Young film makers take part in Frontiers project

Young film makers take part in Frontiers project

9 January 2013

FOUR local schools are involved in the second year of a ground breaking film project aimed at young people aged between 11 and 13.

St. Colman’s High School, The High School Ballynahinch, Down High School and St. Patrick’s Grammar School in Downpatrick are among 42 schools across Northern Ireland taking part in the ‘Reel Frontiers’ project launched by Cinemagic and the International Fund for Ireland.

The film making project, which began in Sept 2011, has brought together pupils from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds to work together, learn about film making and production, share experiences and make new friends.

In this second year the young people are meeting on a regular basis to watch a series of themed film screenings and participate in workshops and discussions. The 2012-13 phase will culminate with five film camps taking place throughout June and July 2013.

Activities so far have included an interactive discussion led by representatives from Beyond Skin, an organisation that aims to build cultural relations in Northern Ireland, and the films examining the themes of identity and prejudice.

The co-produced films made at the film camps have the ultimate aim of promoting understanding between the different communities and traditions in Northern Ireland. 

The films will be set in a Northern Ireland context and will deal with issues such as division, conflict and the challenges the young people encounter on a daily basis in their respective neighbourhoods.

David Graham, from the International Fund for Ireland, said they were pleased to be supporting Cinemagic through the Reel Frontiers Project.

“Cinemagic have been working tirelessly over the years bringing together young people from different community backgrounds for masterclasses, screenings and workshops in film making,” he said.

“Creative projects such as this enrich community relations and support the Fund’s objectives of peace-building particularly those of our Sharing in Education Programme.

“Reel Frontiers will encourage young people to work and learn together with their peers from different communities and build friendships. These experiences help young people overcome fear and suspicion and create the building blocks for a more shared future.”