Into Film Clubs
Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.
Film is one of the best mediums in which to tell a story, and it's even better when that story has real meaning behind it, like raising awareness about important subjects and societal issues. Films like this can spark new ways of thinking and acting in their audience.
Today, young people are becoming more and more interested in local and global issues, such as climate change, equality and inclusivity, social impact, and more. This is why we have Time for Action - a standalone category at the Into Film Awards.
The Time for Action category is a space for youth-made films that look at important issues, whether locally or on a global scale. We want to hear from young people about what matters to them and learn from it; we want to hear what the next generation have to say about the important issues of today.
If your students have made a short film about an important issue or topic, encourage them to enter it to the Into Film Awards. Submissions are open until 12:00pm on Tuesday 4 March, so there's one week to go to submit any pre-existing films (or even to make a new one, if they're very speedy workers!).
Previous entries in the Time for Action category have included films about racism and inclusivity, climate change and access to local community provisions. Films can be about personal or group experiences or larger global initiatives - we welcome all stories and ideas as long as they're focused on taking action and driving change.
Watch last year's winning film Just Ignore It below for inspiration.
Just Ignore It
Made by 11 young people aged 11-18 from My Pockets and Youth Aspire Connect - Hull, England
This hard-hitting and honest animation recounts true stories of racism experienced by young people and their families, and sets out some simple advice and guidance for how we can all help tackle racist behaviour when we encounter it.
Time for Action: entry criteria
The Time for Action category is for films made by young people that raise awareness of issues and explore the changes they would like to make in the world, whether big or small, personal or society wide.
We are looking for films that capture young people's hopes and dreams, whether relating to their day-to-day life at home, at their youth club or school, or within their wider community.
Alternatively, young people could explore bigger changes that they want to see in the world. If there's an issue that is important to the young filmmakers, we want to hear about it. The film can be any genre and will be judged on the following areas:
- Idea/Voice ideas and issues are relevant to the theme of Time For Action, explored creatively, and effectively convey young peoples' opinions
- Story/Message - the narrative/argument is strong and engaging and leaves the audience with a clear message and/or call to action
- Sound - the music, sound effects and dialogue are clear and strengthen the narrative/argument
- Look - the use of camera, movement, and lighting support the film well
- Technical ability - this is important to some extent, but entrants will not be penalised due to a lack of access to either equipment or professional support
Or perhaps your learners have a short film better suited to a different category? Here is a reminder the other filmmaking and non-filmmaking categories to enter for the 2025 Into Film Awards:
- Best Animation (5-11)
- Best Animation (12-19)
- Best Film (5-11)
- Best Film (12-15)
- Best Film (16-19)
- Best Documentary
- Time for Action
- Filmmaking Champions
- Ones to Watch
- Audience Choice*
- Best Story**
Find out more about each category's entry criteria
* This category is a public vote via social media, and does not open until we have this year's nominees. We'll share more information after entries close in March 2025.
** Nominees in this category will be selected from across all of the films submitted to other filmmaking categories - you cannot enter this category directly.
