New Student Film Aims To Get Generations Talking And Make Difference To Isle Of Wight Communities

A new film about childhood, made by students from the Island Learning Centre and artists Teresa Grimaldi, aims to start conversations between different generations and make a difference to local communities.

In Simpler Times recognises that young people and the elderly can be judgemental of each other, and not see the real person behind the stereotype.

The students explored this topic through various creative processes and in a wonderful conversation with older people from Independent Arts’ SingAbout group, which features in the soundtrack of the film.

One of the students commented that the conversation had ‘changed’ her.

The film was launched at a private screening at Independent Arts, when guest were invited to bring their childhood toys, eat old fashioned sweets - like clove balls and lemon sherbets - drink ginger beer and cream soda, and compare childhood experiences.

The project was part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme, funded by Arts Council England.

The themes of the project were shaped by the students themselves at a creative consultation in September 2023, led by poet and cartoonist Adam Gaterell, and the issues raised by the young people were used to write an open call-out to artists.

Three artists were shortlisted to pitch to students at a dragons’ den selection process and Teresa Grimaldi was chosen by the young people to work with them on a creative intervention that would have a positive impact on young people and the wider community.

Artswork and the Island Learning Centre plan to extend their intergenerational collaboration from September; exploring how better conversations and connections can impact antisocial behaviour and crime.

In Simpler Times uses a wide range of creative techniques to explore themes around childhood, including animation, projection, woodworking, stencils, storyboarding and text.

The students also worked with artist Paradox Paul to reimagine toys and play.

The film starts from a historical perspective, with the Victorian chimney climbing boy Valentine Gray – where the threats to young people were often physical – to now, where the pressures are often mental and emotional.

It focuses on the complexities of the digital age, which brings a wealth of tools, but anxieties too; exploring how social media is having an impact on how we relate to each other, the communities we live in and our sense of self.

Original music for the film was developed by the students, working with Jess Ong.

The Young Cultural Changemakers programme applies Artswork’s nationally recognised youth arts expertise across the South East, empowering young people to make a difference to their communities through creative projects.

It enables them to work with professional artists to plan and deliver high quality, public-facing interventions that not only have a positive impact on the young people taking part, but on the wider community.

The project includes training and development to support local young people become the next generation of leaders, creatives and advocates in their areas.

You can view the film here: