Films by season & age - Black History Month for ages 12-15

Seasons are a great way to explore different ideas through watching a group of films. Why not try watching all the films in a season and make some time for discussion. Topics and discussion points are included.

Black History Month (BHM) is all about remembering forgotten heroes, learning new histories and celebrating icons and leaders. From William Wilberforce to Muhammed Ali, BHM aims to recognise achievements in Black history and share that knowledge.

Black History Month takes place during the month of October and has done since 1987 when it was established in the UK by Akyaaba Addai Sebbo. Conceived by Carter G Woodson, the editor of the Journal of Negro History, it has been celebrated every February in America since 1926.

Film, more than any other medium, allows us an insight into different worlds, giving us a greater ability to not only reflect upon the one we live in, but also understand the lives and experiences of others so much better.

Brilliant to watch at any time of the year, we hope you will find these films not only enjoyable, but thought-provoking too. From the American classics A Raisin In The Sun and To Kill A Mockingbird to the powerful true account of genocide in Hotel Rwanda and the unstoppable boxer Muhammed Ali in the documentary When We Were Kings, as well as recent historical movie Amazing Grace and feel good new feature, Akeelah and The Bee.


Suggested pair:

How about watching When We Were Kings - following the legendary boxer Muhammed Ali to his ‘rumble in the jungle' fight in Zaire - and then Akeelah and the Bee - a story about a young girl's achievements in a spelling contest. How does each story make you feel - inspired, excited, emotional, competitive, creative, positive?

Talking Points:

How does To Kill A Mockingbird make you feel about how life was in America in the 1930's?

Did you feel happy for Akeelah and did it make you want to try anything you wouldn't normally do?

How interesting did you find watching a documentary like When We Were Kings, which follows a real-life story?

Do you think William Willberforce, even though he was white, should be remembered in Black History?

For further information on Black History Month please check out www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/blackhistory or
http://www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk/ .