Flip the Script is an education programme for primary schools based in Tower Hamlets focusing on film and media skills.

As part of the programme, pupils from five local schools created films about how their own personal narratives link to those of different places and times, and how our collective histories impact the world we live in today.

From a misunderstood Minotaur and protest poetry, to magic, time-travelling books, dive into stories exploring fascinating new perspectives, created by children here in Tower Hamlets – hit play below to watch the films!

It was a fun and new experience. It was also very exciting to see our faces on the BIG screen.
Pupil

Each year participants learn to write, direct, film, act and edit their own film, inspired by their topics of study and full of the pupils’ own inspirations and aspirations too. For this year’s theme of ‘Flip the Script: Finding ourselves in the Stories that Make Our World’ we used film and movie-making techniques to encourage children to reflect on whether they see themselves in their given topics, culminating in the creation of their own short film.

This year’s brief led to some fantastic imaginative ideas coming alive on screen. These included a Minotaur who doesn’t want to be scary, considering the fight of the Suffragettes and the current-day issues we are fighting for, developing self belief in our dreams and hopes for the future, hearing from animals across the world about the effects of global warming, and learning from a magical book that can throw its readers back to pivotal moments in time across the centuries.

Before I came to Rich Mix I didn’t know there were more commands than ‘action’ and ‘cut’.
Pupil

 

The films were screened here in our building in June, with a special premiere day. 240 children from the participating schools walked our red carpet before seeing the five films on the big screen.

Afterwards, children from each school participated in a Q&A session, answering questions about the process of creating their movies.

“This has been my personal favourite programme that we have been a part of and it is down to your wonderful planning, organisation and partnerships that the children (and adults) are able to have such an exciting opportunity to make a film. Thank you!”  — Participating Teacher 

‘For a child to see their film online or shown in a school assembly hall is one thing. But for them to actually witness their films productions being shown on the big screen of a cinema, creates such an immense sense of achievement.’ – Literacy Associate Artist – Mr Gee 

“Children who often fade into the background were given opportunities to shine in roles that they (and others) did not think was possible. It gave the children a chance to appreciate one another’s strengths and learn how to use these strengths to be successful.” – Participating Teacher 

 

With thanks to all the teachers and children at:

Mayflower Primary School

Virginia Primary School

Chisenhale Primary School

Osmani Primary School

Marner Primary School

And Christ Church Primary School, who have been part of our After School Film Club this year.

Find out more about this year’s Flip The Script programme.

Watch 2020’s Green Tower Hamlets compilation film.

Watch 2021’s My Story, Our Story compilation film.

Watch 2022’s The Future Is Ours compilation film.

The Pic ‘n’ Mix programme is delivered in partnership with THAMES (Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service), Into Film and supported by THAMES, Derwent London, The Portal Trust, Travers Smith and The Merchant Taylors’ Foundation.