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Keen to catch some brand new educational and entertaining films this December that are not Christmas themed? Here are our highlights of the best upcoming releases showing in cinemas across the UK this month that will engage and inspire young audiences.
From an insightful documentary about an extraordinary filmmaking couple, to a groundbreaking approach to documentary and digital storytelling; from the untold legends of Middle Earth brought to life by anime, to legendary kings of the savanna presented in lifelike CGI; and the value of family is highlighted among video game characters and aspiring video game casters alike.
Experience these stories on the big screen and discover more related films and teaching resources available on Into Film+.
Merchant Ivory (12A) - in cinemas 6 December 2024
A successful career in filmmaking relies on collaboration, and examining this fruitful and at times contentious combination of talents can offer a helpful insight for young people interested in exploring professions in the screen industries. Hot on the heels of Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger comes another documentary delving into one of the longest partnerships in cinema history: that of producer Ismael Merchant and director James Ivory. Their romantic and professional relationship lasted for 44 years and bore almost as many feature films, a powerhouse of box-office and Oscar-winning hits such as The Remains of the Day, A Room With a View and Maurice. The Merchant Ivory company is credited for developing audiences' taste for period dramas, but as the interviews and archival materials in this documentary reveal, being part of their productions was not always smooth sailing.
Grand Theft Hamlet (15) - in cinemas 6 December 2024
Teamwork in bizarre circumstances is also at the heart of this whimsical documentary, which follow the attempts of two out-of-work actors during the 2021 COVID lockdown to stage a Shakespeare play within the virtual world of Grand Theft Auto 5. The video game's digital landscape is repurposed and the term ‘players' takes on a whole new meaning as the online community is invited to casting calls, rehearsals and finally to a performance of Hamlet. Taking place entirely on a computer screen, this groundbreaking documentary is a surprisingly poignant look at the power that art has in bringing people together whilst also providing an alternative perspective on one of Shakespeare's most revered plays, a classical interpretation of which is also available to watch for free* on Into Film+.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (12A) - in cinemas 13 December 2024
This anime fantasy film expands on the legends and characters created by British author J. R. R. Tolkien as part of the fictional world of Middle Earth, with a story buried in the appendices of his books and set 183 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings (available on Into Film+). The tale centres around Helm Hammerhand, the sovereign ruler of Rohan, kingdom of Men, and his brave daughter Héra. When the vengeful Lord Wulf and his vicious army of Dunlendings attack their kingdom, the House of Hammerhand must do what they can to protect Hornburg, the mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm's Deep. The brutal battles and high-stakes storyline honour the tradition of the live-action franchise, while the animated format and the focus on a female heroine bring fresh perspectives to a much-loved fantasy world.
Mufasa: The Lion King (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 20 December 2024
Also delving into the backstory of a legendary character, this sequel to the 2019 live-action reimagining of The Lion King (both of which are available on Into Film+) explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, Mufasa, Simba's father. With the reality of fatherhood testing his nerve, Simba enlists Rafiki, the enigmatic baboon, to relay the story of Mufasa to Kiara, the cub he has been raising with Nala. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone in the savanna until he meets a sympathetic lion named Takathe heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits, such as the iconic Timon and Pumbaa, searching for their destiny. Highlighting the importance of loyalty, compassion, and the courage to shape one's own path, this vivid film is also useful for exploring topics including wildlife and the African continent.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (12A) - in cinemas 27 December 2024
This heartwarming Thai film has been a huge hit in many Asian countries and is taking Western audiences by storm too. M is a hapless teenager who has dropped out of university with the aim of making it big as a professional game caster, but things are not going so well. Meanwhile his cousin Mui has hit the jackpot in his eyes, as her efforts caring for a rich elderly relative have been rewarded with a hefty inheritance. Inspired by this morally questionable incentive, he volunteers to take care of his terminally ill grandmother Menju in the hope that she'll leave everything to him when she dies. But Menju has a feisty character, and M has to work hard to get her to accept his help. And so, by acting caring and protective, he inadvertently starts to truly cherish their relationship. A witty and charming film about redemption and family dynamics.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 27 December 2024
Following his leap from popular Japanese video game series to live-action screen debut in 2020 (available on Into Film+), Sonic the super-fast hedgehog is back with his friends Knuckles and Tails to face a powerful new adversary. The trio are called upon to try and stop Shadow, a hedgehog genetically engineered with alien DNA who seems to be invincible. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance with zany Dr. Ivo Robotnik if they're to stand a chance of protecting the planet. This thrilling action adventure explores themes including teamwork, friendship and family, with many references and Easter eggs from the games themselves, such as the cute Chao creatures of Chao Gardens.
How Do I Get Started?
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If you don't have a PVS Licence, or aren't already covered, then a licence can easily be obtained from Filmbankmedia.
Filmbankmedia
Filmbankmedia licenses and distributes film and TV entertainment to many groups and is the licensing authority we work with to ensure schools, libraries and youth groups have the permissions to screen films from our catalogue.
* Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.
The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen.
