Into Film Clubs
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A bumper crop of new releases is arriving in cinemas across the UK this August, with a broad range of films set to fuel the minds and delight the senses of young audiences. An animated adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's awe-inspiring tale of shipwreck, along with a fantastical world where drawings come to life, offer surges of adventure. Real world experiences are the inspiration behind several titles, including moving coming of age stories exploring family, authenticity and diversity, a documentary about the traces of the transatlantic slave trade, and a Spanish-language feature about innovative teaching methods. And the horror and sci-fi genres present new thought-provoking perspectives on artificial intelligence taking over households and the alienation of bereavement and neurodiversity.
Kensuke's Kingdom (PG) - in cinemas 2 August 2024
This immersive and beautifully drawn animation is adapted from British author Michael Morpurgo's much-loved children's novel. It features a wonderous adventure experienced from the perspective of a young boy, who, while sailing around the world with his family, is swept overboard along with his dog. They wake up on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean, where they meet a Japanese man who has lived there by himself for many years. This sweet tale promotes respect for nature and wildlife and celebrates the beauty of human connections that transcends language barriers.
Download our new learning resource inspired by the secret world of Kensuke's Kingdom, with a total of 10 lesson plans covering themes including environment and sustainability, survival and animation.
Harold and the Purple Crayon (PG) - in cinemas 2 August 2024
Pure imagination is limitless, and art can be a fun way to explore this. But what if drawings could come to life? Harold lives in a cartoon world with his magical purple crayon, and whatever he draws instantly materialises into being. As he grows more creative in his drawings, Harold decides that he wants to visit the real world and draws a door that allows him to enter it with his friends. A kind woman called Terri and her son Mel help them navigate these new surroundings, but Harold still has his purple crayon, and its extraordinary powers catch the attention of a man with wicked ambitions.
A Story of Bones (12A) - in cinemas 2 August 2024
This rousing documentary brings to light buried legacies of Black heritage, reverberating from the island of Saint Helena across world. The British Overseas Territory in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is where thousands of displaced African people died in the 1800s, liberated from intercepted slave ships yet unable to return home. After their bones are unceremoniously excavated for the purpose of building an airport, one woman makes it her mission to make sure the people, and the land, do not forget.
Didi (15) - in cinemas 2 August 2024
Set in the summer of 2008, this semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story follows 13-year-old Chris, a first generation Taiwanese-American who lives with his sister, mother, and grandmother. Their family dynamics are a bilingual fusion of disfunction, affection, embarrassment and fierce pride. Chris is at an age where he finds it difficult to flirt and navigate friendship circles at school and online, until he befriends a group of skateboarders. Didi is a heartfelt and funny film about discovering who you are and finding your tribe, capturing the dawn of the exciting and complicated era of social media.
Sky Peals (12A) - in cinemas 9 August 2024
An engrossing, contemplative sci-fi drama, Sky Peals takes its title from the mysterious liminal space of a motorway service station where the film is set. Adam is a 30-something-year-old British-Asian man who works nightshifts at fast-food restaurant. He is doleful and shy, yet strangely insightful. Adam learns that his estranged father, who recently tried to get back in touch, has been found dead. Trying to piece together a picture of a man he never knew, strange things begin to happen, leading Adam to wonder if his father was actually connected to somewhere otherworldly.
Radical (12A) - in cinemas 9 August 2024
Taking its cue from other uplifting films set in schools such as Freedom Writers, The Chorus and To Sir, With Love, this Spanish-language drama from Mexico examines the different ways in which young people can find joy in education. When teacher Sergio arrives at his new school, in a Mexican border town full of corruption, neglect and violence, the situation seems hopeless - the students are some of the worst-performing in the country and learn in classrooms in which discipline is favoured over learning. However, his optimism and dedication to his job leads to Sergio implementing a radical new teaching method in the hope that he can unlock the potential that he sees all around him. This love-letter to teachers and students alike aims to inspire those of all cultural backgrounds.
Close to You (classification TBC) - in cinemas 30 August 2024
Sam has been living in Toronto for almost five years, his outlook on life vastly improving since his gender transition. On the train towards his hometown to visit his estranged family for his dad's birthday, Sam bumps into an old friend, Kathrine, and past feelings start to bubble up. While Sam's parents and many siblings say they accept his identity and mostly seem relieved to be back together again, there's friction and complications as they clumsily attempt to reconnect. The dialogue of this sharply perceptive film was largely improvised, resulting in some powerfully cathartic and relatable scenes about family expectations and being unapologetically yourself.
AfrAId (15) - in cinemas 30 August 2024
Horror and science-fiction films have always been a place where contemporary societal fears can be explored within a specific framework and this summer sees the genres turn their attention towards the new technological advances of artificial intelligence. This film follows a man called Curtis and his young family after they are selected to test out a radical new "digital assistant" that aims to change every home into a Smart Home. At first this artificial intelligence machine, named AIA, drastically improves their lives but, as it begins to learn the family's behaviour and desires, things soon to spin out of control. Arriving in a timely manner, AfrAId is Destined to stir up spirited debate about how we use technology for the greater good.
