An animated film about the 1984-85 miners’ strike has landed its youth centre creators the Best Film award at an international film festival.
Young people from Senghenydd Youth Drop In Centre (SYDIC) teamed up with animation company Gritty Realism Productions and St Martin’s School, Caerphilly, to create the documentary.
The young film-makers spoke to a group of miners’ wives about the major industrial action, and their memories provided the foundation for the thought-provoking film.
The film, ‘Striking Stories’, was awarded Best Film in the 14-18 age category at the Zoom Young Filmmaker Awards at the Sony Theatre, Bridgend, on Monday April 18 – the final night of the four-day Zoom International Film Festival.
Matthew Thorne, Communities First Senior Youth and Family Officer, said: “We were keen to have young people involved at every level. This included them interviewing women who were involved in strike action, drawing, animating and editing. The soundtrack was even composed by very talented young people who attend SYDIC and St Martins School.
“As well as exploring and developing young people’s artistic and technological skills, the project also raised awareness of local heritage. Many young people taking part in the project had never heard of the miners’ strike, despite it taking place in their communities.”
Dave Brunton, Project Manager of SYDIC, said: “As with ‘Shadows of Senghenydd’ in 2014, the young people and Gritty Realism have again produced a film that allows a new generation to focus on and appreciate the past struggles of families in the area where they live.
“It also gives them an insight into an historical event that helped shape the culture and values of people in the South Wales Valleys communities”.
Senghenydd Youth Drop In Centre is offers a range of services and activities to 11-25 year olds to encourage and help the young people of the Aber Valley to make positive contributions to their community.
