Big celebrations as Kilmore school wins major film award

Dublin People 06 Nov 2015
Pictured at the 11th FÍS Film Festival were students Craig Perry, Ken Okogo and Alex Ennis from Scoil Fhursa.

A NORTHSIDE school was celebrating last week after winning an award for excellence in a filmmaking competition. 

Scoil Fhursa Boys’ National School in Kilmore West, Coolock, received the top honour at the  11th FÍS Film Festival, which took place in The Helix, DCU. 

‘Scoil Fhursa Infomercial’, a short film created by the students and their teacher, came away with the award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Originality’. 

The students created a wonderful and fun modern infomercial detailing the unique selling points of all the school shop has to offer. Who knew the humble pencil could be so interesting?

A total of 24 primary schools from across Ireland were awarded for filmmaking excellence in a wide variety of categories including comedy, acting, storytelling, adaptation, animation, special effects, direction, costume, editing, production, cinematography, sound, public safety, best newcomer, best Junior Class production and historical adaptation.

The methodology for the FÍS Film Festival empowers teachers and children to explore the medium of film and digital media in the primary curriculum. 

FÍS helps develop many different areas of the primary curriculum and in particular develops active learning, creative thinking, language, imagination, collaborative learning and problem solving skills as well as giving children hands-on experience of using technology as part of the filmmaking process.

Seán Gallagher, Deputy Director, Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), said: “We have been utterly overwhelmed by the quality of entries this year. The sheer quality made it very difficult to choose our 24 finalists, so hard luck to all the schools that weren’t shortlisted. 

“FÍS is an excellent opportunity to showcase the various ways in which schools can use technology to benefit the holistic development of students and equip them with skills outside of the normal school syllabus.”

Mr Gallagher added: “Students are developing their skill set by interacting with new technologies and software, editing and producing quality films while also learning to work together as part of a team.”

Related News