Making films at school and film education

What is Film EDUcation?

Film EDUcation, available in Croatian and English, offers everyone the opportunity to watch short films by young filmmakers who were awarded a prize at the Croatian Children’s Film Festival and the Four River Film Festival. The platform presents films in two categories, based on the age of the audience, and the viewer can choose among a variety of genres, such as documentaries, fiction, animation or TV reports.

A short description and materials for both educators and students accompany each film. Teachers will find a presentation on filmmaking, activities to do with their students, and a quiz to conclude the learning process. Students can also read about various film concepts.

Why was Film EDUcation launched?

The platform, launched in June 2020, aims to improve film literacy. It helps to start a discussion and analysis with young people thanks to the questions proposed for each film.

It also helps teachers to develop new competences on film language.

Finally, it offers “a new life to films made by children and youngsters after the festival season is over”, according to a representative from the Croatian Film Association.

How can your school use it?

Students can take part in activities before the film. They receive guiding questions for an active watching experience in the classroom. The teacher encourages students to share their impressions and guides them through film analysis.

 Afterwards, the students can watch the movies independently and create their own analysis.

The platform may even lead young people to experience filmmaking themselves.

Céline Jambon is a policy officer at the European Commission. Her current work focuses on education and early childhood education and care policies.