Rotherham’s young filmmakers premiere at new festival
The Replay Festival, a new film, photography, and media festival created by and for children and young people in Rotherham, has made its debut with a red-carpet premiere at Arc cinema on Monday November 10.
Over 200 children from local schools gathered at the premiere to enjoy a big screen experience of films they have made themselves, with help from celebrated film directors and animators.
One of the highlights is a new animation about a magic car that flies over Rotherham, casting spells. Over 300 children from five Rotherham primary schools worked with former Aardman animator, Virpi Kettu of Kettu Studios, to co-create the piece, which is dedicated to Rotherham’s landmark year as the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture.
Laura Robson, head teacher at Bramley Sunnyside Junior School which took part in the animation project, said: "For our children, working with an expert and using specialist software to bring their ideas to life for the big screen is simply magical. Our pupils aren’t just continuing their love of creativity beyond the classroom - they’re taking it further than many could ever imagine. Experiences like this don’t just inspire awe; they open doors to future careers and ignite a lifelong passion for learning. What an incredible opportunity for our young creatives."
Part of the creative learning programme for Children's Capital of Culture, Replay features film and media made by local children and young people alongside some of the world’s best short films made for young audiences. The six-day festival, in which 1,000 children and young people will participate, is taking place at venues across Rotherham including local schools, the Arc Cinema, Wentworth Woodhouse and in ROAR’s Garage Gallery until 15th November.
Becky Parry, creative learning manager at Children’s Capital of Culture, explained: “Replay Festival is here to celebrate the unbelievable creativity of Rotherham’s young people, giving them the tools, confidence, and platform to share their stories. We’ve worked with over 120 schools across Rotherham as part of Children’s Capital of Culture, offering professional development to teachers so more children can learn to use animation, filmmaking and photography to express their ideas.”
Highlights of the Replay Festival include the premiere of short films celebrating children’s love of outdoor play, made by over 200 pupils from seven Rotherham schools in collaboration with filmmaker Rachel Bunce and Into Film. Secondary school students have worked with artist Moira Lovell to create Picturing Play, an exhibition of photographs and zines exploring the meaning and importance of play.
Meanwhile, schools and early years settings across Rotherham will host an interactive installation by Small World Cinema, inviting children to experiment with lights, cameras, sounds, and colours through playful, creative exploration.