London’s first international spotlight on U16 filmmaking
In 2025, Kingston-Upon-Thames will be celebrating its rich cultural heritage. An exciting series of events will commemorate the last 1,100 years as well as the cultural breadth of the borough today. Alongside these celebrations, Ciné Schools will launch the first Children’s International Film Festival, running in collaboration with the established Kingston International Film Festival.
Set against the backdrop of these commemorations, this new film festival will showcase the cultural champions of the future, highlighting the remarkable creative spirits of young minds and the powerful medium of film through which young people today express their visions. It will provide a platform for tomorrow’s creatives to start their journey into an industry that contributes hugely to the borough of Kingston, London and the country more broadly.
“As the UK film industry continues to work hard to maintain its dominant space on the global stage, nurturing the next generation of talent is crucial. The Children’s International Film Festival will further power this mission, cultivating a safe and supportive environment where the prowess of young filmmakers can flourish. By fostering these budding talents, the festival contributes significantly to the sustainable growth and innovation of our film industry,” said David Cunningham, Director of The Kingston International Film Festival.
“The Children’s International Film Festival (CIFF) in June 2025 will provide a platform for films made by young people from across the UK and beyond. It will recognise and elevate the boundless imagination of children, guided by the belief that young individuals are not only the audience but also the inventive creators of tomorrow. This festival provides school age children with both a voice and a spotlight. By celebrating their narratives, the festival will drive forward the tradition of storytelling that is as bold and diverse as the participants themselves. We should be celebrating their achievements now and asking them, what’s next?” said George Young, Founder of Ciné Schools and Partner of The Children’s International Film Festival.
Joe Bradbury-Walters, Head of Outreach, National Film and Television School added, “At the National Film and Television School, we firmly believe a career in the screen arts industries can be a reality for anyone, regardless of background, experience, or circumstance. We also believe young people have incredible stories to tell through both their experiences and creative imaginations. This boundless imagination will be recognised and elevated through this fantastic film festival. An event that provides a voice for, and a spotlight on, the bold and diverse narratives of school age children, and an inspirational experience for the audience watching. We are thrilled to support Ciné Schools with this incredible platform, one that shares our aim to encourage and champion the next generation of storytellers.”
This festival, run in partnership with Ciné Schools and The Kingston International Film Festival, will sit amongst a six month programme of events launching in Spring 2025, to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the crowing of King Athelstan; the first King of England. Further information will be made available by Kingston Council as the programme of events and activities celebrating the past, present and future of Kingston-Upon-Thames, is confirmed.
For more information, please contact: james@cineschools.com
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