Flip the Script is our film education programme for primary schools based in Tower Hamlets and Hackney, teaching young people to write, direct, film, act and edit their own films. 

As part of the programme, pupils created films that explored 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 climate change, myth, history and discrimination, there have been some brilliant and insightful ideas from the young people this year. Hit play below to watch the films!

 

The films in order:

Body Swap

Wonder Where You Are

The Young Heroes

DEVastation at Mayflower

The Never-Ending Grey

The Magical Portal

Away From Home

Victoria’s Kitchen Nightmare

The Quest for Courage

Our World Through Our Eyes

 

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a film with my year 6 class
Pupil

 

It was wonderful to welcome the pupils into our cinema to see their imaginative and powerful ideas come alive on screen. The myth of Odysseus and Cyclops was flipped on it’s head, exploring how the story would be different if they walked a mile in each other’s shoes, Beowulf taught us to find our own inner courage, untold stories of WW2 were explored, time was travelled to learn from our ancestors, and poetry helped us understand climate change, discrimination and conflict.

 

 

 

My favourite bit of the experience was the process of creating the script
Pupil

 

 

The children from the participating schools walked our red carpet before seeing the ten films on the big screen. After the screenings, they then participated in a Q&A session, talking about the process of creating their films to their peers, teachers and the Rich Mix team.

 

 

I really liked being in the film because you got to act as different people. Rich Mix is an amazing place to start your filmmaking and acting journey.
Pupil

 

 

Building on our work in Flip the Script sessions over the year, exploring all the different roles and job opportunities in the film industry, pupils also joined the Rich Mix marketing team for a workshop. In the session, they explored different ways they could inform audiences about their films, writing social media posts and also filming behind the scenes interviews about their film-making process. The pupils took turns trying their hand at various roles, including presenters, directors, interviewees, camera operators and more.

 

 

My favourite part of making the film was that everyone made a big effort and worked together. 
Pupil

 

 

Honestly it’s my first time having done this and I can’t speak highly enough of the learning, experience, planning and co-ordinating that has gone it to all of it. We really appreciate all your hard work!
Participating Teacher

 

It’s great to see young people developing their visual literacy through film and media skills.
Funder

 

It was amazing to see how the children took their own narratives on prevalent topics, translated them into scripts and created a short film which was then shown on the big screen.
Board Member

 

 

With thanks to all the teachers and children at participating schools in Tower Hamlets and Hackney:

Cayley Primary School

Christ Church Primary School

Kobi Nazrul Primary School

Mayflower Primary School

Lawdale Junior School

Queensbridge Primary School

Sebright Primary School

Thomas Buxton Primary School

Flip the Script is delivered in partnership with Into Film and Tower Hamlets Arts & Music Education Service (THAMES). Supported by The Portal Trust, Derwent London and individual donations from our Every Child A Cinema Goer campaign.

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

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

Watch 2022’s The Future Is Ours compilation film.

Watch 2023’s Flip the Script compilation film.

 

Photography by Bettina Adela.