Flip the Script is our free, film education programme for primary schools in Tower Hamlets and Hackney; teaching young people to write, direct, film, act and edit their own films, and dealing with subjects that decolonise the curriculum and diversify storytelling through creative literacy and filmmaking. This multi-strand programme features screenings for schools in our cinema, in-school workshops culminating in pupils creating their own short films, and continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshops for teachers. 

Across the year, we aim to give children the chance to experience and take part in a wide range of arts activities to which they might not usually have access to. We provide children with the opportunity to make films to communicate issues that matter to them, through creative sessions both in their schools and our cinema.

In our third year of Flip the Script (and eight years of running a film education programme!), pupils created films related to their curriculum, but turning many familiar topics on their heads. Flip the Script is, after all, our programme supporting students to flip the narrative traditionally told in the curriculum and instead centre their voices in the stories explored and told. Through this lens, the pupils developed stories incorporating incredibly rich themes, including the Gunpowder Plot and discussions on changing power, the Matchgirls’ strike in Bow in the late 1800s and their impacts on workers’ rights today, and activism in our times, inspired by the campaigner Annie Besant. Hit play below to watch the films!  

The films in order: 

Rise Against the Throne 

Romulus and Remus, The Beginning of Rome 

The Summoning of the Gods 

Circuit Break 

The Spirit of the Matchgirls Visits Malmesbury 

Mother Nature’s Fight Back 

An Egyptian God Mysteriously Arrives on Earth 

The Shelter of Stories 

It was fantastic to welcome all the students to Rich Mix to view their films on the big screen, where their voices and perspectives are shown on the same stage as superhero blockbusters and family classics. For some, it was their first time in our arts centre, and for others, their first time at a cinema all together! The day was a brilliant celebration and high-point for all the students, teaching staff, and of course, our Flip the Script staff. 

My favourite part was when our film was on the screen because of how everybody was happy when they saw it.
Pupil
The best thing I learnt was that I can do anything as long as I believe in myself. I really enjoyed making the movie it was really fun I enjoyed it. The hardest part was probably writing the script because you have think really hard on what’s going to happen and then you make sure everyone agrees it is just really hard.
Pupil

Premiere Day was a well-organised and thoughtfully executed event. Communication throughout was clear and effective, which ensured a smooth experience for both staff and pupils. The structure of the day allowed pupils to feel a real sense of occasion and achievement, and it was clear that great care had gone into creating a celebratory atmosphere. Overall, the day was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved. It served as a meaningful and joyful culmination of the creative work pupils had produced over the course of the workshops.
Teacher
I enjoyed the lines that when we were practicing! They were really entertaining and enthusiastic and really funny! I just love Rich Mix they make the whole room smile and laugh I hope you make more movies, you are hands down the best.
Student

The children from our 8 participating schools walked our red carpet before seeing their films on the big screen. After the screenings, we ran a Q&A session, inviting the students to speak about the process of creating their films to their peers, teachers and the Rich Mix team. 

I enjoyed the lines that when we were practicing! They were really entertaining and enthusiastic and really funny! I just love Rich Mix they make the whole room smile and laugh I hope you make more movies, you are hands down the best.
Student

It validates their voices, experiences, and creativity in a way that is both public and powerful. For many, this may be the first time they’ve seen their ideas taken seriously and celebrated in such a professional and visible format. It can boost self-esteem, inspire confidence, and ignite a belief in their potential — not just as storytellers or creatives, but as individuals whose perspectives matter. The impact was already visible on Premiere Day. There was a tangible sense of pride and excitement among the pupils. This kind of experience also plants a seed: it shows pupils that storytelling isn’t just something that happens in books or films made by others — it’s something they can do, and do well. That message has the potential to stay with them for years to come.
Teacher

As with previous years, we also offered pupils the chance to join our Rich Mix marketing team for a digital takeover workshop. In their session, they drafted social media posts, practised interviewing each other and delivered vox pops on how they might sell their films to a potential audience. 

 

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

 Harry Gosling Primary School 

Stepney Greencoat C of E Primary School 

Sebright Primary School 

Lauriston Primary School 

Malmesbury Primary School 

St Edmunds Primary School 

St Luke’s C of E Primary School 

Mayflower 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, Radcliffe Foundation and South Hackney Parochial Charity, alongside individual donations from our Every Child A Cinema Goer campaign.

Catch up with 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. 

Watch 2024’s Flip the Script compilation film.