Discovery Schools Programme 2015

We're getting ready to embark on Discovery Film Festival's twelfth outing, and another 16 day feast of the best in new world cinema for audiences aged 3 – 18 (and their older companions, of course!). Our Schools Programme is in classrooms now, online and available to download below: booking opens on Thu 27 August, so get browsing what's on now.

In 2015 we bring you cinematic treats – dramas, short films, documentaries, animation – from a total of 15 countries and in nine different languages… There are brothers from Chennai in search of their first ever taste of pizza, and an Australian boy taking on the world in a contest to make and fly the perfect paper plane. Teenage breakdancers in the 1980s challenge the East German authorities, and a youth orchestra from Paraguay thrills the world with music created on instruments fashioned from materials from their local landfill.

We have a return visit from a couple of old friends who made their debut last year – Antboy and Windstorm are both back in brand new adventures – and we’ll also be entertained by screen icons Meryl Streep and Michael Fassbender. There’s an Oscar-winning film about one man and his dog, and the latest from those lovely people who brought us last year’s favourite short film, Zebra.

All these screenings are available with assisted transport to and from your school, plus a complete range of easily downloadable CfE study resources to enhance the experience back in your classroom.

Once again we have an exciting exhibition in DCA galleries: this year we’re featuring the work of Hideyuki Katsumata, whose illustrations, prints and animations employ a dazzling use of colour, taking inspiration from folklore, manga and pop culture.

With so much to do, it’s well worth making a day of your visit to DCA. With a variety of workshops and creative activities on offer, there are a wealth of experiences and opportunities for critical thinking to be had, all featuring CfE-related content. We’ll even find you a space to have your packed lunch.

We remain indebted to our key partners, without whose support the festival just wouldn’t be the same. Our bus arrangements are only possible with the ongoing support of Fishers Tours and Dundee City Council, and we’re grateful for our special relationship with local teachers, who bring you top quality educational materials linked to the Curriculum for Excellence. We couldn’t do it without them.

In 2014 nearly 5000 people from 46 schools across the region attended one of our 49 schools screenings. Whether you are returning, or joining us for your first visit, we can’t wait to welcome you to Discovery 2015.

Mike Tait, Festival Producer & Cinema Youth Development Officer