Gwaunfarren pupils celebrated by the UK Film Industry

On Tuesday, 25 March 2025, pupils from Gwaunfarren Primary School, held a special screening of their youth-made animation, Dai’s Dilemma. The event was a fantastic way for the young animators to celebrate all their hard work in front of an audience of parents, governors, local companies and filmmakers.

The group participated in an inclusive filmmaking project, called Every Child a Filmmaker, delivered by the UK’s leading film in education charity, Into Film and funded via support from industry partners, Ymddiried - Media Grants Cymru. Every Child a Filmmaker supports young people across the UK to make their own short film, learning every element of the filmmaking process along the way - from idea generation, storyboarding and scriptwriting, right through to camera operation, sound recording, and editing. It is particularly aimed at bringing new perspectives and unheard voices to the screen.

Their short film, Dai’s Dilemma, produced in both Welsh and English, was created by year 6 pupils under the careful guidance of Darren Latham (Art and Media teacher at Pen y Dre High), Lauren Omre (of Picl Animation) and Gwaunfarren teacher Mr McArthy.

The pupil-made film is inspired by the works of Shakespeare but put into a Welsh context – twisting the tales, adapting the names and creating scenes of iconic Welsh landscape to tell their own version of Hamlet! By making the film, the young people learnt new skills, worked closely with industry professionals and formed new relationships with educators from the local secondary schools.

You can watch Dai’s Dilemma here: https://youtu.be/HZIi0JfcUNs?si=KDOeOEKukyZeh2A8

Headteacher, Andrew Lewis, reflected on the impact of the project, noting: “We have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of working with Into Film. This initiative has opened doors for our children, providing them with creative opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through filmmaking and storytelling our pupils have developed confidence, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for the arts.

“The experience of working with Into Film has been truly transformative. Our students have learned not only how to express themselves through film but also the technical skills involved in production, from scriptwriting to directing and editing. It has encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience—essential life skills that will benefit them in all areas of their education and beyond.

“Seeing their excitement as they watch their ideas come to life on screen is inspiring. They have grown in self-belief, understanding that their voices and stories matter. Many have discovered new passions and career aspirations they never previously considered.

“Into Film has given our children a platform to be heard, a creative outlet to explore their imaginations, and an unforgettable learning experience. It has enriched their education in ways we could not have imagined, and we are proud to be part of this journey."

The event culminated with speeches by the young people involved and the sharing of some behind the scenes footage of the making of – showcasing the fun and skills development opportunities provided through this unique project, and as one pupil mentioned:

“I loved every minute of it. When we started making the film, I thought the narrators were the people who were the main contributors, but in fact, I soon realised we were all contributors in our own way – drawing and making the characters, making the background, music… we all made this film together”

The Every Child a Filmmaker inclusive filmmaking programme was launched in November 2023 as part of Into Film’s 10th anniversary and as part of an ongoing commitment to give every young person the opportunity to bring their ideas to life through film. The first year of funding supported and enabled 250 young people from across the UK to experience the transformational power of filmmaking.

Cllr Gareth Lewis, Cabinet Member for Education commented: “Having a creative outlet is crucial for pupils' development and well-being. It allows them to express themselves and explore their imagination.

“I am grateful to Into Film and the dedicated teachers who have supported Merthyr pupils in this project. Their efforts have undoubtedly made a positive impact on the students, and I truly appreciate their commitment to fostering creativity in education.”

Education charity, Into Film, is supported by the BFI using National Lottery funding, thanks to National Lottery players, and the UK film industry through Cinema First. The National Lottery raises £36 million each week for good causes across the UK. https://www.intofilm.org