Into Film Clubs
Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.
Short films are an accessible way to introduce new topics and generate discussion among young people. We have added five brand new short films on Into Film+ that offer opportunities to explore a wide range of topics including the importance of inclusivity amongst a sea of variety, the meaning of consent and how our identity can be shaped by our experiences. Curated from a range of countries around the world, from France to Wales to the USA, these films also display an assortment of techniques through animation and live-action that are bound to get classrooms talking.
Lazy Bloom - suitable for ages 5+
In a peaceful, colourful and relaxed rainforest world inhabited by lazy creatures called Blobs, Zip is simply trying to fit in with everyone else. However, Zip is a hyperactive Blob, meaning they are always moving and thinking quickly, clashing against the lazy Blob lifestyle and irritating the tribe that they live with. When their behaviour sees them rejected by the tribe, Zip is devastated but the other Blobs soon realise all of the wonderful things Zip has to offer. This vibrant and lively animation is an ode to those who struggle to fit in and a particularly accessible and sincere exploration of what it can be like to live with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Pete - suitable for ages 7+
Baseball is widely considered to be the national sport of the United States of America and kids all around the country dream of making it to the big leagues. This short animation, based on a true story, takes place in 1975 when the gender divide was even more apparent and a young girl calling herself Pete is desperate to play in her little league team. Sporting a short haircut and the traditional baseball uniform, nobody notices or cares that Pete is a girl but when her gender is discovered, the trouble begins as the parents of other players begin to voice their disapproval. The rest of Pete's team, however, have their own outlook on this discovery. A nuanced look at gender and identity, this accessible animation also explores how children can often be more accepting than the adults around them.
Elen - suitable for ages 7+
Set in rural North Wales, this short film follows Elen, a kind ten-year-old girl with epilepsy and a vivid imagination. When a new pupil joins her school, Elen must overcome some of her fears. This is a heartfelt story of friendship and acceptance that creatively uses animation to depict its lead character's perspective.
Dyma ffilm fer, sydd wedi ei leoli yn Ngogledd Cymru sy'n stori am gyfeillgarwch, cydnabyddiaeth ac o ddychymyg bywiog merch deng mlwydd oed o'r enw Elen, sydd ag epilepsi. Pan ddaw disgybl newydd i'r ysgol, mae Elen yn gorfod concro ei hofnau. Mae'r ffilm twymgalon yma'n stori o gyfeillgarwch ac o gael eich derbyn sy'n defnyddio animeiddio'n greadigol i greu darlun liwgar o bersbecif y prif gymeriad.
Rear View - suitable for ages 14+
In this thought-provoking British short film, a driver makes polite small talk with a passenger that he has just picked up, but the latter doesn't seem to be in the mood for a chat. The passenger, as it turns out, works in film, an industry that the driver is curious about, so he takes the opportunity to find out more. But just below the surface of the light conversation about this mutual interest is a growing awareness of disparity, so that the encounter becomes charged with raw tension. Shot during lockdown through ingenious workarounds, this short film will resonate powerfully with young people exploring their creativity and preparing to navigate what can sometimes feel like a very intimidating world of work.
Barricade - suitable for ages 14+
From ‘unwelcome attention' to ‘nasty pranks', sexual harassment and assault in school is a problem that can fly under the radar unless it is called out for what it is. While listening to music on her headphones on the bus, Aleena is harassed by some boys who think it's all a big joke. Traumatised, she tries to speak to a teacher about it but gets cut off. She grows aware of a normalisation of unacceptable behaviour, but then discovers a magical safe space and experiences a connection with another classmate. This empowering moment triggers a small act of rebellion in Aleena, which transforms the classroom. This is a powerful short film that promotes peer support and a culture of zero tolerance towards abuse.
