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FILMCLUB Guide to... Parliament Week, Stories of Democracy: Past, Present and Future Key Stage Target KS1KS2 KS3 KS4 KS5 Following a very successful season of screenings last year, Parliament Week is back, running 19th - 25th November. By being an offical partner with Parliament Week 2012, FILMCLUB aims to give you the tools to explore stories of democracy through film with your students. This year we have handpicked 12 films to engage and excite, relating to the themes Stories of Our Democracy Past; Our Democracy Today; Our Democratic Future. We have also suggested several activities to help your young people engage with and better understand parliamentary democracy. With something for all ages, we will be delving into stories of democracy from around the world - learning about past leaders and heroes through watching Robin Hood, The Sword In The Stone, Elizabeth and Mongol; exploring small voices with big impact with Pom Poko, Whale Rider, Burma VJ and The Help. Trying to envisage the shape of future societies, you can screen Wall-E, Planet of the Apes, The Hunger Games and V for Vendetta. All film resources are accompanied by pre and post screening discussion ideas and special related activity suggestions such as holding your own debate, visiting a museum, or creating a school pledge. We are also encouraging our clubs to directly engage with their local MP by providing a template letter which invites them to attend a special screening in your school. A template press release will be available nearer the time, in case you want to let your local paper know about your Parliament Week activities.

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Page 1: FILMCLUB Guide to Parliament Week, Stories of Democracy ... › education-resources › Parliament Week › … · FILMCLUB Guide to... Parliament Week, Stories of Democracy: Past,

FILMCLUB Guide to... Parliament Week, Stories of Democracy:

Past, Present and Future

Key Stage Target KS1✓ KS2 ✓ KS3 ✓ KS4 ✓ KS5 ✓

Following a very successful season of screenings last year, Parliament Week is back, running 19th - 25th November. By being an offical partner with Parliament Week 2012, FILMCLUB aims to give you the tools to explore stories of democracy through film with your students. This year we have handpicked 12 films to engage and excite, relating to the themes Stories of Our Democracy Past; Our Democracy Today; Our Democratic Future. We have also suggested several activities to help your young people engage with and better understand parliamentary democracy.

With something for all ages, we will be delving into stories of democracy from around the world - learning about past leaders and heroes through watching Robin Hood, The Sword In The Stone, Elizabeth and Mongol; exploring small voices with big impact with Pom Poko, Whale Rider, Burma VJ and The Help. Trying to envisage the shape of future societies, you can screen Wall-E, Planet of the Apes, The Hunger Games and V for Vendetta.

All film resources are accompanied by pre and post screening discussion ideas and special related activity suggestions such as holding your own debate, visiting a museum, or creating a school pledge. We are also encouraging our clubs to directly engage with their local MP by providing a template letter which invites them to attend a special screening in your school. A template press release will be available nearer the time, in case you want to let your local paper know about your Parliament Week activities.

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Parliament Week, Stories of Democracy: Past, Present and Future

STORIES OF OUR DEMOCRACY PAST – historical leaders

Robin Hood (U) 5+ 80mins

The Sword In the Stone (U) 5+ 76 mins

Elizabeth (15) 14+ 124 mins

Mongol (15) 14+ 126 mins

OUR DEMOCRACY TODAY – getting your voice heard

Pom Poko (PG) 7+ 114 mins

Whale Rider (PG) 9+ 101 mins

The Help (12) 11+ 146 mins

Burma VJ (12) 14+ 84 mins

OUR DEMOCRATIC FUTURE - shaping the future

Wall-E (U) 5+ 98 mins

Planet of the Apes (PG) 9+ 108 mins

The Hunger Games (12) 12+ 142 mins

V for Vendetta (15) 14+ 134 mins

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... Robin Hood (U) 5+ 80 mins

Key Stage Target KS1✓ KS2✓

About this film

This was the first feature made after the death of Walt Disney and was a surprise success. A retelling of the legend of Sherwood Forest, with its cast of animated animals, the film gets by on its non-stop action, memorable songs and most importantly the strength of its characters - notably Phil Harris reprising The Jungle Book's Baloo for Little John, and Peter Ustinov as the cowardly lion Prince John. Will Robin Hood overcome Prince John to help the poor people of Nottingham and be reunited with his love, Maid Marion? Robin is their last hope!

What the critics think

“I loved this film because King John was very funny, he kept sucking his thumb and calling for his Mummy. I also liked it when the hen chased away the rhinos.” FILMCLUB member Emily, aged 6

“I loved the film so much my head exploded through the film. My favourite character was robin hood fighting bad guys and saving the world.The head wolf guard was so funny that my eyeballs popped out their sockets.The girl fox was so wonderful I wanted to be her.I hated the king so much that I said boo to the tv.The bear was funny because he sucked the kings rings into his teeth.The snake was so funny that I screamed.” FILMCLUB member Anya, aged 7

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Starter Discussion

1. What do you already know about the story of Robin Hood?

2. What do you think the word law means? What is an outlaw?

3. How does someone become a King?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. Were any of the characters from Robin Hood familiar to you?

2. What is Robin Hood’s cause?

3. What is fairness / justice? Was Prince John a fair man?

4. Why were the poor people put in jail?

5. Was Robin Hood right to rob the rich? 6. How can the people have their say?

7. Who do you think should run a country?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

Create your own School Council with the help of www.involver.org.uk

Contact your local museum or Parliament Week partner to arrange a visit. Go to www.parliamentweek.org/schools to find out more ideas.

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... The Sword in the Stone(U) 5+ 76 mins

Key Stage Target

KS1✓ KS2✓

About this film

The legend of King Arthur gets the Disney treatment in this lively animated adventure. Young Arthur (known as Wart) is a commoner in medieval England. He meets the eccentric Merlin the Magician, who attempts to teach him about the world, and discover his true purpose in life. Meanwhile, a magical sword is embedded in a stone in a London graveyard and only the rightful heir to the throne can ever pull it out. Could Arthur be the one?

What the critics think

“The sword and the stone is a fun filled and action packed film . My favourite part was when Merlin turned him and Ather into diffrent animals.You will be amazed at what Arther acheves.” FILMCLUB member Aaliyah, aged 10

“The Arthur legend has fascinated people for centuries, and this story about Arthur's childhood has special appeal for children. Aside from the fun of seeing what it is like to be a bird, a squirrel, or a fish, and from having your very own wizard as a teacher, there is the highly satisfying aspect of having one's worth, unappreciated by everyone, affirmed so unequivocally.” Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

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Starter Discussion

1. When you hear the name King Arthur, what comes to mind?

2. What would you do if you were the King/Queen today?

3. Who is one of your heros?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. What characteristics make Arthur a hero?

2. What does Merlin want for Arthur’s future? Why?

3. Why do you think that Merlin turns Arthur into different animals? What does Arthur learn from this?

4. Does Arthur live in a democracy? Explain.

5. In the battle between Merlin and Madame Mim, who wins and why?

6. How did Arthur become King?

7. What type of King do you think Arthur will be?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

Create your own School Council with the help of www.involver.org.uk

Contact your local museum or Parliament Week partner to arrange a visit. Go to www.parliamentweek.org/schools/ to find out more ideas.

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... Elizabeth (15) 14+ 124 mins

Key Stage Target

KS4✓ KS5✓

About this film

This gripping biographical drama with a spectacular performance from star Cate Blanchett at it’s heart. Bringing 16th-century England vividly to life, it explores the difficulties facing young protestant Elizabeth I when she takes the throne after her catholic half-sister, Queen Mary, dies. Elizabeth is still only a girl, with no idea of how to rule a country - and it doesn't help that even some of her close advisors are secretly plotting to restore the Catholic line. But her biggest headache is the insistence that she should marry and produce an heir - particularly as her own choice is considered unsuitable.

What the critics think

“The movie, indeed, compresses and rewrites history at its own convenience, which is the rule anyway with English historical romances. What it gets right is the performance by Cate Blanchett who uncannily comes to resemble the great monarch. She is saucy and heedless at first, headstrong when she shouldn't be, but smart, and able to learn. By the end she has outsmarted everyone and become one of the rare early female heads of state to rule successfully without an alliance with a man.” Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

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Starter Discussion

1. What do you know about Elizabeth I ?

2. What would you do if you were the leader of the monarchy at the time when the monarchy held all power?

3. Do you agree with countries still maintaining a monarchy?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. Is there a democracy in this film?

2. What role did religion play in government at this time? Does it still have the same power? Explain.

3. Why was Princess Elizabeth arrested? How does this reflect what was going on in England at this time? How was the question of religion started in England at this time?

4. How does Queen Elizabeth view marriage? Was this a common view at the time?

5. Why was the court trying to pressure Queen Elizabeth into getting married? Would this have happened if she was a man?

6. What was Queen Elizabeth’s legacy?

7. Would she be considered a hero?

8. This film focuses on the life of those at court, What was the life of the common man like at this time?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

Create your own School Council with the help of www.involver.org.uk

Contact your local museum or Parliament Week partner to arrange a visit. Go to www.parliamentweek.org/schools/ to find out more ideas.

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... Mongol (15) 14+ 126 mins

Key Stage Target

KS4✓ KS5✓

About this film

If you agree with us that one of the things movies are best at is the spectacular, then you'll certainly enjoy this historical epic co-produced by the countries of Russia, Kazakhastan, Mongolia, and Germany. Mostly filmed in the wild and beautiful country of Mongolia where the events it portrays took place almost a thousand years ago, the movie tells the story of Genghis Khan - the legendary 13th century ruler who built a vast empire across almost all of Asia. The Khan portrayed here is not the monster he's often been presented as in the west, but instead a powerful military man whose life was at least partly defined by his love for his wife (and frequent adviser) Borte.

What the critics think

“All in all i think this film show me about culture and the tough times the Mongolions went through back the. This film is one to watch, it is really an interesting story and leave you seat grabbing to just find out what happens next.” FILMCLUB member Olusola, aged 14

“Shot on locations in Kazakhstan and the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia, pic captures the nomadic lifestyle of the 12th century and the harsh climate and varying terrain of the Mongolian steppe, a place where a man’s not a man without a horse. It also introduces a strong, resourceful female character: Borte, first wife and lifelong adviser to the man born as Temudgin.” Alissa Simon, Variety

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Starter Discussion

1. When you hear the name Ghengis Khan, what comes to mind?

2. Do you know where Mongolia is?

3. Who are some national or cultural heroes from England?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. What do we learn about who Temudgin is in the opening of the film?

2. What do we learn about the Mongols at the beginning of the film?

3. What type of person is Borte? Do you think she is representative of most women of the time?

4. What is the relationship like between Borte and Temudgin? Do you think this is a typical relationship during this time?

5. How does the Mongol civilisation compare to modern British culture?

6. How does Temudgin compare to other Mongol leaders? Explain.

7. Why is it important to Temudgin to have a united Mongolia?

8. Why is the relationship between Temudgin and Jamukha important? How do each of them represent Mongolia?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

Create your own School Council with the help of www.involver.org.uk

Contact your local museum or Parliament Week partner to arrange a visit. Go to www.parliamentweek.org/schools/ to find out more ideas.

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... Pom Poko (PG) 7+ 114 mins

Key Stage Target

KS1✓ KS2✓ KS3✓

About this film

As "civilisation" comes ever closer to their idyllic forest home, a group of mischievous Japanese raccoons try to scare the approaching humans away. But they soon discover that humans are not their only rivals in the struggle for their age-old territory. A charming comedy from the home of Japanese anime, Studio Ghibli, this film offers a unique window into Japanese folklore as its unlikely heroes fight fearlessly against the odds.

What the critics think

“This film definately is a winner in the world of anime. The scenery is beautiful and the characters detailed - with quite a bit of humour and laughs for all the family.” FILMCLUB member Xian, aged 11

“It's a good story but it's beautifully told through animation with bright colours, stunning animation and plentiful amounts of comedy for children as well as having some carefully considered messages for adults, making it great family entertainment as well as a film that, for its artwork and storytelling, can be admired as a considerable achievement.” Eammonn McCusker, The Digital Fix

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Starter Discussion

1. The title of the film is Pom Poko, based on this title what do you think the film is going to be about?

2. What can you do if you feel someone or some group is being treated unfairly?

3. If you could have a magical power what would it be and why?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. Do you think what the humans are doing to the raccoon’s homes is the right thing to do?

2. Why is it important that the raccoons create a plan to stop the humans?

3. What would you do if people were destroying your home?

4. The raccoons come up with a clever plan to stop the humans without hurting them. What was this plan and was it successful?

5. What was the outcome of all the raccoon’s hard work?

6. Who had a better life at the end, those who were humans or those who stayed raccoons? Explain.

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

Create your own School Council with the help of www.involver.org.uk

Pledge to Make a Difference in your school using the attached resource.

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... Whale Rider (PG) 9+ 97 mins

Key Stage Target

KS2 ✓ KS3✓ KS4 ✓ KS5 ✓

About this film

Tradition causes trouble in a family when a young Maori girl wants to take up what she believes is her rightful place at the head of her tribe - because the man standing in her way is her own grandfather, and his love for her is not enough to change his belief that only a boy could ever lead the tribe. Set in modern New Zealand, Whale Rider superbly shows what happens when old-fashioned thinking gets in the way of people's potential. English and Maori dialogue, subtitles in English.

What the critics think

“I think this film (whale rider) was a great film. Its got the emtionally feeling in some of the scenes in this film. there s asd and happy parts of this film. I think the directer, niki caro , directed it really well because the movie was quite good to.” FILMCLUB member Luca, aged 9

“i liked it because the girl was the leader insted of the boys! (GIRLS RULE!) Three stars!” FILMCLUB member Eleanor, aged 10

“Paikea has a dream of becoming the tribes new leader but her grandfather is determind to stick to the tribes rules and have a male leader. But Paikia will not give up easily.” FILMCLUB member Ashleigh, aged 10

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Starter Discussion

1. Based on the title of the film, what do you think it is about?

2. Have you heard of the Maori people of New Zealand?

3. How important is it to stand up for what you believe in?

4. Who is your most inspirational person? 

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. What is your favourite part of the film?

2. What is the moral of the story?

3. Do you think girls should be able to do what boys can do?

4. Why do you think leaders are mostly men?

5. How did Pai make her voice heard?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

How could you make your voice heard at school?

You can create your own school council with the help of www.involver.org.uk

Pledge to Make a Difference in your school using the attached resource.

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... The Help (12) 11+ 140 mins

Key Stage TargetKS3✓ KS4✓ KS5✓

About this film

Based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett this powerful drama set in the Deep South tells the story of a community of black maids (the Help) and their white employers - who are in the main - small-minded, gossiping housewives. Miss Skeeter however, an aspiring journalist, embarks on a secret project to record the maids experiences, all of whom come from a long ling of servitude and slavery. For the first time the truth of their hardships are revealed during this volatile era of the Civil Rights movement - the maids involved taking great risks with their lives to speak out. A moving tale of friendship and heroism in the face of prejudice.

What the critics think

“This film is so magnificent. It was soo touching i was about to cry. My favourite characters are Abilene, Minny, Skeeter and Celia Foote. You should watch it it is funny but sad.” FILMCLUB member Shayma, aged 11

“This movie was set out beautifully at a terrible time in our history even though you can feel the heat, the tension, the pain, the injustice of the time but it still makes you laugh with them even as you cry for both races. This movie was really good and overall I really liked the film.” FILMCLUB member Thadshiny, aged 12

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Starter Discussion

1. What are equal rights?

2. What was unequal about America in the 1960’s?

3. Can you name an important figure from the Civil Rights Movement?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. What inequalities do the maids experience?

3. What rules did the state of Mississippi have in place regarding race?

4. What are the biggest challenges Skeeter faces with the book?

5. What incident changes that?

6. What do you think is the film’s main message?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

How could you make your voice heard at school? You can create your own school council with the help of www.involver.org.uk

Set up your own debating event in school.

Go to http://www.parliamentweek.org/schools/ for ideas on events and activities.

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... Burma VJ (12) 14+ 84 mins

Key Stage Target

KS4✓ KS5✓

About this film

Myanmar (Burma) is one of the world's most oppressive countries, a place where voicing any opposition to the military who rule is very dangerous. This stunning documentary is about a group of anonymous video journalists (VJs) who risked everything to film the wave of protests led by Buddhist monks that happened in 2007. They wanted the rest of the world to understand just how brutally the Burmese army treats the population. Most of what we see in the film is the VJ's work - shaky, urgent and often terrifying, it's the product of extreme courage. Partly voiced in Burmese, English subtitles.

What the critics think

“That footage, smuggled to Norway via Thailand, is raw and compelling. The story of how it was sneaked out is worthy of the best thrillers. Burma VJ is crucial testament to the will of a suffering people to ensure the world does not forget them.” Sukhdev Sandhu, The Telegraph

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Starter Discussion

1. What is Military Rule?

2. How important is freedom of speech and the right to protest?

3. Where is Burma/ Myanmar?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. What did you think of the film?

2. What event kick-started the demonstrations?

3. Do you think the reporters were right to risk their lives? Why was what they were doing so important?

4. What was their punishment if caught?

5. Why do demonstrations often end up in violence?

6. Do you think people should have to “die for politics?”

7. Why was Aung San Suu Kyi held under house arrest for so long?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

Check out www.burmacampaign.org.uk for more info on Burma and democracy

How could you make your voice heard at school? You can create your own school council with the help of www.involver.org.uk

Set up your own debating event in school.

Go to www.parliamentweek.org/schools/ for ideas on activities.

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... Wall-E (U) 5+ 95 mins

Key Stage Target

KS1✓ KS2✓ KS3✓

About this film One of the most entertaining and loveable movies for children and young people to have come out in years, Wall-E tells the story of a small, rather hopeless looking robot who is left alone on Earth to clean up the mess we humans have made of the planet. Getting on with his routines day after day, we get to know him and his curious personality at the same time as he carries out his lonely task - until, that is, he meets Eve, another robot sent to Earth, who opens Wall-E's eyes to a whole new kind of life...

What the critics think

“In this movie, set in the future, people wrecked Earth, basically by being lazy and littering, aswell as sending to many rockets and satelites into space. When they realise that, they started sending themselves into space, returning probes to see if life is now sustainable. When the last functioning Wall-E (they were made to clear up) befriends one of these, he blasts himself into a crazy mission of action and fun!” FILMCLUB member Jason, aged 10

“This latest adventure from the animation wizards at Pixar is beautiful, masterly, inspired - and delivers a powerful ecological message.” Philip French, The Observer

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Starter Discussion

1. Can you imagine the world 700 years from now?

2. Do you know what Wall-E’s job is?

3. What is pollution?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. What does Wall-E stand for? (answer: Waste Allocation Load Litter Earth-class)

2. Do you recognise any of the objects Wall-E finds?

3. What do you think of the humans? Do you like the way they are living?

4.What do you think of the Captain? Is he a good man or a bad man?

5. Can you imagine planet Earth being like this in 700 years time?

6. What can we do to stop it?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

Get a large piece of paper and coloured pens and try to draw your vision of the world in 700 years time.

Pledge to Make a Difference in your school using the attached resource.

Go to http://www.parliamentweek.org/schools/ for ideas on events and activities

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... Planet of the Apes (PG) 9+ 108 mins

Key Stage Target

KS3✓ KS4✓ KS5✓

About this film

When his spacecraft crash lands on a strange planet in the year 3978, astronaut Taylor is simply glad to be alive. But barely has he stumbled from his vessel before he discovers the terrifying nature of this new world - a planet harshly governed by incredibly advanced apes, with what seem like humans forced to act as slaves. In his attempts to escape this nightmarish situation, Taylor leads us towards one of the most unforgettable climaxes in movie history, the perfect ending for a true sci-fi classic.

What the critics think

“I loved this film! It was just so different from any other film I've ever seen. Now, I don't usually enjoy Sci-Fi films but this had a sort of classic charm to it. It made the story believable- it's not scary, but it's not boring: a few shocks come along the way! I recommend this film to anyone looking for something different and new!” FILMCLUB member Megan, age 12

“The plot is cast in the time-proven Hollywood adventure tradition. A space explorer from Earth crash-lands on an unknown planet where apes rank higher than men on the evolutionary ladder. He tries to convince his captors he is intelligent; there are some good action sequences; some amusing twists; some easily digestible sociological and philosophical points, and a thoroughly satisfactory surprise ending.” Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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Starter Discussion

1. Looking at the title of the film, Planet of the Apes, what do you think the film will be about?

2. If you could picture any animal running a planet what animal would it be and why?

3. What does the term democracy mean?*

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. What do you think the world will be like in 2212?

2. Who is your favourite character and why?

3. How would it feel if humans were suddenly not the dominate species? Do you think modern families would be able to cope? Explain.

4. Does this film change your thoughts about animal testing? Explain.

5. What are the similarities and differences between ape society and modern human society?

6. What do you think should happen next?

7. Who is Taylor speaking about at the end? What do you think happened to the Earth?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

How will democracy look in the future? Set up your own Parliament style debate to discuss.

Go to www.parliamentweek.org/partners to find out about debating events for young people eg. Have Your Say! at Westminster Abbey on 21st Nov.

* Definition of democracy: a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives

Origin: late 16th century: from French démocratie, via late Latin from Greek dēmokratia, from dēmos 'the people' + -kratia 'power, rule'

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... The Hunger Games (12) 12+ 142 mins

Key Stage Target KS4✓ KS5✓

About this film

The first in a proposed trilogy, this adaptation of the bestselling, pitch-black novel for young adults is perfectly realised. In a post-apocalpyse America (now called Panem), two children between the ages of 12 and 18 are routinely, randomly selected for a brutal competition, of which there can be only one survivor. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to spare her younger sister, and so her own fight for life begins. Jennifer Lawrence, so good in Winter's Bone, consolidates her status as a young star to watch with another fearless performance. She’s tough yet vulnerable in this horrifying vision of a dystopian future that feels uncomfortably convincing.

What the critics think

'The Hunger Games' is a great film based on 24 children and teenages taking part in a game in which they have to try and survive and kill each other. It is very good as it makes you feel a number of different emotions; laughter, sadness, suspense... I gave it 5/5 because it is such a great film that I really enjoyed watching! I would deffenetley recommend this film as it is an amazing film to watch.” FILMCLUB member Harriet, 12

“The Hunger Games,” the highly anticipated movie based on the best-selling teen novel, is as tough-spirited as fans would hope for — and exciting and thought-provoking in a way few adventure dramas ever are.” Joe Nuemaier, NY Daily News

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Starter Discussion

1. From the title of the film, what do you expect it will be about?

2. What is courage? Give an example.

3. What does the term democracy mean? *

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. What is life like for Katniss and her community under the Panem regime?

2. What are The Hunger Games? Why were they started?

3. How do you think Katniss and Peeta felt after becoming the tributes for District 12?

4. What are the differences between Katniss’s home district and the capital city?

5. How are young people in Panem treated by the regime and their Districts?

6. How are celebrity and politics linked in this film?

7. Who is manipulated more by the Gamesmakers - the tributes or the television viewers?

8. What do you think will happen in the next part of this trilogy?

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

How will democracy look in the future? Set up your own Parliament style debate to discuss.

Go to www.parliamentweek.org/schools/ to find out about debating events for young people eg. Have Your Say! at Westminster Abbey on 21st Nov.

* Definition of democracy: a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives

Origin: late 16th century: from French démocratie, via late Latin from Greek dēmokratia, from dēmos 'the people' + -kratia 'power, rule'

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FILMCLUB Screening Guide to... V For Vendetta (15) 14+ 134 mins

Key Stage Target

KS4 ✓ KS5 ✓

About this film

The Wachowski Brothers, the men behind the Matrix trilogy, masterminded this ideas-packed thriller. It's set in a parallel Britain, where a Guy Fawkes-inspired terrorist attempts to stir resistance against a dictatorship, and a young woman ends up in a strange friendship with the mysterious masked avenger. An unusual Hollywood action movie, these characters argue out their beliefs as they race against the clock.

“He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demanded in return was your silent obedient consent.” V.

What the critics think

“An very dramatic, fantastically directed and powerfully thrilling genuine masterpiece! This film relates strongly to the atrocious crimes committed by different governments in the past, especially the Nazi party. The idea of a fascist Britain is a compelling and emotional idea and contributes to this films powerful story.” FILMCLUB member Reshad, aged 15

“Just awesome... Go watch it...” FILMCLUB member. Phill, aged 16

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Starter Discussion

1. What does democracy mean?*

2. What does a dictatorship mean?

3. Can you guess already what the film is about?

4. Can you think of any countries in the world that are living under a dictatorship?

Discussion Questions: Getting Ready To Review

1. Can you ever imagine the UK being ruled in this way?

2. What elements of the film evoke past or current regimes?

3. How important is the media and social media in civil uprisings? Can you name some recent examples?

4. In what way are politics and media related?

5. Why do you think futuristic films often depict a dystopia rather than utopia?

6. Why do you think the Occupy movement adopted the Guy Fawkes mask from the film?

7. In no more than 150 characters, predict your vision of the future.

Next Steps: Suggested Activities

Get online and write a review of the film at www.filmclub.org

How will democracy look in the future? Set up your own Parliament style debate to discuss.

Go to www.parliamentweek.org/schools/ to find out about debating events for young people eg. Have Your Say! at Westminster Abbey on 21st Nov.

* Definition of democracy: a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives

Origin: late 16th century: from French démocratie, via late Latin from Greek dēmokratia, from dēmos 'the people' + -kratia 'power, rule'

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How to invite an MP to your Film Club

Research your MP on http://www.theyworkforyou.com/

Your Film club NameYour School

Your School’s Address

Your MP’s full nameYour MP’s address

The date that you are writing this letter

Dear,

Explain who you are and what you do at FILMCLUB.

Tell your MP about the film you are watching for Parliament Week and your Film Club’s thoughts on it.

Invite your MP to come into your Film Club session to watch a film and have a discussion about Parliament Week.

Explain how your MP can contact your Film Club Leader to confirm if they can or cannot visit your club.

Thank your MP for reading the letter.

Yours sincerely,