A nationwide programme of free film screenings and activities has been planned for the first National Youth Film Festival later this year. The festival aims to give children aged five to 19 the chance to learn about film making and the film industry.
All UK schools and youth groups will have the opportunity to take pupils to the cinema free of charge.
The project is being delivered by Film Nation UK, a new charity for film education.
The BFI is investing £26m of lottery funding over the next four years to deliver the initiatives.
The money will be invested over four years, which education charity FilmClub said is the largest investment in film education so far in this country.
The charity said the money is aimed at ensuring every five to 19 year-old in the UK has the opportunity to receive film education. As part of the new film festival, young people will be able to attend screening and take part in interactive workshops and Q&A sessions with industry professionals.
Teachers will also be able to use the screenings for educational purposes to coincide with topics in the curriculum.
Boasting a board of trustees of leading industry figures, it is lead by Working Title’s Eric Fellner and also includes James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, director Beeban Kidron and BBC journalist and presenter Samira Ahmed.
The festival will run from 21 October to 8 November. More information
