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Winter is in full swing and cinemas across the UK are full of festive films, but there's also plenty of choice for audiences looking to be enthralled by fantastical worlds and fascinating stories that don't feature tinsel and Christmas jumpers.
We have picked out the most educational and entertaining films suitable for young people to be coming out this month. From learning to survive in the wilderness, to finding love and acceptance in unexpected places; from SpongeBob's adventures at the bottom of the sea to airborne battles on the faraway of world of Pandora; from silent-era Sherlock Holmes to modern-era prime ministers. Read on to get inspired for your next cinema trip.
Prime Minister (12A) - in cinemas 5 December
This eye-opening documentary closely follows Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, during her tenure in office. Taking up the position at the age of 37, she became the world's youngest female head of government. The documentary explores her commitment to tackling climate change, eradicating child poverty and protecting the country's most vulnerable people. As she guides her country through dynamic change and the Covid-19 pandemic, she also becomes a mother. This is a fascinating look at those at the top of global politics and the sacrifices that are made for both family and country.
Folktales (12A) - in cinemas 5 Dec
In an age of technological abundance and dependence, the wilderness presents an unexpected set of learning opportunities to young people on the cusp of adulthood. This Scandinavian documentary follows a group of teenagers who choose to spend an unconventional gap year in a Norwegian forest learning survival skills, in hopes of finding connection and meaning in the modern world, escaping the pressures of toxic social media. They learn how to build their own fires and drive sledges with huskies, as well as teachings on Norse mythology. Through these practical lessons, the teens will learn the power of simplicity and community, working though their personal worries and anxieties to gain a new perspective on life and happiness.
Dreamers (15) - in cinemas 5 December
This poignant drama explores the difference between legality and morality when it comes to human rights through an LGBTQ+ love story at a British immigration removal centre. Isio, an immigrant from Nigeria who has been staying in the UK illegally, is apprehended and brought to a detention centre, where the threat of deportation is a constant and looming threat. Struggling with her new situation, she befriends a group of women who help her adapt, including roommate Farrah whom she soon starts a loving and intimate relationship with. As their reason for leaving Nigeria becomes clear, the situation gets more desperate for Isio and Farrah - so they, along with their friends, begin to plan an escape that they hope will lead them to a brighter future.
Silent Sherlock: Three Classic Cases (PG) - in cinemas 12 December
The adventures of the intrepid detective Sherlock Holmes were brought to the big screen in the 1920s in a hugely popular series of short episodic films. A century later, these silent black-and-white adaptations have been carefully restored by the British Film Institute (BFI) and set to a new dynamic score, bringing the magic of early filmmaking to contemporary audiences. In this collection, the London sleuth uses his incredible powers of detection and masterful disguises to get to the bottom of three confounding mysteries, piecing together vital piece of evidence, assisting the police, and even coming face to face with his nemesis, the sinister Professor Moriarty.
Avatar: Fire and Ash (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 19 December
This immersive sci-fi adventure invites audiences back to the wonderous planet of Pandora, inhabited by the indigenous blue species known as the Na'vi. Set a year after the events of Avatar: The Way of Water, the Sully family are living among the sea-dwelling Metkayina clan, still grieving the death of their eldest son Neteyam. A new threat emerges as an aggressive tribe known as the Ash People, led by the ruthless Varang, form an alliance with an old foe, Colonel Quaritch. This third instalment in James Cameron's saga explores darker and more complex themes than the previous films, including grief and the cyclical nature of violence and trauma, while taking the visual spectacles to new heights.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (PG) - in cinemas 26 December
The relentlessly jolly and ridiculously silly yellow sponge returns to the big screen! SpongeBob is delighted that he is finally big enough to go on the super scary Shipwreck rollercoaster at the local amusement park. But Mr. Krabs says that SpongeBob isn't really a big guy after all, as he hasn't proven his bravery in the same way that the cranky crab has back in his swashbuckling sailor days. Eager to show his fearlessness, SpongeBob inadvertently summons a mysterious ghost pirate known as the Flying Dutchman who promises to help our innocent hero but secretly has another plan. SpongeBob and his buddy Patrick Star are taken to the deepest depths of the ocean aboard the ghostship. Will their Bikini Bottom friends have to rescue them, or will SpongeBob discover his inner bravery?
Please note: Film is a powerful tool for learning, helping to develop critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of different perspectives. Our films have been selected with consideration to age-appropriateness, safeguarding, the curriculum and statutory and non-statutory guidance to schools. Some of our films and resources include sensitive content which is highlighted in the guidance that Into Film provides with each film. Educators should carefully watch or read all elements of any content and must ensure they are following their own school's policies and guidelines prior to using films and resources in the classroom or in after-school clubs. The final decision to use any film or resource sits with teachers, who should decide what is appropriate for their students using their professional judgement and their knowledge of their students, their school context and their community. Teachers must follow their school's safeguarding protocol if a student is distressed or makes a disclosure as a result of the use of any film or other content.
