honest portrayal of the young people’s experiences of ASBOs and crime, and can then see the positive transformation that takes place through their passion of music. The film was made in association with Exeter Phoenix, Millway Community Centre and Creekmore Youth Club.
Length 10’
Aged 11-18 -
I'm Here
PLAY What does this mean?
Taking a cue from the Olympic and Paralympic values of friendship, courage and equality, Children in Care dispel stereotypes and misconceptions they think people have about them and discuss the highs and lows of their lives.
Length 03’ 07”
Aged 13-17 -
Import Export
PLAY What does this mean?
This drama looks back through the ages of slavery as it celebrated the 200 anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
Length 05’ 42”
Aged 14-15 -
Innocent
PAUSE What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2006 Nominated for Best Film by Over 13s
A little girl stands to the side of a country road. When cars stop, the occupants are lured out and off the beaten track to a nearby wood. The little girl is last seen entering a derelict shack. All she wants is some more friends to play with. This atmospheric & spooky short builds tension with some classic suspense techniques accompanied by a great soundtrack.
Length 06’ 35”
Aged 6-17 -
Inside out
PLAY What does this mean?
Teenage Sophie looks forward to her last of school and the fun she will have with her friends. However when her classmates are confronted by a ‘new’ Sophie, she learns that standing out from the crowd can be difficult.
Length 10’
Aged 13-18 -
Ish Returns
PLAY What does this mean?
Ish is surrounded by mobile phone and he wants one. He takes the opportunity when a girl leaves hers unattended. However strange anonymous figures wearing masks begin to haunt is every move. What will it take for them to disappear?
Length 05’ 07”
Aged 6-15 -
Islam Ain't That Scary
PLAY What does this mean?
A group of young Muslims try to find out whether Islamophobia exists in Bristol, what causes it and what could be done to dispel the misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding the religion. They show that Islam is about peace and tolerance and that terrorists cannot describe themselves as Muslims.
Length 10’
Aged 14-18 -
It Will Be Fine
PLAY What does this mean?
A young woman chats with her friends online failing to notice that her pet mouse is about to drown. Will she sacrifice social media to save her pet’s life?
Length 04’ 05”
Aged 13-14 -
Just a Days Work
PLAY What does this mean?
Two parallel worlds unwittingly collide when a young lad in Liverpool decides he needs a replacement pair of trainers. Illustrating the disposable culture of the west, his mum throws his repairable trainers away and replaces them with a brand new pair. The film contrasts the sadly modern day issue of child slavery in the developing world against the experience of a western child attending regular school.
Length 05’ 00”
Aged 13 -
Justin & The Priceless Vase
PLAY What does this mean?
Two guests at Hotel Talk To The Hand are causing mayhem by playing tennis in their room with anything they can find including a priceless vase left by a previous guest. It’s up to Justin to stop it!
Length 03’ 05”
Aged 16-19 -
Justin The Party Animal
PLAY What does this mean?
Justin has NOT been invited to the party but undeterred he tries several creative techniques to sneak in unnoticed….
Length 03’ 05”
Aged 16-19 -
Land of the Rabbits
PLAY What does this mean?
Queen Bubbles & her alien friends are starving because carrot crunching rabbits ate all the food ages ago. They must go back in time & tell the rabbits not to be so greedy. However the rabbits have Super Bat Ears and Vinco the Knight to look after them & Queen Bubbles is distracted from her mission by the amorous two-headed unicorn.
Length 05’ 21”
Age 5-15 -
Last Chance Final Rep
PLAY What does this mean?
This atmospheric drama explores the pressures in a young weightlifter’s life as he tries to conquer his fears and win a competition. Will the demands of his home & work life take their toll on his sporting chance? It was based on a story submitted to a script competition by a young person who had previously worked on a First Light film and who returned to make this film as a peer mentor.
Length 08’ 33”
Aged 12-19 -
Leaving School
PLAY What does this mean?
Cricket Green School has been like home for the last seven years. It’s hard to leave, not only the school but also all our friends and our teachers. We share our hopes for the future as we spend our last days together, having fun and remembering the good times.
Length 09’ 20”
Aged 9-16 -
Life Goes On
PLAY What does this mean?
Three young women discuss the difficulties facing them as teenage mothers using reinactments of those situations.
Length 11’ 44”
Aged 13-18 -
Life on the Edge
PLAY What does this mean?
This serious drama explores the complex issue of arranged marriage within the Asian community in Britain, entwining two different scenarios. Sixth formers Aleesha and Kashif are friends who have to deal with family pressure, social demands and true love. Both face questions about their culture and identity. However, whilst one accepts and embraces tradition, the other rails against it.
Length 10’ 13”
Aged 14-18 -
Lilly's Story
PLAY What does this mean?
Lilly is a lonely teenager. She’d love to be popular and cool like the celebrities she reads about in magazines, whose faces cover her bedroom walls. Her life is made even more difficult by the nasty jibes of some of her classmates. Lilly’s determination to be just like all the others forces her to stop being herself and to make some really bad decisions.
Length 10’ 18”
Age 15-17 -
Living Statistic
PLAY What does this mean?
An insightful documentary detailing the predicament of teenager Alex Kachepa and his family as they face deportation by the UK immigration office. A lively and popular member of the local community, Alex’s situation moves the people of Weymouth to organise a protest, and campaign against the family’s forced expulsion. Alex is an extraordinary young man, gifted, articulate and funny making for compulsive viewing.
Length 10’ 52”
Age 17-18 -
Loose Shoes
PAUSE What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2006 Nominated for Best Thriller
A boy wakes up in a park where he appears to have crashed a car. Jim, a friendly stranger, takes him to his dilapidated cabin where he takes care of his cuts & bruises. As the boy’s strength returns, he finds himself the centre of some ghoulish feud. Will his purgatory end if he crosses over the bridge or continue if he stays with Jim?
Length 9’ 25”
Aged 14-18 -
Lost
PLAY What does this mean?
Made by 30 young filmmakers, this animated film is an inter-woven series of stories exploring the emotions, senses and experiences associated with being lost.
Length 08’ 00”
Aged 7 -
Lucky For Some
PLAY What does this mean?
The beloved family dog has had his day. Lonely, lost and unloved he wants to end it all but he’s about to find out that suicide isn’t as easy a way out as we’re led to believe
Question: How far is she prepared to go?
Answer: Right to the Edge.
Length 08’ 05”
Aged 17-18 -
Luv Texty
PLAY What does this mean?
Echoing Cyrano de Bergerac, a young boy is bullied into wooing the hot girl on the block on behalf of his mate but ends up falling for her charms himself. He plagiarizes 19th century poetry to use in his text messages resulting in a surprising and entertaining collision.
Length 06’ 30”
Aged 15-18 -
Matrimonoids
PLAY What does this mean?
This mesmerizing animation blends beautifully a simple style with an innovative soundtrack. The film’s effective black and white drawings transport us to a surreal world of a Martian invasion where space ships beam up cows and cars grow legs set against a background of rain and fire.
Length 04’ 53”
Aged 15-17 -
Meanwhile
PLAY What does this mean?
People become homeless for many reasons and always struggle to find their feet when rebuilding their lives. This film follows a group of people using gardening as a way through the difficulties they face.
Length 05’ 52”
Aged 15-17 -
Memory Train
PLAY What does this mean?
Passenger’s memories are brought to sparkling life whilst the train travels through Devon countryside. We meet Hazel and Johnny reminiscing about the war. Mr and Mrs Shepherd are confessing to white lies and Tony has an encounter with a Dragon lady and a dog.
Length 03’10”
Aged 10-15 -
Michael's Story
PAUSE What does this mean?
Michael’s family is in crisis. Their lives have been on hold since the death of his brother twelve months ago. They have never properly dealt with it as a family and now everyone is walking around with their feelings bottled up inside. The situation comes to a head when Michal’s father finds out that Michael is gay and suddenly a years’ worth of painful truth comes rushing out.
Length 09’ 32”
Age 5-17 -
Mind
PLAY What does this mean?
A dark and challenging study of our sub-conscious minds. This experimental short is a haunting film exploring images of dreams and nightmares.
Length 5’ 00”
Aged 16-19 -
Modern Love
PLAY What does this mean?
Well-meaning Mark decides to make sure his best friend is suitably entertained on Valentine’s Day however Jack isn’t ready for a blind date. Jack is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality even though his friend is relaxed and supportive. Modern Love treats a sensitive subject with warmth and humour via a very mature script.
Length 10’ 45”
Aged 7-20 -
Molly Moplegs
PLAY What does this mean?
This dark tale tells the story of Molly, a girl who pays the price for refusing to do her chores. Combining bleak visual imagery, a relentless and unsettling musical score and downright creepy characters, the result is an effective, accomplished and unnerving viewing experience.
Length 10’07”
Aged 11-16 -
Monster Hunters
PLAY What does this mean?
The Monster Hunters are on full alert, when the monster alarm sounds ion a seemingly normal day. Have monsters come to invade?
Length 7’ 15”
Aged 7-8 -
Moon Baby
PLAY What does this mean?
Petal falls off the Moon and lands on Earth, follow her as she encounters life on Earth, keep watching to find out if she returns home safely.
Length 07’ 55”
Aged 6-7 -
Mothering Nature
PLAY What does this mean?
Mitchell is a lonely man with learning difficulties trying to cope with his mother’s death. The strong influence she has had in his life leaves him with an instinctive kindness and maternal feeling often misinterpreted by modern society. One day he finds a baby… A controversial and thought-provoking film.
Read what one of the filmmakers on this film are up to now.
Length 11’ 30”
Aged 14 – 18 -
Moving Out & Moving On
PLAY What does this mean?
A docudrama about three homeless young people, Sam, Paul and Neil, who are choosing different paths in life after finding themselves in a local youth hostel. This touching tale illustrates how young people end up in a hostel and the different choices they make.
Length 10’ 22”
Age 17-18 -
Mutiny
PLAY What does this mean?
A group of young people board the Spirit of Fairbridge to crew for the week, setting sail to develop their skills and confidence as well as an adventure on the high seas. However it soon becomes clear to one of the crew that they are not alone. This ghostly sea voyage explores themes of dislocation and paranoia against a haunting soundtrack.
Length 10’ 01”
Aged 14-25 -
MXT Messages
PLAY What does this mean?
Andrei decides to send a text message asking Abbi to a party. However her best friend Shakiri thinks it is Abbi contacting Andrei to do the chasing. A big fight starts between the two best friends. Will Andrei get away with it?
Length 03’ 00”
Aged 12-21 -
Nightmares from Hell
PLAY What does this mean?
Different people are frightened of different things so there are an awful lot of fears out there. This imaginative short explores just some of them, as they creep, scuttle and lumber across the screen or lurk in the dark.
Length 02’ 29”
Age 9-11 -
Nitty Nora
PAUSE What does this mean?
Growing up and getting through some tough times leaves a girl with an alter-ego who follows her everywhere she goes. Can she leave Nitty Nora behind?
A young girl talks direct to camera of a moment from her childhood that defines and still effect’s her today. The film is the story of that moment and how she tries to move on from it.
Length 05’ 01”
Aged 14-18 -
No Place Like Home
PLAY What does this mean?
Home for some young people is moving on to find another park bench to sleep on. This hard-hitting documentary hears from teenagers who are all too familiar with homelessness.
Length 04’10”
Aged 13-19 -
Not Cricket
PLAY What does this mean?
Young Aamir loves cricket. So does his father. Their passion for the game is the only thing that ties them together. Aamir is the greatest bowler on the street until a new player joins the team’s game of street cricket – a GIRL! With a bit of help from a magic cricket ball, Aamir hopes he can win his title back, but something is playing on his conscience. This film is definitely not about cricket.
Length 10’ 00”
Aged 11-16 -
Not just A Diagnosis
PLAY What does this mean?
A young woman finds herself in a nightmare world where her feelings of being branded because of her mental health issues are made very real. Can she find the strength to break the cycle?
Length 03’
Aged 13-19 -
Obsession
PLAY What does this mean?
Obsession tells the story of a young girl who becomes haunted by the idea that a character from a local myth may have been a vampire. Her friends at school come up with a plan to snap her out of it but will it work?
Length 03’
Aged 8-11 -
Olparr and the Abomination
PLAY What does this mean?
Following a reign of terror and looting if his fellow monsters, has Olparr finally met his match? Jack Norti and Splodge discover that their treasures have gone missing but will either of them be brave enough to challenge Olparr?
Length 6’ 20”
Aged 5-7 -
Olympic Fortunes
PLAY What does this mean?
The year is 2012 and it is only a few days before the Games. Unfortunately for Britain, there is a crisis of confidence, Olympians everywhere are looking for more than lucky shorts.
Length 03’
Aged 10-19 -
On Our Doorstep
PLAY What does this mean?
A creative documentary with an animated map, children explore the life and heritage of their small Welsh village and make some surprising discoveries. Polish war veterans, Winston Churchill and the first free school in Wales.
Length 10’
Aged 5-9 -
One Man's Walk
PLAY What does this mean?
A boy walks down a street. We do not see his face. He is the event but we don’t know why. He tells us his likes and dislikes as he passes through the streets of his hometown. Finally we see his face and understand.
Length 01’ 30”
Aged 14-18 -
Out of Depth
PAUSE What does this mean?
Danny says he loves Daisy & will support her when the baby comes. Sadly the strain of a new baby takes its toll on their relationship & we see Daisy struggling to cope as a single mum.
Length 09’ 07”
Aged 15-18 -
Outbreak
STOP What does this mean?
Trapped in a house with an infestation of the un-dead, four survivors are thrown together. They must help each other to escape. Will they make it out alive?
Length 08’ 30”
Aged 8-18 -
Paddy The Page
PLAY What does this mean?
Paddy is bored of training as a knight. He steals a sword he should be polishing and the Prince finds out. Though he tries to avoid the blame, Paddy ultimately comes clean thus learning the art of chivalry the hard way.
Length 03’
Aged 5-19 -
Pencilvania
PLAY What does this mean?
Forget Dracula, Drawcula will drain your ink. Pens are hunted until Van Helpen comes and saves the day.
Length 02’ 07”
Aged 14-15 -
Perscence
When Frankie’s dog is eaten by an invisible creature, he calls in his friend, teenage sleuth Emmy Holmes, to solve the mystery. However her investigations prove difficult as villagers are scared and won’t talk. What lies behind the surface of quiet village life? Emmy is about to make a terrifying discovery!
Length 09’ 48”
Age 10-15 -
Personal Demons
PLAY What does this mean?
Through this touching documentary, a group of young people give voice to their personal demons. All the participants of the documentary have frustrations in their life that they can’t control, whether it’s a peanut allergy, a physical disability or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Personal Demons was created and produced by 32 young people all of whom have disabilities.
Length 09’ 58”
Aged 12-18 -
Photo-Cyclist
PLAY What does this mean?
Sometimes it takes more than language to communicate how you feel. Whilst attempting to learn English Leo takes photographs and writes in his notebook anything that he notices whilst out and about on his paper-round. Through problems he faces from other young people and his growing affection for a strange girl, he finds other ways to communicate.
Length 10’ 14”
Aged 14-18 -
Pineapple Head
PLAY What does this mean?
Louise discovers that life can be tough when she arrives at her new school. However the 9 year old uses her head and finds that help can be found when you learn to talk about your problems.
Length 04’10”
Aged 9-10 -
Pinnacle Man
PAUSE What does this mean?
Set in Liverpool in 2081, the sterile apartments of the rich are set high above the grim realities of life at ground level. This slick and gripping sci-fi drama explores the relationship between Lennon, a wealthy property mogul and Kaolin, a ground level girl.
Length 09’ 59”
Aged 7-18 -
Pirates of the Indian Ocean
PLAY What does this mean?
Clumsy but lovable DJ duo Mankind and Small-Steps have built a devoted following to their pirate radio show. Raging against the machine in their own inimitable style, will they reach the top of radio programming or be caught on the wrong side of the law before they reach their dream?
Length 06’ 02”
Age 10-17Jason Maza, star of Fish Tank and shifty said
I really loved this film. Genuinely made me laugh out loud, the DJ’s were brilliantly performed & the writing was excellent. ‘We got a fan-base man all over the… borough… not global but you know’… genius.. The animation was really modern and contemporary. Well done everyone on this film.
-
Presence
PAUSE What does this mean?
When Frankie’s dog is eaten by an invisible creature, he calls in his friend, teenage sleuth Emmy Holmes, to solve the mystery. However her investigations prove difficult as villagers are scared and won’t talk. What lies behind the surface of quiet village life? Emmy is about to make a terrifying discovery!
Length 09’ 48”
Age 10-15 -
Punk As!
PLAY What does this mean?
Matt sings and Luke is the drummer. They’re passionate about their band Gutfish. However Matt’s drinking starts to interfere with the band & it’s path to fame. By supporting Tiny Elvis, they may get the chance to go on tour to Sweden but Luke has had enough. Edith Bowman plays a part in the film.
Length 12’ 40”
Aged 14-18 -
Rafal's Incredible Escape
PLAY What does this mean?
An epic journey based on a true story about a 12 year old Polish boy that was saved by an Indian Maharaja in WWII.
Length 10’ 00”
Aged 10-13 -
Remote Control
PLAY What does this mean?
Helena was treated badly at school because of her mental health issues. As an adult she looks back at what happened and envisions how she could have been treated better.
Length 03’
Aged 13-19 -
Respect
PLAY What does this mean?
A confirmation of respect for each other played out in rhythm and rhyme.
Length 03’ 27”
Aged 16-19 -
Return of the Forgotten
PAUSE What does this mean?
A group of mates dare one another to spend the night in a castle to see if there are such things as ghosts. The sceptics in the group soon realise there is more to the castle at night than in the day. Using scary special-effects & ghoulish make-up, this horror short tells of times gone by when ghosts & witches were a part of the real world.
Length 09’ 10”
Aged 14-15 -
Revenge of the Rubbish
This environmental documentary investigates who is dropping rubbish on Brighton’s beach. Punctuated with some animated rubbish and an interview with Brighton celebrity Norman Cook AKA Fat Boy Slim on his own beach, the young people have provided a very insightful film.
-
Road
STOP What does this mean?
A man and a woman wake up in the middle of a country road covered in blood; one has lost their sight and the other their hearing. The action is seen through the eyes of the onscreen characters creating a suffocating atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. As they both begin to realise their predicament, panic starts to set in.
Length 04’ 38”
Aged 15-18 -
RoboCarer
PLAY What does this mean?
Joe is a young carer. He loves his mum but wishes he had more time to play with his friends. He comes up with an inventive plan that he thinks will give him the best of both worlds…
Length 03’ 00”
Aged 6-15 -
Round and Round
PAUSE What does this mean?
Alex is on probation and trying to go straight; he’s working in a bike shop and saving up for his dream bike. his friend, tee, thinks he’s a fool however, and steals the bike leaving Alex in turmoil as he knows he’ll get the blame.
Length 11’ 40”
Aged 16-18 -
School of Lego
PLAY What does this mean?
Luke’s day starts off badly & simply gets worse. First, he is late for school catapulting him into a day of mishaps & misunderstandings. When the day finally comes to an end, there’s still one more surprise in store….
Length 07’ 41”
Age 12-14 -
Scratchy Skull
PLAY What does this mean?
Scratchy Skull has an unfortunate accident whilst bone throwing, leaving him in search of his arm. Scratchy Skull, a champion bone thrower, encounters weird and wonderful monster offerings as he searches for his arm.
Length 5’ 20”
Aged 5-7 -
Seaweed
PLAY What does this mean?
Roeroe is learning the ways of his tribe and is well on the way to earning respect. He is on the brink of becoming a man. One day he meets with a stranger who leads him down a path away from family, tribe and respect. This is a cautionary tale about life-style choices & addiction, cleverly crafted into an animated folk story.
Length 07’ 56”
Aged 14-18 -
Secrets from the Saz
PLAY What does this mean?
On a busy London street, a young boy meets a mysterious gentleman who is playing a Saz, a Middle Eastern stringed instrument. The man takes him away from the bustling city on an incredible journey to learn about his Kurdish Grandpa. Suddenly he wakes up to find the mystery man has vanished.
Length 05’ 00”
Aged 9-12 -
Seeing is Believing
PLAY What does this mean?
Gemma is spending too much time with her new university mates and is neglecting her boyfriend. It’s OK though as friend Sarah is on hand to help out – or is she! This classic love triangle drama tests the couples’ ultimate trust of one another on a night out down at the local pub.
Length 09’ 59”
Aged 14-18 -
Seeking
PLAY What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2004 Nominated for Best Documentary
Honest and well researched documentary about asylum seekers and refugees based in Milton Keynes, offering various sides to the argument, particularly the case for those under 18. Highlighting the general publics ignorance of what asylum means & the role the media plays in propogating these myths.
Length 09’ 35”
Aged 16-18 -
Seven Strokes
PLAY What does this mean?
This delightful animation is set in Beijing, London and a magical forest. A young boy is sucked down a sink while washing dishes in his family’s failing noodle bar, to find himself challenged by Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King. Modern lateral thinking, determination and knowledge of noodle magic all helps to save the day.
Length 07’ 32”
Aged 5-18 -
Shadows
PLAY What does this mean?
A young woman is sleeping on the streets. She wakes up and finds a lone door in front of her. Should she open it? She follows her curiosity and finds herself on an emotional journey through her past leading her to a happier place.
Length 03’
Aged 14-19 -
Shanade's Story
PLAY What does this mean?
Shanade is 16 at college. Shanades family are on the poverty line. Shanade has great responsibilities caring for her siblings whilst her mum works. Shanade is being picked on at college. She is keeping her situation a secret and won’t let anyone visit her home…until she bumps into an old friend who is persistent in seeing her and arrives at her home.
Length 03”53
Aged 13-22 -
Shark Pie
PLAY What does this mean?
Anya is given a fish pie by wacky nurse Cilla Cookie. No ordinary fish pie but a shark infested pie. Horrified Anya sets out to save Mr Sharkey & his fishy friends with a little help from Supermouse.
Length 05’ 57”
Aged 5-14 -
Show and Tell
PLAY What does this mean?
Topaz lives with Grandma. An angel on the outside, she is a devil in disguise. Short skirts and attitude, and, when the teacher sets an exercise in Art class, Topaz delivers rather more than expected! Topaz is on a collision course with authority and the consequences resulting from her actions.
Length 09’ 56”
Aged 14-21This film contains strong language.
-
Silent Scream
STOP What does this mean?
This ground breaking and compelling short drama documentary highlights the myths and misconceptions that appear to justify the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). Yasmin, a female living in Bristol, is trying to persuade her mother not to put her sister through FGM.
Length 10’
Aged 6-17 -
Silent Song
PLAY What does this mean?
A boy persists in trying to romance a girl who continually rejects him. Trapped in her world of repetitive behaviours, the film highlights the restraining factors of suffering with OCD, (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Using some spooky flash-backs, this atmospheric piece follows the girl’s journey to reconciliation with herself & now that the boy no longer visits.
Length 07’ 32”
Aged 15-18 -
Site Crew
PAUSE What does this mean?
Honest documentary about the lives of young people from a travelling community based in Dorset.
Length 10’ 28”
Aged 5-18CONTAINS VERY STRONG LANGUAGE
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Skool Daze
PLAY What does this mean?
A girl falls asleep in class and is transported back to Victorian times where education is cruelly administered with pupils frightened to speak their own language. The film deals in a humorous way with the nineteenth century attitude to the Welsh language and was made in a Welsh primary school in Cardiff.
Length 09’ 10”
Aged 9-10 -
Son and Heir
PLAY What does this mean?
A restorer discovers a ghost-image in a family portrait that reveals the sad tale of a mine owner who refused to install safety apparatus in his mine. He refuses because of cost, despite his son’s protests. His son sets out to prove him wrong but a tragedy costs him dear.
Length 04’ 50”
Age 14-18 -
Songs of Innocence
PLAY What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2003 Nominated for Best Documentary
What one piece of advice would you give to a new life? This charming film sees a nest containing an egg handed to members of the general public, in the hope they will enlighten this new life with the ways of the world.
Length 05’ 00”
Aged 17-18 -
Spying
PLAY What does this mean?
This hilarious spoof detective documentary follows the slightly geeky, but very likable Stan. He relies on donuts and his mum to help him with his detective work, which essentially amounts to him stalking Sarah, but does she know he’s following her?
Length 10’ 23”
Aged 15-18 -
Ssh!
PLAY What does this mean?
When a meteor lands in a small town it has some strange effects in the locals. A young boy discovers he has special powers and it isn’t long before he realises he isn’t the only one. As the boy sets about creating a super gang, he is unaware of the evil that is brewing in another part of town. Not all people who received powers are good.
Length 9’
Aged 9-16 -
Stadia
PLAY What does this mean?
An animation with models made from cardboard focussing on the Olympic Stadia for 2012.
Length 03’
Aged 9-10 -
Stalking Horse
PAUSE What does this mean?
Louise1994 is young and impressionable. Andy_451 wants to take their online relationship offline.
Question: How far is she prepared to go?
Answer: Right to the Edge.
Length 04’ 37”
Aged 15-18 -
Stargazer
PLAY What does this mean?
Matt stargazes, searching the sky every night looking for signs of his departed wife. Keeping him company is his plucky companion, Jockie the dog. Matt is planning a surprise for his Grandson Tony. Overnight something changes; Will Tony ever find out what his Grandfather had planned?
Length 07’ 06”
Aged 10-22 -
Sticks & Stones
PLAY What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2006 Nominated for Best Documentary
This powerful and moving documentary explores young people and violence through the stories of their victims and those of the perpetrators. There are victims of crime, victims of circumstance and victims of the system. How will this cycle of abuse be severed?
Length 11’ 00”
Aged 14-18 -
Street of Cafes
PLAY What does this mean?
Cafes reflect the cultures and traditions of their owners and the people they serve. In the UK, the cafe is an institution as famous as the English breakfast or afternoon tea. Yet in one street in south London, we find over ten cafes serving many different peoples from Chinese & Thai, to Greek and Italian whilst all serving eggs, chips and beans. Street of cafes is a microcosm, exploring the people, the food served and the street itself.
Length 05’ 25”
Aged 15-17 -
Strings Attached
PLAY What does this mean?
Buy her a birthday present, collect her from the airport, make her happy; Johnny needs to get it right. He needs to do it all in a hurry, but has he bought her present with no strings attached?
Length 09’ 59”
Age 14-18 -
Sue's Story
PAUSE What does this mean?
Sue feels very uncomfortable when Peter moves in, her mum’s new boyfriend. She tries talking to her mum but she just doesn’t get it. With a nagging doubt in the back Sue’s mind, she soon discovers that her gut instinct was right & her worst fears a reality. She must do anything to protect her family and get Peter out of the house.
Length 10’ 04”
Age 10-17 -
Sunbeds and Steroids
PLAY What does this mean?
This animated film focuses on two friends who enter a body building competition. One feels he is not progressing fast enough and starts using steroids to build muscle instead of training correctly like his friend. When the competition comes around which of the friends will impress the judges?
Length 03’ 00”
Aged 14-19 -
Sweet Little Thing
PLAY What does this mean?
This artists video piece follows a young girl who has a gang on her back. Using live action and animation the audience is treated to a beautiful chase.
Length 03’ 40”
Aged 13-16 -
Tea Leaf
PLAY What does this mean?
A young waitress wiles away her hours of work by creating stories about the lives of her customers; Imagining what do they do? where do they live? Creating characters for herself that are just ordinary folk.
Length 06’ 17”
Aged 16-18 -
Teenager
STOP What does this mean?
Sidney’s mother has been beaten again after a drunken row with his step-father. Looking for a way to escape, Sidney plans on leaving home to go to college. Can he leave his little sister with their parents alone? This is a powerful drama with some disturbing scenes.
Length 10’ 10”
Aged 14-18 -
The 3 Wishes
PLAY What does this mean?
An animated story, permeated with kindness, humour, innocence and pride in local identity, it follows a woodsman’s encounter with a lost fairy in a magical wood. Offered three wishes, he is delighted, however what comes to pass is not exactly what the poor man had in mind.
Length 03’ 30”
Age 9-10 -
The Amazing Adventure of the Plastic Bag
PLAY What does this mean?
A group of young filmmakers investigate the problems that plastic bags cause to the environment. From interviews with the local vet and fishermen the young filmmakers chart the journey that a plastic bag can make and the harmful effects that it causes. They even capture some rare interview footage with one of the pesky plastic bags, which adds a welcomed light-hearted look at a very serious issue!
Length 10’ 10”
Aged 7-8 -
The Bacon Boy
PLAY What does this mean?
The date is 2013 and it is one year on from the introduction of a Europe-wide meat ban. In a small Scottish village, temptation from a mysterious stranger proves too much for some. Will the locals fall into a life of unlawful indulgence, or will the efforts of young Katie Goodheart be enough to overcome the Bacon Boy?
Length 10’ 00”
Aged 12-19 -
The Big Splash
PLAY What does this mean?
Four friends make a big splash in more ways than one when they dive into Weymouth bay to rescue the stolen Olympic torch.
Length 03’
Aged 9-10 -
The Birthday Girl
PLAY What does this mean?
Set during World War II, the film focuses on a young girl who is trying to celebrate her birthday whilst her father is away fighting the war.
Length 04’ 49”
Age 9-10 -
The Book
PLAY What does this mean?
A group of children on a school outing to the local library discover spooky goings-on. This live action thriller is set in Bristol Central Library where a ghostly monk is said to haunt the galleries, but is he real?
Length 08’ 49”
Aged 10-11 -
The Boxer
PLAY What does this mean?
The Boxer is a documentary about Don James, an ex-boxer and trainer from Merthyr Tydfil. Don grew up with Howard Winstone, a local world Champion fighter and trained with famous boxers from Merthyr such as Eddie Thomas and Jonny Owen.
Length 03’ 02”
Aged 13-19 -
The Butterfly Effect
PLAY What does this mean?
Mr Duckett, a local nature photographer has been asked to fill in last minute as the official photo finish photographer on the Olympic Men’s 100m Final. TV viewers will never see a better photo finish…
Length 03’
Aged 12-18 -
The Caretakers
STOP What does this mean?
First Light Movies Awards 2007 Nominated for Best Horror
Charlie goes for a job as a cleaner in a local building but when she turns up for the interview she finds an empty, spooky old building. Furthermore a mysterious voice guides her to the office where the interview becomes deadly. Using classic suspense techniques, a zombie horror is created.
Length 07’ 19”
Aged 16-18 -
The Child and Me
PLAY What does this mean?
This documentary charts a group of 11-year-olds as they prepare to make the journey from primary to secondary school. Through the film the young people explore what makes them childlike and what makes them more mature as they discuss their excitement of moving into a new school and the next stage of their lives.
Length 07’ 09”
Aged 11 -
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
PLAY What does this mean?
This tense thriller sees two people that appear to be in a room as part of an experiment. One plays interrogator & the other his experiment. The debate is philosophical and begins to get more heated, each trying to out manoeuvre the other. As the discussion develops we are uncertain as to whose reality we are a part. Anthony Stewart Head plays oneof the main characters.
Length 12’ 22”
Aged 16-18 -
The Day The Lights Went Out
PLAY What does this mean?
A group of friends are playing on the beach when a storm breaks suddenly & they run for shelter. The Lighthouse is nearest to them & the elderly lighthouse keeper invites them in to take refuge. However all is not all what it seems…
Length 06’ 54”
Aged 10 -
The Envelope
PLAY What does this mean?
The protagonist is given an envelope that appears to be sought after in many circles. Follow our girl to find out what exactly is in that envelop and solve the mystery.
Length 03’
Aged 13-18 -
The Final Story
PLAY What does this mean?
Loner Sam loves to draw characters from fantastic stories his granddad tells him. Sam starts to become popular when he passes the stories off as his own at school but when Sam find out his granddad is upset, he decides he must find a way to make amends.
Length 10’
Aged 12-19 -
The Gas Mask
PLAY What does this mean?
Francesca is stuck on an assignment to write about a gas mask. Suddenly her classmates disappear and ghosts of WWII schoolchildren appear. An air raid approaches, and the student next to her puts his gas mask on. As she runs for a gas mask, the bomb hits. She finds herself back in the present, shaken, but inspired.
Length 03’27”
Aged 9-25 -
The Greatest Football Match in the World
PLAY What does this mean?
Latin American footballers, the Music Blazers are in town. Resident team, the Black Diamonds, is feeling the pressure even though they have a sack full of trophies. Even so, the Black Diamonds invade the pitch & take on the Music Blazers. An insider tip-off reveals the Music Blazers Achilles’ heel. Will it be the music or the football that wins the day?
Length 09’ 00”
Aged 10-11 -
The Island
PLAY What does this mean?
This charming animation tells of a possessive polar bear bent on keeping his ice island to himself against the wishes of a very determined penguin! A full scale sparring match ensues whilst the ice island drifts off towards the Bahamas and rather more laid-back parrot.
Length 04’ 28”
Aged 9-16 -
The Key to Happiness
PLAY What does this mean?
When Prince Glumalot from Sadlands decides to make everyone in Happylands as miserable as possible, a dark cloud forms over the once joyful kingdom. The Kings trusty Giant, Tiny, plans to save the day so he can win the hand of the beautiful princess he has admired for so long. Along with a wise man and his wise Goat, a whispering forest, a creature called Elfel and a magical sponge anything is possible.
Length 8’ 35”
Aged 9-10 -
The King of Wenlock part 1
PLAY What does this mean?
A fast paced animated documentary using archive material. An athlete races through time, swimming, diving and vaulting his way through the history of the modern day Olympics.
Length 03’
Aged 14-16The King of Wenlock won Best Documentary at the Film Nation Awards 2012.
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The Other Guy
PLAY What does this mean?
Sean is running out of time to make his move on Chloe but neither of them can see that in the game of love not everyone is playing on the same team.
Answer: Right to the Edge.
Length 09’ 58”
Aged 15-17 -
The Portland Race
PLAY What does this mean?
When yachts fill the harbour, it’s a race to get fishing for Portland fishermen. Olympic boats in Portland harbour bring unexpected challenges for a fisherman and his son when they venture out in a tiny Lerret boat.
Length 03’
Aged 8-9 -
The Power of Black Hair
PLAY What does this mean?
This creative documentary follows the history of black hair through the ages, using famous people or episodes from the time. Using mixed media techniques & an engaging soundtrack, the film uses re-enactments of key moments in the evolution of black hairdressing, illustrating that hairstyling is not simply a fashion trend but a reflection of cultural change.
Length 07’ 38”
Aged 11-12 -
The Race
PLAY What does this mean?
Neil and David met at nursery school. There was something different about Neil but David liked him, even though he often got himself into a bad temper. Neil knew that because of his condition eventually they would part company but David vowed that they would always remain best friends.
Length 8’ 47”
Aged 5-13 -
The Reserve
PAUSE What does this mean?
The Reserve is a place where a group of very different people come together. The reason for which is not certain, what is certain is The Reserve is familiar to none. A drug dealer with a moral dilemma, a smart but arrogant boffin with an attitude to match, an indie waster, an Irish girl with strong beliefs and a kidnapped Russian. The group has to decide who can leave to carry on with their life.
Length 10’ 08”
Aged 16-18 -
The Singing Banana Bomb
PLAY What does this mean?
This is a charming and colourful animated tale of an inventor who creates a singing banana bomb that can shower civilians with food, music and money, bringing peace to war-torn countries like Iraq.
Length 04’ 59”
Aged 9 -
The Tell Tale Heart
PAUSE What does this mean?
Adapted from Edgar Allen Poe’s famous short story, the film tells the tale of the murder of an elderly gentleman by his carer. Ultimately the carer is racked with guilt and finally driven insane revealing the butchered body to the police.
Length 03’ 01”
Filmmakers Aged 11-18 -
The Three Sisters
An animated fable about the legend of the King’s three sisters and Lough Neagh, made by a group of eight to 10-year-olds.
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This Was Forever
PLAY What does this mean?
Set in East London, the location of the 2012 Olympics, this documentary follows a community’s battle to prevent their allotments being swallowed up in the development plans. This is a powerful film that looks at what happens when a diverse group of people are united in despair about the effects of change.
Length 10’ 10”
Aged 15-17 -
Three Blind Mice
STOP What does this mean?
Three young celebrities leave a friend to die rather than damage their reputations. But when they wake up in an abandoned building, they realise someone knows what they have done.
Length 10’ 20”
Aged 13-17 -
Time Report
PLAY What does this mean?
In a galaxy far, far away, the Time report is broadcast live from a battered old space station. The roving Time Reporter jumps through space and time to bring viewers the latest information on Earth’s ecological problems, whilst the studio director struggles to keep the show going. Featuring interviews with a dinosaur, a Tudor farmer and an alien, this is a whimsical look at global warming.
Length 09’ 37”
Aged 7-10 -
Truce
PLAY What does this mean?
An abstract animation with lines of poetry from young people focussing on ‘truce’ and what it means to them.
Length 03’
Aged 9-11 -
Underground High
PLAY What does this mean?
This documentary opens up the world of skaters & discusses the various cultural attributes of the scene. The hottest topic to debate is the legality of grafs or graffiti; Are these young people the talented future of Bristish art or willful crimminals with no respect for property?
Length 08’ 56”
Aged 15-18 -
Until My Heart's, Like, Finished
PLAY What does this mean?
On the day of your 16th birthday, your mum kicks you out of home for good. You live in a car. You sofa surf. You sleep rough. Life for these young people has been tough with many challenges. Here they tell their stories in their own words, reveal they have learnt about how to survive and make plans for putting their lives back together.
Length 10’ 14”
Age 16-19 -
Violence
STOP What does this mean?
A real story exploring how music helped one young offender expresses himself with the violence in and around his young life.
Length 05’ 15”
Aged 18 -
Virtual Obsession
PLAY What does this mean?
Mike is obsessed with his Tamogotchi. One day when he bumps into Katie, he starts to realise there might be more to the real world. If only he could start looking up from his virtual obsession.
Length 6’ 38”
Aged 13-16 -
W.I.L.D
An Activison First Light Movies Award 2009 Nominee for Best Film by Over 13’s
This sci-fi adventure chronicles the results of a scientist’s attempts to beat a deadly virus with the power of lucid dreams. With amazing special effects and acrobatic fight scenes this is an action packed and uncompromising work of the imagination. Working on this project made the young filmmakers realise the huge range of possibilities in their ideas. They gained a confidence in their abilities and learned to the value of taking risks and making mistakes in order to further develop their skills and understanding.
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Walk This Way
PLAY What does this mean?
This spoof documentary follows a group of ramblers happy in their natural habitat of the scenic Derbyshire countryside. The film analyzes these strange creatures that appear in packs in the summer months with their rambling gear, walking sticks and hiking equipment ready to engage in the great outdoors!
Length: 09’ 09”
Aged 12-18 -
Ware U At?
PAUSE What does this mean?
This is a contemporary film reflecting the emotions, stresses and decisions of two young people in urban South Wales. Set during a long, humid afternoon Ashleigh and Daniel struggle with peer pressure and the consequences of their actions.
Length 09’35”
Aged 12-18 -
Wasteland
PAUSE What does this mean?
Set in a Post-apocalyptic world, a desolate man struggles to balance the need to survive with the need to follow his faith.
Length 03”10
Aged 15-20 -
What About Ye?
PLAY What does this mean?
Five young people go on a road trip to hear about the pleasures & pressures of being a teenager.
Length 07’10”
Aged 15-19 -
Which Witch?
PLAY What does this mean?
Two plasticine witches have been tidied away in their cardboard boxes, but once the door is closed they come alive for a magic duel. This is a charming and fun claymation film where spells are thrown back and forth between the rival witches, but are they being serious or is this just a typical night of entertainment between two friends?
Length 07’ 38”
Aged 8-10 -
Who Cares?
PLAY What does this mean?
Using a combination of live action & animation, a group of young carers reveal their frustrations & aspirations. This creative documentary is inspirational in that it acknowledges the difficulties of being a carer but also the rewards.
Length 06’ 40”
Aged 11-15 -
Wonderful World
PLAY What does this mean?
Fir cone hedgehogs, pipe cleaner tadpoles and stickle brick flowers make up the shifting scenery in this charming animation. Created from objects found, this delightful short, journey’s through a year in the countryside, imaginatively animating nature and the changing seasons.
Length 05’ 01”
Aged 8-10 -
Work Experience: It's A Journey
PLAY What does this mean?
This documentary features three special needs students as they take part in work experience placements. Joshua is having a taster day at a local theatre, Kieron is helping out in a local charity shops for a few weeks and Ellie has been working at the Dogs trust for over two years.
Length 09’ 33”
Aged 16-19 -
Young Dads
PLAY What does this mean?
A young dad and an expectant one discuss how their own experiences as kids are shaping how they hope to meet the challenges of Fatherhood.
Length 03’
Aged 16-23 -
Your Future Home
PLAY What does this mean?
A chilling drama where David thinks he is being offered a new home but instead ends up somewhere much less homely.
Length 03’
Aged 16-19 -
Zombie School - A Survival Guide
PAUSE What does this mean?
After the outbreak of a deadly virus, Sawston Village College has become a school for both humans and zombies. With danger lurking around every corridor, expert survivor Geoff Peng offers his top 5 tips for surviving Zombie School and getting those all important GCSEs.
Length 3’28”
Aged 11-14
