Filmmaking is a form of self-expression for many individuals; significantly, as the accessibility of filming gadgets increased - anyone can create a film. Nevertheless, what would it be like to make films for a purpose?

 

'Moving Minds 2' was a filming project completed during the first lockdown across London and the South-East. As the name suggests, 'Into Film' launched their second filming project last year, encouraging young people between 11 and 19 to display mental wellbeing by creating short-films.

 

Into Film began the prequel project at the end of 2017. The ICAP Charity Day, a yearly event where a fundraising trading firm gives away all their revenues and commissions for a day to charities and rightful causes, funded the project. The films' screening took place in 2018 at the annual award ceremony, and after the project's success, the ICAP charity day also funded the second Moving Minds project in 2019. However, unlike the first, Into Film had to hold the project entirely online due to the lockdown restrictions.

 

During an interview with Matthew Kent, the Press & Editorial Officer at Into Film, he stated in regards to obstacles, the significant difference was that "it was only possible online this time." As a result, everyone had to adapt to all the ways they could, meaning each participant had to use the available equipment at their homes. 

"All materials provided by the company was useable with smartphones and tablets. If students did not have the needed equipment, we gave them to the organisations, which was very important. Our mission is to make the process as accessible as possible as our mantra is 'Anyone can!'"

 

The project commenced introducing students to filmmaking with live online sessions and pre-recorded sessions. These included the process of making short films, editing and even animation.

"The utilities are still available on the website to anyone who would like it. Particularly as next week is careers week, there are career webinars on the website talking about the film industry."

 

The following are the films created by young filmmakers who participated in the project:

  • Like, Share and Delete by Grays Youth Theatre
  • Ups and Downs by Tower Hamlets CAMHS
  • Not Alone by CAMHS Bedfordshire and Luton
  • Don't Look At Me! by Haringey Learning Partnership, Pulford House
  • The First Day by Haringey Learning Partnership, Pulford House

They are all available to watch at News & Views - Moving Minds 2: Revealing the final films - News - Into Film.

 

"I was extremely impressed at how the filmmakers were able to adapt to the project. It was clear the young people really valued it and had a great time taking part! Watching the finished film back was a moving experience, as we know young people are going through similar challenges in the current lockdown."

Dr Jasmine Anilmis, Clinical Psychologist, Tower Hamlets CAMHS

 

Into Film considers the Moving Mind projects as their "crown jewels". They believe that mental health has the highest priority, primarily as the company operates as a film education charity; the projects showcase how a film is fundamentally a "cathartic medium" to talk about mental health. Conversely to other media representations, people can use movies to encourage empathy to see the effects first hand. Necessary at this moment in time where we are undergoing a prevalent mental health crisis. 

"Making more films on mental health would create a nuance towards the mental issues explored... In the film about the abusive relationship, young people tried to tackle coercive control. In another movie, the pupils focused on lockdown isolation, showing how it is like to be lonely or isolated. Some even tried to include humour, for example, the home routine with the monotony of making cups of tea. There are no limitations for subjects the students can make a film about as they have the freedom to decide on what topic to investigate. There was a broad range of subjects, but they are all very pressing issues."

 

During the lockdown, individuals missed "the feeling of community and togetherness a lot, making it tempting to disengage. Making a film together helped the young people put themselves out there because they could talk about personal issues." Kent stated how there is a rewarding feeling for working in a film company that is also a charity. Films can be educational and useful with the topics explored and equally a central and fun outlet, especially with the unique bonding experience.

 

"The project has been amazing because it has allowed me to learn the features of filmmaking and meet other similar young people to me. It has given me a platform to contribute ideas and be part of a welcoming group. As a young person with special educational needs this project has enabled me to boost my confidence and believe in myself."

Young Person from CAMHS

 

Kent mentioned there would conceivably be a Moving Minds 3. However, whether it would be online or in 'real-life' is not decided yet.

"It was useful being online as it was more accessible to other organisations. One of the most outstanding achievements was the participation of different types of organisations. Not only there were mainstream secondary schools. However, there were also Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and other young and vulnerable people who participated in the project." Nevertheless, meeting up allows the students to learn filmmaking techniques practically with professional assistance. Therefore, it could be a mixture of pre-recorded sessions, retaining accessibility and connectivity in 'real-life'. If the workshops are possible, they would be occurring at schools or youth groups intuitions and run by professional filmmakers.