Youth-made short 'Dinosaur' premieres at the 2024 Into Film Festival

We're delighted to announce that youth-made short Dinosaur premiered in Sheffield today as part of this year's Into Film Festival launch. The short film was created by film studies students from All Saints Catholic High School, Sheffield, and was screened to a local audience of young people at the Showroom Cinema in Sheffield. The five young filmmakers behind the project were on hand to witness their film debut on the big screen, and to discuss their experience making it.

Leah, Christina, Eva, Paree, and Lian - five Year 12 A-level students from All Saints Catholic High School - won our Time to Inspire storyboard competition, delivered in partnership with world-renowned Swiss watchmaker, Swatch, earlier this year. The five young filmmakers were then given the incredible opportunity to transform their winning storyboard into a completed short film.

Dinosaur will now be shown in cinemas across the UK ahead of a further 2,000 screenings and events as part of the Into Film Festival this November (8-29). "Thinking about it and making it on paper was one thing, but seeing our ideas and characters transformed from sketches into a real film was another. Watching the short film come out exactly how we envisioned filled us with pride and accomplishment." explained the winning team.

On having their work displayed on the big screen, the group were both excited and humbled. "It is a fantastic opportunity to reach a wider audience and see how it resonates with others. We cannot wait to experience the energy of the Festival's atmosphere. It is an amazing feeling to think our short film will be part of such a significant event."

Dinosaur tells the story of Matthew, a young boy on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance of his cultural heritage. As he prepares to go to school on a non-uniform day, Matthew wears a Kurta, a traditional South Asian tunic, but his anxiety about standing out in this attire leads him to imagine himself in a dinosaur costume instead. With the support of his family and friends, Matthew gradually learns to embrace his cultural identity, gaining confidence and comfort in who he is. By accepting and celebrating his heritage, Matthew not only finds his own sense of pride but also inspires others to appreciate and take pride in the unique qualities that make them special.

"We hope the audience takes away the message to just be themselves and embrace their uniqueness", said the winning team as part of their Q&A session at the event. "We want to encourage them to know that they are capable of creating change and inspiring others, just as they can be inspired by the stories of those around them."

The winning short is part of our Every Child a Filmmaker initiative, which aims to support as many young people as possible to tell their story through film. The winners worked with industry professionals to develop core skills in filmmaking and storytelling, increasing their creativity, and confidence in their own voices. The winning team's film showcases the positive impact that young filmmakers can have by using their voices to inspire future generations to aspire, be empowered, and be the changemakers of tomorrow.

Dinosaur will now be showcased on the Into Film YouTube channel - one of the largest collections of youth-made short films in the UK. The film will also be included in an Into Film+ playlist, for schools to enjoy for years to come. Plus - you can watch the film yourself just below!

Filmmaking resources

If you've been inspired by the incredible journey these young filmmakers have been on and are keen to support the young people you work with in making a short film, we've got plenty of resources suitable for all age ranges that can provide a simple and easy jumping-off point.

Our mini filmmaking guides explain every stage of the film production process, from development to distribution, whereas Six Sessions from Story to Screen gives a clear structure on how to make a film in half a term. Get Into Animation is also divided into six sessions, but focuses on the unique nature of the animation process. Finally, our Making a Wellbeing Film resource can help older filmmakers to shape their thoughts on sensitive and impactful topics, while Our Climate Documentary can help produce a climate-focused documentary film. 

More about Swatch

Positive provocation and joie de vivre made in Switzerland: since its founding in 1983, Swatch has shaken up the watch industry. Thanks to its striking designs that always reflect the zeitgeist, Swatch is one of the leading watch manufacturers and most sought-after brands in the world and has always stayed true to itself. The company surprises again and again, whether it be with regularly released new models or special collections. The revolutionary way in which Swatch thinks and acts has always been evident with its early involvement in action sports, such as BMX, skateboarding and surfing. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai embodies the brand's love of art and brings together artists from around the world.