A FILM preview with a difference took place at Fishguard’ Theatr Gwaun on Wednesday, July 11.

Ysgol Bro Gwaun’s Year 9 pupils screened Sail and Anchor to an appreciative audience.

The film was funded by the Arts council of Wales under their Lead Creative Schools programme. Ysgol Bro Gwaun secured funding for two years and focused on art, ICT & oracy for the first year. The plan is to focus on STEM subjects for the second year.

The focus of the project was to reconnect pupils with their community by interviewing local people about their own stories and histories.

Pupils chose who they wanted to interview in the community, they documented the project through drawing, photography, animation and filming.

The benefitted from drawing workshops with local artists Lizzie Stonhold and Lee Phillips. Pupils also kept their own drawing diaries, using a whole range of tools and techniques to record their world.

They also enjoyed a workshop with photographer Richard Hanson who worked with pupils teaching them how to use different lenses, angles and composition. Serena Evans also delivered Fearless Speaking workshops to pupils to help them prepare for interviewing members of the public.

Pupils interviewed many members of the community about their lives in Fishguard and the surrounding area and then animated the interviews using stop frame animation on a green screen. This was then superimposed over the interviews.

The animated film the pupils produced was premiered at Theatr Gwaun along with an exhibition of photographs and sketch books showcasing the pupils’ outstanding artwork.

“To watch the pupils’ work and see them in action on the big screen was truly inspiring and a terrific experience for them all,” said a school spokesman.

“We would like to formally thank many members of the community for giving up their time and use of their buildings for the project.

“These included: Ein Hanes, the Yacht Club, Sea Cadets, Ocean Lab, Fishguard Library, the Royal Oak and Theatre Gwaun.

“It had a huge impact on the pupils and has given many of them a stronger sense of community.”

Mr John, Senior Leader and project co-ordinator, added:

“I am delighted with the pupils’ work and enthusiasm when participating in the project. They have learnt so many new skills from artists and learnt many interesting and amusing anecdotes about their local area from local people.

“I would like to thank Sue Davies, from the Arts Council, for her commitment and support. Mostly, I would like to thank and congratulate Rachel Williams and Tanya Griffiths for their massive contributions, energy and enthusiasm, that ensured that this project was a success.”