Saffron Screen will next week screen a student film, followed by British comedy-drama Son of Rambow, in a project aimed at connecting young people with art and culture.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Learning how to use a camera.Learning how to use a camera. (Image: Archant)

The Detained was made by a group of Year 9 students from Saffron Walden County High School and Alec Hunter Academy in Braintree, in partnership with Saffron Screen and Doko Films.

The youngsters have, since September, worked with film maker Justin Rhodes to make their own film in a project sponsored by the Royal Opera House Bridge – one of 10 national ‘bridges’ that work across England to connect children and young people with great art and culture.

The purpose of the project was to forge greater links across the Saffron Academy Trust - Saffron Walden County High School and Alec Hunter Humanities College - and to engage students in a film making project that will enable them to develop new relationships with pupils from another school, learn new film making skills and work with industry professionals to script, film, edit and showcase their films.

It has also encouraged integration between school film activity and Saffron Screen to maximise the on-site cinema resource for students at the County High, and to create filmed material that can be used to promote both schools.

Six students from each school were selected to participate in the project and work alongside Mr Rhodes, who helped them develop, plan, film and edit a short film.

The screening, which is free and open to all, will be followed by Son of Rambow, a tale of two youngsters who couldn’t be more different but connect over their love of film. Together they decide to make their own version of Sylvester Stallone’s First Blood. Set in 1982, it’s a celebration of youth, friendship and creativity and stars BAFTA Rising Star award winner, Will Poulter.

Both films will be screened on Wednesday, May 21 at 6pm. Tickets are free but should be reserved at cinema box office, the Tourist Information Centre, or online at saffronscreen.com.