Special Event: Kensuke's Kingdom with an introduction from award-winning author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Event details

11-year-old Michael is sailing around the Pacific Ocean with his family: mum, dad, and his sister Becky. Unbeknownst to them, he has also smuggles the family dog, Stella, on board. Michael is so preoccupied about the dog's wellbeing that he forgets to think about his own, and during a violent storm they are thrown overboard and separated from the rest of the family. They wake on the beach of a remote island, shipwrecked and stranded. However Michael and Stella soon discover that they're not alone after encountering Kensuke, a Japanese man who has been living there for many years in the aftermath of World War II. Kensuke looks after them, helping them to survive, and also introduces Michael to his own delicate eco-system which is being threatened by outsiders. Kensuke's Kingdom is based on the beloved children's novel from Michael Morpurgo, featuring themes around the natural world and friendship.

Speaker

Meet award-winning author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce for a special screening of Kensuke's Kingdom, the acclaimed animated adventure adapted from Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel.

Frank, who wrote the screenplay for the film, will introduce the screening and share insights into bringing this much-loved story from the page to the big screen. A former Waterstones Children's Laureate (20242026) and one of Britain's most celebrated children's writers and screenwriters, Frank will give pupils a unique perspective on the filmmaking process and the magic of adapting a story for cinema.

This careers event introduces young people to screen industry careers, including lesser-known roles across film. 

• Young people will hear from industry professionals and take part in a careers-focused activity, such as a talk, discussion, workshop, panel or Q&A session. 
• Young people will be supported to make the most of the experience, reflect on what they learn and consider next steps. 
• Supports careers education across the UK, including Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with Employers and Employees.