Find Your Voice! through Film

Film can be a powerful form of self-expression. Watching, talking about and making film connects us to new places, people, and ideas that engage and inspire us to find our true passion. Deeply considering films and filmmaking techniques develops critical thinking skills for navigating many forms of media, and strengthens connections to the stories told in films. Just as with the written word, young people who are able to critically evaluate digital media can make educated choices about their media consumption and better analyze content creators’ decisions and motivations.


FILM-TO-BOOK

Watching films often sparks interest in a topic or in the book it is based on. Use this resource created by Providence Community Library to find books related to the films screened at the 2018 Festival.

2018 KIDS READ ACROSS RHODE ISLAND: Recommended PCFF Films to pair with THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK by Celia C. Pérez

Use the stories, characters, and settings of the following feature films to inspire further learning alongside reading selections. Available at Rhode Island libraries and online, they offer compelling examples of kids learning to stand up for what they believe, finding their voice to express themselves and navigating true friendships. Enjoy them while reading the 2018 Kids Read Across Rhode Island book, The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez, a wry and heartfelt exploration of friendship, finding your place, and learning to rock out like no one’s watching.

  • Ernest & Celestine Animation / France, 2012 / French w/English subtitles / 80 min / All ages
  • Louder than a Bomb Documentary / United States, 2010 / Ages 13+
  • Maidentrip Documentary / United States, 2013 / Ages 10+
  • Mary and the Witch’s Flower (Meari to majo no hana) Animation / Japan, 2013 / In English / Ages 8+
  • Sonita Documentary / Afghanistan, Iran, 2015 / Farsi w/English subtitles / Ages 13+
  • T-Rex Documentary / United States, 2015 / In English / Ages 13+
  • Wadjda Live Action / Saudi Arabia, 2012 / Arabic w/ English subtitles / Ages 10+

DIG DEEPER

You can enhance any film watching by discussing, learning more about the topic or trying an activity that relates to the film or filmmaking.

  1. SET THE STAGE
  • Background Information: Read a summary of the film before watching it. Discuss any details or issues to help build better understanding.
  • Words to Know: If the film presents difficult words or concepts, go over them before pressing play.
  • Film Language: Review PCFF’s online film glossary to learn about different types of film techniques (e.g. camera angle, frame, shot, sound) that are used to tell the story.
  • Clues and Cues: Ask viewers to pay attention to details while watching, like how sound (or the absence of sound) affects the mood; what points of view are shown; and what film techniques are used to attract attention.
  1. TALK ABOUT IT
  • Describe something that stood out to you in this film. Why do you think it did?
  • Think of a character, situation, or place, etc. that you could relate to in some way. Describe that connection.
  • Action! Does the story inspire you to do or change something in your life or community? Does the story help you see things in a new or different way?
  • Use the PCFF Family Viewing Guide for more ideas.
  1. FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES
  • Write a letter to a character or a story inspired by the film or book.
  • Write a song or poem about something meaningful to you.
  • Locate the setting on a map. Find out more about the region or culture

 

Visit the PCFF Film Hub to look up past Festival films and where to access them, download study guides, and check out our activity reel with ideas to deepen connections to any film.