Recently, some of our Sparks Film School students saw their work selected for the prestigious international film festival Afilmteensfest.
The films BURNOUT and The Heart of Harlesden were selected as part of the festival and was screened in Prague alongside other amazing work by young people from all over the globe!
We spoke to young filmmaker Alice, who was part of the crew involved in producing the film BURNOUT. She was part of the Young Filmmakers Lab last year, where a group of young filmmakers developed and produced this film production. We found out some of her insights about the process of creating BURNOUT and her experience as a student at Sparks Film School.
“Creating this short [film] was a special experience and shows that no matter how much you struggle, you are not alone, and however lonely life may seem there are people around you who will find you and help you to shine.
The style and overall development of the production was amazing from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my talented crew and directing this film.
Thank you to Sparks Film School for giving us this opportunity to use our creative voices to communicate with the world about how a couple of young people experience burnout within the school system. As a proud neurodivergent and aspiring director, I felt supported, academically enriched and upheld by this course.’’
Our team also spoke to Sheena, one of our talented film instructors, and a mentor to the group. Sheena worked with the young people throughout the production of the film.
“The concept for BURNOUT came from a creative freewriting session where each group member worked individually to explore writing prompts like images and subjects.
Each group member then chose one idea to develop further and pitch to the rest of the group. The theme of BURNOUT really resonated with the whole group, as did the opportunity the film idea gave to explore a more experimental and visual way of storytelling.
We worked together intensively for one week during the summer holidays, planning, shooting and editing the film. The thing that I remember most from that time was how well the group worked together and how supportive they were to each other.
The selection of their film for a prestigious film festival is a real testament to their hard work, creativity and maturity. I am very proud of both the film and the effort the group put into bringing it to life!’’
Congratulations again to the young film crew behind this film and the crew behind The Heart of Harlesden.
Being selected for an international film festival like Afilmteensfest is an amazing accomplishment and from all here at Sparks Film School, we are incredibly proud of you!
Watch the Films…
BURNOUT
BURNOUT was created by young filmmakers aged 15-18 on Sparks Young Filmmakers Lab, a summer programme for young people interested in pursuing a career in film and TV.
The film explores themes of mental health and burnout in young people. This is the films first festival selection.
The Heart of Harlesden
The Heart of Harlesden was created by young people in association with the Young Brent Foundation.
A short documentary highlighting local young peoples experience of their community and the local culture in Brent.
The film has previously been selected for the Little Venice Film Festival and now joins BURNOUT in its international selection for Afilmteensfest!
More on Afilmteensfest & Film Festival Screenings
For more information on Afilmteensfest and the great work they do in youth film, please see our Sparks Blog here >>.
Sparks Film School students aren’t strangers to film festival screenings. Take a look at some of the festival selections and awards won by our students here >>
About Sparks Film School
Sparks Film Schools help young filmmakers to realise their ambitions, to develop their skills and creativity, and to shine.
From our 30+ film schools around the UK, we work with young filmmakers aged between 5-18.
We offer filmmaking and animation classes, along with courses during school holidays, after school club programmes and special events. We love to welcome aspiring young filmmakers to free trial sessions.
Find your nearest Sparks Film School here >>
