CineYouth
Getting YOung People Involved in Film
CineYouth was created by Cheltenham International Film Festival to inspire and connect with young people in our community.
In partnership with local education authorities we engage with students studying the art of filmmaking to introduce the art and culture of cinema.
Throughout the year we invite filmmakers from various career strands to lead masterclass sessions and workshops, to identify, enlighten, and encourage the next generation of filmmakers.
During the festival each year, we allocate discounted tickets and free entry for young people to selected films.
In 2023, CineYouth and the Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP) collaborated to provide students from Cheltenham Bournside, Dean Close, and All Saints Academy with valuable film industry experiences.
In March, filmmaker Billy Arthur shared his journey from creating a short documentary about his brother’s Type 1 diabetes at age 16 to pitching it to production companies and earning a BAFTA nomination.
April featured a masterclass by cinematographer David Mackie, who provided insights into lighting techniques and camera language, which students applied to their A-level short film productions.
In November, six CEP students showcased their films at a university screening theatre, receiving critiques from professional filmmakers Tim and Catherine Mountain of Evenlode Films.
December’s masterclass, led by Jake Parker, an assistant director and prop hand with Disney films, involved students from All Saints Academy, Dean Close, and Cheltenham Bournside. Parker explained various industry roles before students collaborated to create three-minute adverts, assuming positions such as director, scriptwriter, and camera operator.
On the back of these masterclasses, pupils are encouraged to make their own short films which we screen and host in part with the CEP.
Films produced by students in 2024 and 2025 will be proudly featured in the CIFF 2025 programme in September.
The CEP aims to expand the reach of Cineyouth to a growing network of schools, such is the appreciation of its value.
Special thanks to Dan Clarke of CEP, Rob Watts, Head of Film Studies at Cheltenham Bournside, Karen Whyte, Head of Media at Dean Close School and Kerri Edgar of All Saints Academy for their contributions.
