Burnham backs FILMCLUB's call for after school film clubs scheme to be rolled out in North Wales

10.09.00am GMT Mon 22nd Feb 2010

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales has today given her full support to FILMCLUB an innovative project which provides pupils and teachers the chance to explore the world of film through after school film clubs. Whilst this scheme is proving hugely beneficial to English schoolchildren, with almost 3000 schools already participating in England, there are only funds for 11 schools in Wales and no schools taking part in the pilot project from North Wales.

Eleanor Burnham said " At a recent event at the Senedd in Cardiff, I was thrilled to hear about the work of FILMCLUB and their successful FILMCLUB Cymru pilot scheme which highlighted the benefits of a nationwide roll out across Wales. Unfortunately, there are no schools from North Wales involved in the pilot project but I know FILMCLUB is very keen to hear from local schools who would like to participate."

Among those who would like to see FILMCLUB extended are actor Michael Sheen, FILMCLUB's ambassador for Wales.

Michael Sheen said "FILMCLUB is a wonderful project which has the potential to empower and inspire so many young people. Films have educated me as much as school has and I wish I'd had something like this when I was at school. Through FILMCLUB young people in Wales can understand Welsh culture in the context of the wider world; they can broaden their horizons, be inspired to recognize their potential and tell their own stories so the rest of the world may one day hear them."

Film-maker Beeban Kidron who co-founded FILMCLUB in 2007 said 'For our members FILMCLUB is many things; a refuge, a place of inspiration, a point of entry, a catharsis, a reason to talk, a reason to write. I believe FILMCLUB is a small fraction of what we must offer our children - not simply the tools of learning - but a reason to learn'.

Eleanor Burnham said "This is a fantastic initiative which gives school pupils the opportunity to watch, discuss and review a variety of films and I believe it deserves increased funding from the Assembly to ensure schools in North Wales can benefit from involvement in the project . If any schools in North Wales would like to become involved or find out more about Film Club, please contact my regional office on 01978 366154.

FILMCLUB

The FILMCLUB Wales Pilot started in September 2008 with support from Film Agency Wales, Skillset Screen Academy Wales and national charity Continyou Cymru. Recently HSBC has also lent its support.

Personal development is a particularly important aspect of Welsh film clubs. A couple of the schools have deliberately used FILMCLUB to help with behavioural problems and one reports that discussing the films and characters afterwards helps to encourage empathy. Others have provided youngsters with amazing experiences such as - in the case of two FILMCLUB members - the chance to interview celebrities on the red carpet at the BAFTA Cymru Awards.

Each week pupils are able to select from thousands of titles courtesy of LOVEFiLM, arranged in special seasons appealing directly to young people. Members also post their own film reviews, enter competitions and find out more about the film industry through interviews and news features on the FILMCLUB website. Teachers are invited to take part in free induction sessions and receive ongoing web and telephone support.

FILMCLUB's 'Close Encounters' programme of educational and inspiring school visits by world-famous industry specialists lifts the veil on filmmaking and show pupils that the world of cinema is in their reach.

In addition FILMCLUB has just launched a season of 'Welsh Movies'