Picturehouse Education are delighted to announce the return of Tales of Wisdom and Wonder, a season of films based on retellings of traditional tales from other cultures, especially for primary school audiences. This year’s theme takes inspiration from the Olympics with JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS and THE IRON GIANT on offer, and ties in with National Storytelling Week! The programme aims to broaden children’s and young people’s cultural awareness, literacy skills and cine-literacy abilities.

Below you will find the dates and details of our Tales of Wisdom and Wonder events. The screenings will be supplemented with teaching resource packs and pre-screening discussion sessions led by cine-literacy educators and storytellers.

JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (U)

Wednesday 25 January, 10.15am

Jason has been prophesied to take the throne of Thessaly from King Pelias. In Jason’s adulthood the two meet by chance but Jason does not recognise Pelias as the man who had earlier killed Jason’s father. Pelias instructs Jason to seek out the Golden Fleece and his advice is followed. Jason assembles a sailing crew of the finest men in Greece, who set off under the watchful protection of Hera, Queen of the gods. Their voyage is replete with battles against harpies, a giant bronze Talos, a hydra, and an animated skeleton army, all brought to life by the special effects wizardry of Ray Harryhausen.

Year: 1963 / Film length: 104 mins + 20 mins intro / Age: Y4, 5 & 6, KS1 & 2

Subjects: Literacy, History, Geography, Citizenship, Art & Design

THE IRON GIANT (U)

Wednesday 1 February, 10.15am  - SOLD OUT! Repeat bookings available by request

An adventurous, comic book-obsessed young boy meets the stuff of fantasy when rumours of a colossal robot turn out to be true. After bonding with the Iron Giant, young Hogarth Hughes makes it his mission to hide and protect the creature from the suspicious government agent that has just moved into town. THE IRON GIANT is a poignant tale about overcoming kneejerk reactions and learning to think positively about unfamiliarity, as well as about finding heroism in many forms.

Year: 1999 / Film length: 86 mins + 20 mins intro / Age: Y1, 2, 3 & 4 KS1 & 2

Subjects: Literacy, Citizenship, History

SPECIAL AUTISM-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS’ SCREENING:

THE IRON GIANT

Wednesday 8 February, 10.30am

To celebrate National Storytelling Week we have a special Autism-Friendly Screening of THE IRON GIANT with a short optional interactive storytelling session beforehand to introduce the film.

During the film low lights are left on inside the auditorium and the volume of the soundtrack is reduced. It is fine for customers to move around, make a noise or take a break during the film if they need to.

We run regular Autism-Friendly Screenings of recent films for schools in the week before half-term and school holidays. Where there is more interest we are eager to consult with schools and set up a more frequent screenings programme.

To register your interest in Autism-Friendly Schools’ Screenings please drop us an email requesting to be added to the mailing list.

TICKET PRICES

Ticket prices for Tales of Wisdom and Wonder screenings are £2.50 per child and accompanying adults are admitted free of charge.

BOOKINGS

Booking in advance is essential!

Please contact Picturehouse Education for all bookings:

Leah Byrne, Audience Development Manager: Leah.B@picturehouses.co.uk /  07918 745 267

Elinor Walpole, Community and Education Officer: Elinor.W@picturehouses.co.uk / 07967 047 401

When making your booking please be ready to specify the number of children and adult tickets that you require. Payment can be made by cheque, cash or card on the day of your visit.