Award for deaf children’s filmmaking project (BSL)

Longwill Primary School for Deaf Children have been working with Common Ground Arts and BlueBell Films on a film making project that culminated in the development of a short film, The Longwill Show. This film has been exhibited at the Midlands Art Centre and was recently honoured with the Royal Television Society Midlands award for Creative Community.

To begin the project – which took place over a period of two months – pupils at Longwill Primary School worked with local filmmaker Bhulla Beghal (a BSL using CODA) who led workshops over 13 days for three classes across Year 5 and 6. Throughout the weeks the students explored various aspects of filmmaking, from initial idea generation to final editing.

Working together as classes they created short film scripts which they then directed, acted in, filmed and edited. Through the projects practical exercises and collaborative nature of the work, the aim was for students to gain confidence, nurture their creativity and unlock their potential.

In the filmmaking workshops the students were encouraged to interview each other and to craft personal journey stories. This led to creating a variety show that showcases everyone’s involvement and host a range of tones from comedy to emotional. From these workshops The Longwill Show was born – a variety show led by the students themselves.

Common Ground Arts then hosted an exhibition of the artistic outcomes from 7 artists working in 7 schools across Birmingham at the Midlands Arts Centre, at which The Longwill Show was exhibited. 

Bhulla Beghal stated how The Longwill Show “offers a unique perspective into the richness of expression within the Deaf community.” Reviews from viewers watching the show also express how much the film has inspired them to learn BSL.

Gemma Hall, a teacher at Longwill Primary School commented:

“Our pupils have different strengths and talents, this project gave all children the opportunity to shine and excel in their own unique ways, bringing out different qualities. It also offered them insight to the potential opportunities that are available to them as they reach adulthood and the world of work. 

The increased visibility of deafness within the mainstream media, given people an insight into Deaf culture. In creating this film, our pupils used their own voice to present their views, which made it even more powerful. I am proud to have led this project, facilitating and enabling the sessions’

Alison Carter, Headteacher, added:

“At Longwill, I often talk to our pupils about how we all want them to be ‘Proud to be Deaf’ and this arts project exemplifies everything we, as parents and staff, dream of for our Deaf children! This creative collaboration with Bhulla not only exceeded my expectations – it also actually went off the scale!

To watch our children express themselves with such insight, confidence, eloquence and humour  was awe-inspiring!  

The children learned so much about themselves, the world of film, opportunities for their future world of work and the pride in the richness of the Deaf community.

I am so proud of all the Deaf children at our school and so thankful to be part of this wonderful collaboration between the seven schools in the Birmingham Special Schools Co-operative Trust and our talented and committed creative partners within the region.”

For more information about this community-driven project, please contact Bhulla Beghal, Artist & Filmmaker, at bhulla@bluebellfilms.co.uk

Photography credit to Nicole Louise Photography