We are delighted to be able to launch our short film on the Advocating Classics Education project, produced in collaboration with Big Face Art. The film highlights our campaign to expand access to the study of the ancient world, and features young people describing their own experiences of studying Classics.
It features Prof Edith Hall and Dr Arlene Holmes-Henderson (KCL), the poet Tony Harrison, comedian, novelist and broadcaster Natalie Haynes, and Olympic medallist turned Classics teacher Jack Oliver talking about their love for Classics.
Also featured are students from Redborne Upper School (Milton Keynes), Norton Knatchbull School (Ashford), Nower Hill High School (Harrow), Christ the King Sixth Form College (Lewisham), and former pupils from Calderside Academy (Glasgow). These students speak passionately about how the study of the ancient world has enriched their educational experience and given them essential skills.
The film received its premiere screening at the 2021 Classical Association Annual Conference, where it received a very warm response. We are thrilled to say that it has also been nominated for several film festivals, including the AHRC Research in Film Awards, the Lift Off Spring Showcase, the London International Web and Short Film Festival, and the Screen Power Film Festival, where it was selected for Second Prize.
Following these successes, the film has even earned its own official IMDb page.
‘I’m really pleased and proud to have made this documentary about the importance of Classics Education in our schooling curriculum’, said Michael Taylor, the film’s director.
Dr Holmes-Henderson, co-producer of the film said, ‘The ACE project team travels around the country advocating for the study of Classics but, in my view, the most powerful advocates are the young people themselves. This film showcases learners in classrooms talking about why they enjoy studying Classical Civilisation and Ancient History. I hope you’ll find their stories as captivating and compelling as we do.’
Watch here:
