Budding Steven Speilbergs from primary schools across the Cairngorms National Park gathered together on Saturday (2nd November) for the premiere of the films they have produced, celebrating 10 years of the Cairngorms National Park and the ‘Year of Natural Scotland’.
Pupils, families and teachers were at the Parks Schools Media Project Film Premier at the Deeside Community Centre Theatre, Aboyne to view the films, showing how Scotland’s National Parks are special places.
During the summer of 2013, 10 primary schools across the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Parks took part in the fifth Schools Media Project. Aberdeenshire Council’s Media Unit co-ordinated a training programme in documentary film production and worked with the pupils to make their own short films to celebrate ‘Year of Natural Scotland’ and the 10th Anniversary of the Cairngorms National Park.
The primary schools that have taken part in this year’s Schools Media Project were: Ballater; Braemar; Logie Coldstone; Strathdon; Carr-Bridge; Glenlivet; Tomintoul; Tarfside & Lethnot; and two schools from the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, Gartocharn and Aberfoyle – who hosted their own premier event.
Presenting each school with a certificate to mark their achievements was the Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Duncan Bryden. He said: “The films the children have produced this year are excellent. They inform, they educate and they truly inspire, showing our National Parks in a splendid light. It is always really interesting to see how each school approaches the task and they all deserve a huge congratulations for all their film making efforts.”
Robin Palmer from the Aberdeenshire Council Media Unit commented: ”It’s the energy and fearless confidence that young people bring to a project like this that makes it really special. The learning that takes place during the process of making a film in the classroom, and in the Cairngorms landscape, is a lasting benefit that the children take away with them. The 10 films in this project showcase what is special about Scotland’s National Parks and shine a light on the talent and hard work of our own young film makers.”
Below is a film synopsis from each school in the Cairngorms National Park:
Ballater – ‘The 5 to 6 Show’ is a magazine programme from Ballater Primary School investigating the issues surrounding sustainable travel in Ballater and across the National Park.
Braemar – ‘What Do The Mountains Mean to You?’ looks at the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park and how they provide inspiration, leisure opportunities, employment and economic benefits. Pupils from Braemar School, residents of the village, business people and visitors share what the mountains mean to them.
Logie Coldstone – ‘Oot and Aboot Loch Kinord’ is a film about how the natural landscape shaped the history of the area and how is continues to affect people in the present day.
Strathdon School – ‘Jock & Tattie Shaw’ is a film about a young man who – thanks to some magical tatties is given the chance pursue his dream career and in return he shares his knowledge of the fantastic local produce from Scotland’s larder.
Glenlivet – ‘Forest Foraging’ is a film about the youngsters at Glenlivet School learning about the food that is available from the wild and then treating the local community to a three course meal.
Tomintoul – ‘A Stone’s Journey’ tells the story of the formation of the Cairngorms National Park’s mountains and the erosive forces that are acting on them.
Carr-Bridge – ‘Nature News’ is a film all about the restoration of the Allt Lorgy burn, on the outskirts of the village with some of the creatures who live there telling the viewer how it has helped them.
Tarfside & Lethnot – ‘Glen Survival’ is a film featuring Bear Grills and Tiger BBQ and follows them as they set off on an exciting challenge to survive in the Angus Glens for a week, finding out about the rich natural larder in Glen Esk.
For more information on the Schools Media Project please visit the CNPA website: https://cairngorms.co.uk/learn/learning-projects/schools-media-project/