Into Film launches in Northern Ireland

After successful launch events in England and Wales, today sees Into Film head to Northern Ireland as we continue to roll out our exciting new programme that puts film at the heart of children and young people's education. 

Bernard McCloskey, Director of Education at Northern Ireland Screen, opened proceedings with a speech on the cultural importance of film, saying:

"Film is more than just an art form, it's a great way to explore the world and have magical adventures, and it's also a mirror that can reflect our own lives. Film should be an integral part of learning every day in schools"

Also in attendance at St Therese de Lisieux Primary School in Belfast were Into Film Director of Education, Jane Fletcher; award-winning young Irish filmmaker Ellan Rankin, and Carr's Glen Primary School teacher and Into Film Club leader, Tony Young.

Talking about his experience running a club, Tony spoke of how he has been able to broaden cultural awareness for his pupils, and implored the audience to pass on their passion for film to the next generation. 12-year-old Emily, formerly of Carrs Glen, said film "helps me use my imagination and introduced me to topics that I would have never studied before. That's the power of film, it makes you ask questions."

With already over 400 clubs in Northern Ireland, we're delighted to be introducing the country to our entire 'See, Think, Make. Imagine' programme, which will provide even more opportunities for children and young people to engage critically and creatively with film. We'd like to thank our delivery partners Cinemagic, Northern Ireland Screen and The Nerve Centre.

Into Film's Northern Ireland ambassador and prolific filmmaker Mark Cousins has recorded a video message to lend his support, in which he champions the immense educational power of film, and speaks candidly about how his own education would have been enriched through cinema.