19/02/2007

UK Chancellor Gordon Brown, actress Thandie Newton and filmmakers Kevin Macdonald (Last King of Scotland [+see also:
trailer
film profile]) and Beeban Kidron (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason [+see also:
trailer
film profile]) joined forces last Thursday to launch FILM CLUB, a new initiative that aims to bring the world of film into 10,000 primary and secondary schools across the UK.

Founded by Kidron and educationalist Lindsay Mackie, the non-profit organisation FILM CLUB is supported by the UK Film Council, BFI, LOVEFiLM, Film Education, All Industry Marketing (AIM), Film Bank/PVSL and Film Distributors Association.

The project is currently in a pilot phase in 25 seletced schools, but if it proves popular and funding is secured, the intention is to roll it out to some 10,000 UK schools at the beginning of September 2007.

At the heart of FILMCLUB is the new website www.filmclub.org, which will offer UK teachers and pupils the possibility to browse and order hundreds of recommended films (made available through LOVEFiLM, the online DVD rental service), both mainstream blockbusters and specialised and foreign language films. Teachers and pupils will also be able to write reviews and rate movies, as well as access information about what’s on at their local cinema.

Chancellor Brown said:"We want every young person to be able to use their school facilities outside normal school hours for sport, arts, music or other constructive activities, and FILM CLUB is a great example of how schools can offer young people the chance to do something engaging and exciting at the end of their school day. For the first time, FILM CLUB will allow young people to watch a much wider range of films from world cinema together and discuss them in groups”.

A host of film celebrities have also given their support to the initiative, including Stephen Frears, Daniel Craig, Alan Parker, Nick Park, and Daniel Radcliffe and all have agreed to visit the selected schools during the pilot phase.