Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, Riverside, recently held its second annual Junior Film Festival, spotlighting the exceptional filmmaking talents of students from Years 4, 5, and 6. This event stands as a testament to Shrewsbury’s dedication to the “whole self” curriculum, intertwining conventional education with creative pursuits and skills that thrive beyond the classroom walls.
The festival was graced by a panel of illustrious guest judges, esteemed figures hailing from various spheres of the film industry. These experts, including celebrated actors, directors, producers, writers, and cinematographers, had the unenviable task of scrutinizing and selecting the standout films. The competition featured seven distinct categories: Best of Year 4, Best of Year 5, Best of Year 6, Best Overall Film, Best Soundtrack, Best Voiceover, and Best Actor. Held in the grand Memorial Hall of the Riverside Campus, the event mirrored Hollywood glamour with a red carpet welcoming filmmakers, judges, and attendees, making everyone feel like a star.
“We are eagerly anticipating the second edition of our Junior Film Festival, this year donning a James Bond theme,” expressed Philip Stewart, Head of Junior School. “The staff involved in this project have been astounded by the leap in quality in this year’s films. Beyond the impressive final submissions, we’ve noticed enhanced collaboration, technical prowess, and oracy skills among the students—key outcomes we strive for.”
At Shrewsbury Bangkok, offering a well-rounded educational experience is paramount, and the Junior Film Festival is a shining example of the unique opportunities available to its students. Filmmaking projects promote teamwork, ignite creativity, bolster oracy skills, and cultivate new technical capabilities, enriching the curriculum in innovative ways. The festival enables students to garner a host of educational benefits from a single, dynamic project.
Located in the picturesque riverside heart of Bangkok, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, Riverside is an international day school catering to boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Since its inception in 2003, the school has distinguished itself through the outstanding achievements of its students, both academically and in extracurricular endeavors, cementing its status as one of Thailand’s premier British international schools.
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity for young students to explore their creativity and learn valuable skills beyond the classroom!
Absolutely, Joe! It’s amazing to see schools fostering such talents at a young age. Who knows? These students might be the next Spielberg or Coppola!
As promising as it sounds, I hope they’re not pushing these kids too hard. Sometimes schools overemphasize extracurriculars at the expense of core subjects.
I get your point, but I believe it’s about balance. The skills learned through filmmaking, like problem-solving and teamwork, are invaluable.
Yeah, but is it really necessary to have such a lavish event for elementary school kids? Seems a bit over the top to me.
The James Bond theme is such a cool choice! I bet the kids had a lot of fun with that.
Totally agree! It’s a classic and it probably introduced the kids to some iconic movie history.
For sure! I wonder if the judges compared any of the short films to Bond classics. That would be an interesting angle.
Would be awesome if the kids really picked up some classic Bond tropes in their films. Such a fun way to learn about cinema history.
I think it’s great that schools are diversifying education to include such creative outlets. Not every student excels through traditional academic routes.
Are they really teaching useful skills though? I can’t see how filmmaking is going to help them get into a good university.
Actually, projects like these can substantially boost a student’s profile. Universities look for well-rounded applicants these days.
Exactly. Skills like teamwork, leadership, and even technical knowledge from working with cameras and editing software are very relevant.
I hope they give equal attention to every type of student and not just those who are already film enthusiasts.
Do you think this kind of festival might marginalize shy kids or those who aren’t as interested in the arts? They might feel pressured.
That’s a valid concern, Sarah. The school needs to ensure that all students have the support and encouragement they need, regardless of their interest levels.
In the age of social media, these filmmaking skills might be more useful than we’re giving them credit for. Kids could become the next YouTube or TikTok stars.
Good point, Shane! Digital literacy is vital nowadays, and this could give them a head start.
I think the experience of presenting their work on such a large platform will build confidence and public speaking skills in these kids.
I wonder how much parental involvement is required for these projects. Sounds like something that might need a lot of outside help.
Probably, but it could also be an excellent chance for parents to engage with their children’s interests constructively.
The dedication Shrewsbury shows to the ‘whole self’ curriculum seems very holistic. Other schools should take note!