Five great movies about kids who love making films
The history of cinema is full of films about filmmaking: The Player, The Bad and The Beautiful, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. However there are only a handful of films about children and young people making films. We’ve picked five, each of which shows a filmmaker’s unique perspective on being a young person who loves making films. These tales often blend nostalgia, creativity, and rites of passage. In this blog post, we'll delve into five films—each a gem in its own right—that beautifully encapsulate the spirit of aspiring young filmmakers.
The Fabelmans - Spielberg's Cinematic Autobiography
Spielberg’s films are full of fantastic child characters - one of the reasons that ET is so fantastic is that feels like it’s made from the point of view of a child.
In "The Fabelmans" he takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through the director's own childhood, offering a poignant look at the magic of filmmaking. The film follows a young boy named Buddy, clearly a stand-in for Spielberg, as he navigates the challenges of growing up. The story not only serves as a love letter to cinema but also explores the impact of artistic passion on familial relationships. Spielberg's personal touch infuses the film with authenticity, creating an emotionally resonant experience that beautifully captures the essence of youth, family, and the irresistible allure of the silver screen.
ommon sense media age recommendation: 13+
BBFC rating: 12
Son of Rambow - Garth Jennings' Ode to Imagination
Garth Jennings' "Son of Rambow" is a charming coming-of-age tale that celebrates the boundless creativity of childhood. Set in the '80s, the film follows two boys who embark on a cinematic adventure to create their own version of "Rambo: First Blood." The story brilliantly captures the innocence of youth and the unbridled enthusiasm that accompanies the pursuit of a creative vision. Jennings, drawing from his own experiences, weaves a heartfelt narrative that emphasizes the power of imagination and the transformative nature of filmmaking. "Son of Rambow" is a testament to the idea that, with a camera in hand, even the most ordinary lives can become extraordinary cinematic adventures.
Common sense media age recommendation: 14+
BBFC rating: 12
The Mitchells Vs The Machines - Lord and Miller's Animated Innovation
Phil Lord and Chris Miller are masters of playful filmmaking - The Lego Movie, Spiderman into the Spiderverse, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and 21 Jump Street are crammed full of fun ideas. In "The Mitchells vs The Machines" they have a character, Katie Mitchell, who shares their storytelling style. It’s a brilliant animated film that explores the intersection of family dynamics and the digital age as it follows the Mitchell family as they inadvertently become humanity's last hope against a robot uprising. Lord and Miller's signature wit and irreverence infuse the film with a vibrant energy, making it a delightful watch for both young audiences and adults. "The Mitchells vs The Machines" showcases that, in the age of technology, storytelling remains a powerful force that bridges generational gaps.
Common sense media age recommendation: 8+
BBFC rating: U
Super 8 - JJ Abrams’ Spielbergian Spectacle
J.J. Abrams could be seen as the heir to Spielberg, with his epic blockbusters with two Star Trek movies, two Star Wars films and a Mission Impossible to his namew. Here he pays homage to his cinematic idol with "Super 8." Set in the late '70s, the film revolves around a group of kids making a zombie film with a Super 8 camera, only to witness a mysterious train crash that unleashes otherworldly events. The narrative skillfully blends the excitement of filmmaking with a suspenseful sci-fi plot. Abrams' direction mirrors Spielberg's style, capturing the wonder of youth and the magic of storytelling. "Super 8" stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Spielberg on a new generation of filmmakers, with Abrams expertly channeling the spirit of his mentor into a thrilling and heartfelt cinematic experience.
Common sense media age recommendation: 13+
BBFC rating: 12
Cinema Paradiso - Tornatore’s love letter to cinema
OK, the main character in this film never runs around with a camera - he learns about cinema projection. However, he does become a filmmaker when he’s older and… it’s Cinema Paradiso, so we think it counts.
Giuseppe Tornatore's "Cinema Paradiso" is a classic ode to the magic of cinema, as seen through the eyes of a young boy named Salvatore. Set in post-war Italy, the film follows Salvatore's friendship with the local projectionist, Alfredo, and his coming-of-age journey shaped by the movies. "Cinema Paradiso" is a masterful exploration of the transformative power of cinema, with Tornatore infusing the narrative with a deep love for the art form. The film beautifully portrays the impact of films on individuals and communities, highlighting the ability of cinema to shape lives and create lasting memories. Tornatore's heartfelt direction and the timeless themes make "Cinema Paradiso" a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Common sense media age recommendation: 14+
BBFC rating: 12
These five films stand as brilliant examples of the power of storytelling, the magic of filmmaking, and the universal themes of youth, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams. Whether drawing inspiration from personal experiences or paying homage to cinematic influences, each director has crafted a unique and captivating narrative that invites audiences to relive the magic of their own youthful dreams and aspirations on the silver screen.
At Chocolate Films we encourage children and young people to make their first movies in our script to screen workshops. Get in touch to find out more about what we can do for your school or youth club. And if you live local to our base, check out what workshops are open to you.
