Filming the film-lovers

My name is Emily and I help run the St Stephen’s ‘Silver Screen’ Film Club in Shepherd’s Bush with my colleague Sarah and many fantastic volunteers. This is a film club for an older generation. People come and have a cup of tea and some lunch, get to talk with one another then watch a film.

Recently we were asked if we would like to participate in a BBC Outreach project to make an intergenerational film about the group’s experiences of cinema and films. The idea was that 6th formers from William Morris School would do the interviewing, filming and editing of the film, learning invaluable technical skills around film-making. They also involved a small group of year 5 children from the local primary school, St Stephens, who were also interviewed alongside our silver screen guests. It was wonderful to see the different generations all involved in the same project, all talking about their passion for films. I was particularly impressed with how mature and responsible the William Morris 6th formers were. This BBC project had really empowered them. I was also rather impressed with one of the St Stephen’s Primary students when he said the first film he ever watched was 39 Steps (aged 5!).

Last week the different groups involved (BBC, Silver Screeners, William Morris 6th formers and St Stephen’s children) all came together for the film’s premier (after more tea and sandwiches…) It was very exciting for all of us to see the end result of all their hard work. I found myself very moved by the film. There was a real buzz in the room, and our guests are still talking about it.

This was a wonderful project to be involved in. It was so good to see the different generations all coming together for one end product. The BBC Outreach team were a slick oiled machine. This is a project to be very proud of.

*This film was created as part of the Take Two project, which helps young people in Hammersmith & Fulham and Salford to develop employability skills and confidence. BBC Outreach is a key partner of the scheme.