Discovery Schools Programme 2018

As Scotland celebrates 2018 as the Year of Young People, we're delighted to introduce our 15th festival of films and events programmed for (and by) young people. Once again we’re bringing you a fun-filled 16 days of stories from around the world – from 14 different countries and in 10 different languages – all specially selected for their ability to speak to young audiences of all ages.

This year’s cinematic treats, including dramas, short films, documentaries and animation, come from Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and the USA. 

We follow a cat and an elephant as they travel the oceans in a giant pear, cheer on the underdogs in activities as varied as a football final and a virtuoso performance at the Paris Philharmonic, and try to decide how best to spend hard-earned rupees at a travelling fairground. Tension mounts as children evade Nazis in war-torn France, skyscrapers in downtown Santiago are scaled from the outside and
we await the nerve-shredding outcome of the world’s most prestigious competition for science nerds.  

Some old friends return – Sebastian and his best friend Belle take us back to the French Alps for more stirring adventures in the snow, and those lovable rascals Kiwi & Strit (who last year taught us how to play football) this year share their wash day blues… Plus we have the first appearance of Samuel L. Jackson in a Discovery film – playing a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex who may only have tiny arms but most
definitely has a funkadelic approach to life.

Once again we have exciting exhibitions in DCA galleries alongside the film programme, this year featuring the work of artists Mike Kelley and Santiago Sierra. And with so much to do, it’s well worth making the most 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.

All our 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.

In 2017 well over 5000 people from 53 different schools across the region attended one of our 46 schools screenings. Whether you are returning, or joining us for the very first time, we very much look forward to welcoming you and your class in 2018. 

Mike Tait, Festival Producer and Cinema Youth Development Officer