Film, Democracy & Debate

Transcription

1 Film, Democracy & Debate Our resources are designed to be used with selected film titles, which are available free for clubs at See, think, make. Imagine intofilm.org Into Film is a trading name of Film Nation UK. Registered Charity number

2 Film, Democracy & Debate Watching a film and discussing its subject is an excellent way of provoking debate whether in a formal or informal setting. Films about democracy can introduce younger viewers to the ideas of equality, fairness and making a difference, whilst older viewers can deepen their understanding of politics, leadership and the world we live in. Into Film has handpicked film titles for all ages that will entertain whilst sparking debate and discussion, and help inspire the next generation to take a more active role in democracy, whether at school or during elections. In partnership with UK charity Debate Mate, this resource provides film titles for primary and secondary students alongside suggested motions to debate afterwards. It also features top tips on how to effectively run a debate with your film club, including pointers on how to chair and appropriately contribute to a debate, and how to argue and defend your point of view. Primary Kirikou and the Men and the Women (2012) U 7+ Copyright Property of Studio Canal (2012). Gorgeous, striking animated feature that follows the resourceful and heroic Kirikou, a small child living in a village in Africa. This house believes that Schools should allow pupils to elect their headteachers. From up on Poppy Hill (2012) U 7+ Copyright Property of Disney (2011). A beautiful animation about a group of teens trying to save their beloved clubhouse from demolition, set around the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. This house believes that the school board had no right to demolish the clubhouse. Mary Poppins (1964) U 5+ Classic film with musical scenes about nanny Mary Poppins, who is full of common sense but friends with talking animals and dancing chimney sweeps. Wadjda (2012) PG 9+ A sweet and uplifting story about ten-year-old girl Wadjda who refuses to let the fact she s a girl stop her from doing the things she wants to do. Copyright Property of Disney (1964). This house believes that Mrs Banks should stay at home not campaign for women s votes. Copyright Property of Razor Film Produktion GmbH (2012). All rights reserved. This house believes that that girls are not able to do the same things as boys. All Stars (2013) U 7+ Two plucky kids attempt to save their beloved youth club by staging an exciting, energetic street dance show! This house believes that children should be able to choose what they do with their free time. Copyright Property of Vertigo Films (2013). intofilm.org 2

3 Secondary Mr Smith goes to Washington (1939) U 11+ Napoleon Dynamite (2004) PG 11+ Copyright Property of Columbia (1939). Thought-provoking film about an idealistic scout leader made a US senator and faced with the reality of widespread political corruption and cynicism. This house believes that parliament should be made up of 50% elected politicians and 50% randomly selected citizens. Copyright Property of MTV Films (2004). Funny, endearing film about a nerdy type of guy with a strange sister, slacker uncle and a couple of pet llamas. This house believes that teachers should select members of the school council. We Shall Overcome (2006) Selma (2014) 12A+ Set in 1960s Denmark, this coming-of-age story sees a young Danish boy fighting back against his oppressive headmaster. This house believes that corporal punishment in schools should be reintroduced. Powerful drama focusing on Martin Luther King s campaign to secure voting rights for black Americans. This house believes that Lyndon B Johnson was right to wait before introducing voting reforms. Copyright Property of Zentropa Entertainments11 (2006). All rights reserved. Copyright Property of Pathé (2014). Pride (2014) Uplifting British comedy about an unlikely moment in recent history. This house believes that LGSM should not have aligned themselves with the miners. Copyright Property of BBC FILMS (2014). intofilm.org 3

4 Top tips on debating with your film club 1. You need two sides to have a debate All debates need a proposition (the team in favour of the motion or statement) and an opposition (the team against the motion or statement). Debating is about putting yourself in someone else s shoes, being critical, and understanding both sides of an argument. Debaters should be prepared to argue either side of the motion. 2. Don t let it become a shouting match Good debates have rules to make sure each side has an equal opportunity to put their points across. Make sure each side gets a set amount of time to have their say. The winner of a debate should be the side who has used their time most effectively, not the side that managed to speak more than the other side. 3. Don t just say why you re right, say why they re wrong! Make sure each debater is taking time to explain their own points, as well as engaging with the arguments coming from the other side. That is what makes a debate different from an essay or a public address. Participants should be making substantive points (arguments for their side) and carrying out rebuttal (saying why the other side s arguments are wrong). 4. Make clear, logical points When thinking how to make your argument, think about how to make it flow logically flow from one point to the next. Good debaters will: 1. explain why their argument is true 2. explain why their argument is important 3. relate back to the motion/question originally posed. Make sure that when club members are preparing for the debate that they have a framework in mind for how to explain their arguments clearly. 5. Be polite, respectful and professional at all times Debating is competitive, but it is also about collaboration and learning from each other. To learn from each other we all need to listen to each participant in a debate and respect each different viewpoint. Lay down ground rules for behaviour and conduct, and punish teams for breaking those rules by taking points away from them in the debate. 6. Work as a team! No one can win a debate on their own, debating is about thinking about lots of arguments and then coming up with a conclusion for your side. Split the debaters into teams and have them prepare together. By sharing your ideas and spreading the workload you will make much better arguments. 7. Create a separate space A debate is more than an exercise it is a group of people coming together to have an adult, critical discussion. Designating a separate space for this discussion can make a real difference. Move any excess furniture to the side of the room, give the participants a separate space for each side, and ensure the judges are sat close enough to hear the debate. intofilm.org 4

5 About Into Film Into Film is a UK-wide education charity which puts film at the heart of children and young people s learning and personal development. Its film clubs are available free to all state funded schools and colleges and provide numerous opportunities for teaching and learning through film, including access to a diverse catalogue of over 4,000 films, dynamic curriculum linked and enrichment resources, guidance for filmmaking and film reviewing, one-to-one club support and training and CPD for teachers. To set up a free film club visit or call About Debate Mate Debate Mate is an educational charity dedicated to improving social mobility by teaching 21st century skills through cost effective peer-to-peer mentoring. They run after-school debate clubs and deliver a highly successful in-curriculum programme, teaching core subjects and skills through debating. Contact seun@debatemate.com to find out more or visit their website: intofilm.org 5