Hothouse Kidz, an innovative project run by Northern Visions is providing a unique opportunity for young people to be visually creative behind the cameras and make films.
| One of the best things about this project is having a decent budget to make films with young people. |
The young people's unit at Northern Visions are completing six documentaries on their lives in Northern Ireland. Participants are supported to develop skills using new digital technologies and to work hands on with film making equipment, it provides a chance to be directly involved in planning and decision-making.
With funding from Hi8us, the First Light (Film Council) scheme and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Project Director Simon Wood said, "one of the best things about this project is having a decent budget to make films with young people."
Young people between 10 and 18 are producing, directing and shooting 10 minute films about various aspects of life in Northern Ireland.
The film genres are documentary style, which will also use docu-drama and magazine format. There is also one drama.
Conor Scullion, (15) explained "there are actually four in our group. There has been some help from the adults but actually it's been mainly down to the kids."
Films being made include a documentary drama about the changes Magherafelt has undergone since the ceasefires. In Belfast, a team working with Children's Express are making a film on young people who have been excluded from school.
The Multicultural Resource Centre are documenting what it is like growing up in Belfast when you belong in an ethnic minority. In Ballysillan and Ligoniel young people are making a video about their areas on each side of the peace line and using video as a means of communication.
Members of Open Arts, a disability organisation are producing a film on the difficulties encountered as young people with disabilities enter adulthood. And finally the A team, which is made up of young people who hope to offer their skills and abilities to other groups who want to make films.
Cormac O'Neill 13, who is a member of Magherfelt youth drama group said, "It's a lot of hard work and if you are thinking of making a film you need to be prepared and you should always think about it first."
About the team
This story was produced by Lisa Skinner, 18, and was published in the News Letter.
