University-led workshop opens up filmmaking to local pupils
Queen Margaret University (QMU) has led a two-week filmmaking workshop giving young people hands-on experience in storytelling, shooting and editing, culminating in three original short films that will premiere on 17 August at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). The initiative, titled 'Children Meet Cinema', brought together S2–S3 pupils from Broughton High School and was delivered in partnership with film and education organisations.
The programme focused on practical skills and creative confidence, offering participants a structured introduction to how films are developed from concept to screen. Organisers said the approach was designed to help pupils see new pathways into the creative industries while encouraging teamwork and sustained project work over the fortnight.
What the organisers said
Senior lecturer Robert Munro from QMU, who co-led the project, underlined the value of widening access to creative learning:
"Creative projects like this are about opening up the world of cinema to young people and showing them that their stories matter. It’s been inspiring to see the creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork shown by the pupils at Broughton High School over the past two weeks. This kind of experience can be genuinely transformative – helping young people see new possibilities for themselves and their future."
Lead filmmaker Scott Graham said the pupils embraced the freedom of the workshop:
"The ‘Children Meet Cinema’ project gives me hope for the future of filmmaking in Scotland. The young filmmakers from Broughton High School took the creative freedom we gave them and ran with it."
Who was involved
The workshop was led by Robert Munro (QMU) and Jamie Chambers (Edinburgh College of Art), and produced by Transgressive North. It involved a team of practitioners across Scotland’s film community, including filmmaker Duncan Cowles, Maili Fraser from Edinburgh Filmhouse, and director Scott Graham. The project was inspired by Japan’s Children Meet Cinema and received support through QMU’s research impact and widening access funds.
- Two-week, practice-led workshop for S2–S3 pupils
- Three original short films completed
- Public premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 17 August
Premiere and public platform
The three completed films will receive a big-screen debut at EIFF, offering the pupils a rare opportunity to present their work within a professional festival setting. Organisers said this public platform is a key part of the learning process, giving participants feedback from audiences and allowing them to see how their ideas translate to a cinema context.
QMU extended thanks to the pupils and staff at Broughton High School, and to St Stephen’s Comely Bank Church for hosting workshop sessions. The collaboration brought together education providers, industry professionals and community partners to deliver a rounded experience from development to exhibition.
Why it matters for young people
While the workshop centred on filmmaking, it also aimed to build broader skills relevant to study and work: collaboration, time management, problem-solving and communication. According to the organisers, participants gained confidence by taking ownership of every stage of production—from scripting and storyboarding to camera work and editing—before preparing their films for a festival audience.
By rooting the project in practical exercises and professional mentoring, the programme sought to lower barriers to creative participation. The backers said the combination of academic leadership, industry input and a festival showcase created a clear pathway for pupils to understand what a career in film and media could look like, and how their own stories can be shaped for the screen.
Programme snapshot
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | Two weeks |
| Participants | S2–S3 pupils from Broughton High School |
| Outputs | Three original short films |
| Leadership | QMU with partners in film and education |
| Premiere | Edinburgh International Film Festival, 17 August |
| Support | QMU research impact and widening access funds |
The 'Children Meet Cinema' model, adapted from a Japanese initiative, places creative decision-making with the pupils while maintaining a supportive framework from educators and filmmakers. The organisers said this balance helped participants to experiment, iterate and ultimately complete films ready for public exhibition.
