Kids' Summer Film School movie premieres

On Saturday 9 August it was time to pop the popcorn for the eagerly anticipated premiere at Exeter Phoenix of The Sqweakening – the cinematic product of the inaugural Summer Film School.

Working alongside a professional crew, 30 children aged between eight and 12 spent five action-packed days creating the original short film, a comedy-horror about a rampant were-hamster. The kids loved it so much that they demanded it be played twice!

A joint partnership between Exeter-based film production company Colourburn and Exeter Phoenix, Summer Film School gave attendees the opportunity to experience every aspect of the film-making process.

Damo Cross from Colourburn was blown away with the response from parents: “After the premiere parents were coming up to me, expressing how surprised they were by the quality of the film and that it was made by the kids of Summer Film School.”

Rosie Collins from Colourburn also added: “Summer Film School would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from the crew and sponsors. Thank you to everyone involved for giving the project so much of your time.”

The Sqweakening received a second airing on 13th August as part of Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen in the Park in Northernhay Gardens, where it was screened before The Lego Movie.

Summer Film School would also not have been possible without the support and sponsorship from Interserve, Touch Design Group, Attention Media, Tim Holdway and Stage Engage.