More than 150 films will be shown for free to young people in south London, Kent and Surrey as the world’s largest youth film festival returns next month.

The Into Film Festival introduces film and its educational benefits to five to 19-year-olds with a series of screenings, workshops with the Academy (the guys behind the Oscars), and lessons.

It has been supported by the likes of Sir Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Redmayne, Michael Sheen, Carey Mulligan, Sir Ian McKellen and Helena Bonham Carter.

Sir Kenneth Branagh said: “I’m thrilled to support the Into Film Festival. It’s an incredible opportunity for young people to experience the cinema and be immersed in a film or a discussion.

“The fact that they could watch something that they would not necessarily consider seeing on their own - all for free - is a truly magnificent offer.

“I hope that young people and teachers take advantage of the Into Film Festival and come away with a head full of new insights, ideas and an invigorated passion for film.” 

Kicking off with the blockbuster The BFG at Vue West End to celebrate Roald Dahl’s centenary, events include a showing of the classic adaptation Matilda at Odeon Wimbledon.

Other screenings include Dear White People at Deptford Cinema with a Q&A with The New Black Film Collective, A Beautiful Planet at Odeon Greenwich followed by a talk from the UK Space Agency.

Shakespeare in Love and Carol costume designer will lead a 45-minute Q&A at Shepperton Studios. Screenings of films such as Finding Dory, Creed, Pan and the new versions of The Jungle Book and Pete’s Dragon will be held in Dorking, Epsom, Esher, Leatherhead, Shepperton, Staines, Sutton, Walton, Sevenoaks and Greenhithe.

All of the screenings and events are free and schools can also download teachings resources online while young people can pick up a range of guides designed for different ages.

Find out more at intofilm.org/festival

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