In a nationwide first, a new and exciting collaborative pilot project will bring filmmaking workshops to local primary schools in Longford. The project, funded through Longford County Council and the Department of Education, as part of the Longford STEAM and Creative Schools programmes, will be delivered by the award winning locally based filmmaking company Shuttermaniac Productions.
‘Mini Motion Pictures’, backed by world digital industry leaders, educational experts, and community supporters, will empower young filmmakers, at primary school level, to become digital creatives, starting from next month.
The ground-breaking joint Longford Creative Schools collaboration will also be supported by industry giants Samsung Electronics, Amazon AWS (Amazon Web Services) and TransACT Technology Solutions. Starting in Scoil Mhuire, Newtownforbes in October, primary school pupils will gain access to Samsung technology, to create their own film segments for a short documentary, with a final showcase event planned to celebrate their achievements.
This program is unique in its approach, combining upcycled Samsung technology from the Department of Education with existing teaching resources to make this a very eco-friendly project. This will also create a holistic climate-positive filmmaking environment for young students, aiming to nurture creativity, boost confidence, and enhance responsible digital literacy skills among participants.
Welcoming the announcement of the pilot project, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Colm Murray said, “congratulations to Lee Williamson, Scoil Mhuire Newtownforbes and all involved in spearheading this fine initiative. Digital literacy is so important and equipping our young people with these skills in a safe and responsible way is to be welcomed.”
Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “Longford County Council is delighted to support this pioneering initiative, connecting cutting edge learning with local and international industry experts for the benefit of our next generation of creatives and supporting the Council’s digital strategy.”
Ahead of the project start next month, Aideen McHugh, Creative Associate with the Creative Schools programme said, “this is a wonderful opportunity for the young people in Scoil Mhuire, Newtownforbes, Co Longford. Creative Schools is excited to collaborate with Lee Williamson on this digital film making project, prioritising the voice of the child to nurture creativity in their daily lives, and empower the next generation of visionary film makers.”
Programme Director Lee Williamson of Shuttermaniac Productions said, “this innovative project aims to inspire and empower the next generation of storytellers here in Longford. It will introduce primary school students to the art of filmmaking and sustainable digital literacy through hands-on filmmaking workshops. We are thrilled to launch Mini Motion Pictures in partnership with Scoil Mhuire Newtownforbes and our esteemed partners. Together, we are committed to shaping and supporting the creative future of our young students and preparing them for the digital age.”
Source: Longford County Council
