‘Little Amélie’ leads February new releases

Following the excitement of the nominations for the upcoming awards seasons, a new crop of diverse films are making their way to the big screen this month. We've picked out the most inspiring and relevant films suitable for children and young people, including refreshing Shakespearean adaptations, warm-hearted tales promoting teamwork and thought-provoking AI-themed stories.

Hamlet (15) - in cinemas 6 February

The intense feuding and existential quandaries of one of Shakespeare's most celebrated tragedies are reimagined within a South Asian community in present-day London. The death of a real estate mogul has devastated his son, Hamlet. He is further aghast when his widowed mother announces that she will marry his uncle, who is also taking over the business. Their extravagant Indian wedding presents Hamlet with an opportunity to expose the truth of his father's murder - but all too soon more blood is spilled as Hamlet's mental state becomes ever more strained. Hamlet is a gripping and highly compelling adaptation that faithfully navigates Shakespearean language while offering modern interpretations of the play's themes.

To mark the release of Hamlet, we've collaborated with Universal Pictures to present 'Hamlet: Shakespeare for All', an inclusive resource for students aged 15+ exploring the creativity and craft of filmmaking, screenwriting, and adaptation. Download it for free here.

We are also delighted to invite schools to experience Hamlet on the big screen for free as part of our Spring Screenings. Discover your nearest cinema event here.

Little Amélie (PG) - in cinemas 13 February

In this whimsical and immersive animation, a toddler called Amélie growing up in Japan in the 1970s explores the world around her with delight and awe. Her favourite person, aside from her granny, is Nishio-San, a kind housekeeper hired by her Belgian parents. Nishio-San plays with little Amélie and teaches her things about the local culture and language. But the grownups' post-war pain and other realities of life threaten to burst Amélie's innocent bubble. Based on a memoir, the film delves into deep yet innocent reflections on life through its accessible and poetic visuals. The film will be released both in English and in the original French version with subtitles.

Goat (PG) - in cinemas 13 February

From the artists that made K-Pop Demon Hunters and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (both available to watch for free* on Into Film+) comes a vivid animation set in an all-animal world. Will is a small goat with big dreams of being a professional athlete. His favourite sport, roarball, is a high-intensity game shooting hoops dominated by the fastest, largest and fiercest animals in the world. To his delight, Will gets signed to join the Thorns, but his new teammates aren't thrilled about playing with such a little animal. Nevertheless, Will is determined to revolutionise the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball!"

Stitch Head (U) - in cinemas 13 February

This playfully spooky animation based on a children's book series presents excellent entry points for young audiences to talk about differences, inclusion, friendship, finding your place, and community. Up on a cliffside peering out over the town lies a castle in which lives a Mad Professor alongside his many monstrous creations. One of these is Stitch Head, a boy who helps to induct newly made monsters into their surroundings. When a travelling freak show rolls into town and the ringmaster learns of these monsters, he thinks that Stitch Head would be the perfect recruit for his attraction and seeks to lure him away from his home.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die (15) - in cinemas 20 February

A man walks into a bar… announcing he's from the future and on a mission to stop a rogue artificial intelligence destined to end humanity. Believing that a specific combination of the people sitting in that Los Angeles diner are crucial to saving the world, he recruits them for a chaotic, one-night quest across the city. Blending sci-fi adventure, comedy and timely observations about technology, the film encourages audiences to consider our relationship with AI and the importance of personal agency.

Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 20 February

This thought-provoking documentary offers a clear account of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis that shook Japan. Using survivor testimonies and striking archive footage, the documentary guides the audience through the key moments of the disaster and the race to contain the reactor meltdown. With rare access to the engineers, firefighters and soldiers who risked their lives to stabilise the plant, known as ‘the Fukushima 50', the film highlights extraordinary courage and teamwork under extreme pressure. Both a cautionary tale about technological risk and an inspiring story of resilience, Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare encourages discussions around disaster response and community.

• Find out where these films are playing near you with tickets.co.uk

How Do I Get Started?

To access Into Film+, all you'll need is an Into Film Account - it's completely free, and only takes a moment to set up. Into Film+ is free to use for all UK state schools that hold a valid Public Video Screening (PVS) Licence from Filmbankmedia.

Filmbankmedia PVS Licences are paid for on behalf of schools by all local authorities in England and by some local authorities in both Wales and Scotland. Into Film NI cover the license cost for some schools in Northern Ireland. For further information on licensing in your locality please see our FAQs.

If you're a state school in England that's funded by the Department for Education, you will automatically have access to Into Film+ Premium, which offers an extended catalogue of 900+ titles. Find out more about Into Film+ Premium in our FAQs.

If you don't have a PVS Licence, or aren't already covered, then a licence can easily be obtained from Filmbankmedia.

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.

* Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.

The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen.