Introduction

THE WORLD AROUND US

Introduction

Celebrating cinema as a ’passport to the world’, this strand includes films from Iran, France, Africa, New Zealand, Tibet and Mongolia. This resource aims to give these films a context, and to challenge children to think about how the language of film is a universal language that helps us to understand and accept different cultures. The resource will address aspects of P.S.H.E. and Citizenship as well as Literacy, Science and Geography.

©Film Education 2006 1 THE WORLD AROUND US

Aliens of the Deep 3D

Running Time: 50 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, Geography, Science Synopsis A team of young scientists and marine explorers guide us through a journey to some of the Earth's deepest, most extreme and unknown environments in search of the bizarre and alien creatures that live there. Looking at ecosystems, intensely hot oases and oversized sea- creatures, you are invited to consider these strange life forms and decide what they could represent. Film Facts The director of Aliens of the Deep, James Cameron, directed the box office smash, Titanic in 1997. In this documentary, he worked with a team of NASA scientists to explore the Mid-Ocean Ridge, a submerged chain of mountains that band the Earth and are home to some of the planet's most unusual life forms. Pre-viewing activities 1. Where do you think the Earth’s ‘deepest, most extreme and unknown environments’ could be? Look at a globe or in an atlas to find out where the Earth’s deepest oceans, highest mountains and hottest deserts are. 2. Search the internet for information about the Mid-Ocean Ridge. 3. Cameron’s team of scientists and explorers are made up of: • an expedition leader • marine animal physiologists • pilots • a marine seismologist • astrobiologists • an astronaut • astronomers / planetary scientists • a science observer

Find out what these people do. Which one of these jobs would you like to do? Post-viewing activities 1. Draw a picture of your favourite underwater creature. 2. Aliens of the Deep is a documentary. What are the differences and similarities between a documentary and a film like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? 3. Which of the creatures would you use to feature in an adventure movie? Why? Write a story outline of your film starring the alien of the deep that you chose.

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The Apple

Running Time: 84 minutes Cert: U Subtitled Suitable for: KS2 Literacy, Geography, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship Synopsis Director Samira Makhmalbaf’s fascinating bittersweet Iranian film, this poetic and dramatic tale tells of two sisters who, after twelve years of imprisonment by their own parents, are finally released by social workers to face the outside world and all its beauty and wonderment for the first time. Film Facts Set in Iran, this film is based on real events, and the principal characters play themselves. An eighteen-year-old Iranian woman, Samira Makhmalbaf, directed it. Pre-viewing activities 1. If you were hidden away from the world against your will, what would you miss the most? Write a list, giving reasons for your choices. 2. Find out where Iran is and five facts about its recent history. Post-viewing activities 1. Why do you think the girls’ parents locked them up for twelve years? 2. The girls in the film have to learn how to make friends. What guidelines would you give them? How do they do it in the film?

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The Cup

Running Time: 93 minutes Cert: PG Suitable for: KS2 Literacy, Geography, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship Website: www.the-cup.com/start.html Synopsis This is the first motion picture ever to emerge from the tiny central Asian country of Bhutan. It gives an insight into life behind the cloistered walls of the Chokling Monastery. Two young exiled Tibetan refugees arrive at the monastery/boarding school. Soccer enthusiast Orgyen soon arouses a soccer fever amongst students. During the 1998 World Cup, Orgyen and several companions sneak out of the monastery by night and make their way to a shop in the local town where they can watch the matches. They are punished for this, while the head of the monastery faces difficulty in bringing Buddhism into modernity.

Film Facts The Cup is the first film ever produced by the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. It is based on a true story. The soccer games featured in the movie are from the 1998 World Cup in France. The first game is the quarter-final between France and Italy (France won on penalties), and the second is the final in Paris where France beat Brazil 3-0. Pre-viewing activities 1. The two main characters of the film are refugees. Find out what the word ‘refugee’ means. 2. The two refugees in the film are from Tibet. They find refuge in a monastery in India. Find Tibet and India on a map. How far away from each other are they? How far away are they from the UK?

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3. The film’s tagline is: ‘Buddhism is their philosophy. Soccer is their religion.’ Research the main ideas behind Buddhism. Are there any links that can be made between Buddhism and football? Post-viewing activities 1. Soccer is said to bring the world together. No matter where you are from, you can enjoy a game of football. What is it about the game that is so special? 2. The Cup is based on a true story. Whilst the characters are played by actors, we see life going on in the background that is ‘real’. List some of the real events that you saw. 3. Describe how the monks lived without modern technology. How does their life compare to yours?

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Deep Blue

Running Time: 91 minutes Cert: PG Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, Science, Geography Website: www.deepbluethemovie.com/main.html Synopsis A unique documentary, based on the BBC series ‘Blue Planet’, Deep Blue allows a fascinating view of the world’s oceans. The filmmakers have captured images of species that have never been seen before, all in their natural habitats. The film emphasises the diversity of the planet and the importance of furthering our understanding and preservation of it for the future.

Film Facts The documentary Deep Blue is based on the BBC series ‘Blue Planet’ which was aired in 2001. Over twelve million people watched the series when it first aired in the UK. It has since been screened in over fifty countries. The underwater photography set new standards, both for its beauty and for never-before- photographed sequences of ocean life. Recently discovered species were shown for the first time, and behaviour that had hitherto never been witnessed was captured on film. Pre-viewing activities 1. Find out how much of the Earth is covered in ocean. 2. Imagine a species of ocean creature that has never been seen before. What will it look like? Draw a picture. Post-viewing activities 1. What can you do to help preserve our oceans for future generations? 2. Before the age of the cinema, natural historians would have to record details of the natural life by making notes and drawing diagrams in a notebook. What does the film Deep Blue show you that could not be recorded in a notebook? 3. Describe the most interesting species of animal that you saw in the film. Whilst you are describing it, think about the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. ©Film Education 2006 6 THE WORLD AROUND US

Deep Sea 3D

Running Time: 50 minutes Cert: PG Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, Science, Geography Website: www.imax.com/deepsea/ Synopsis This undersea adventure offers up-close exploration of the planet’s deepest unknown oceans. Introducing some of the most strange and unusual beings on the planet, filmgoers will glide underwater with exotic, dangerous and colourful creatures with explanations offered about this exciting underworld. Issues such as survival, dependency and relationships are looked at as each animal relies on another in order for all of them to thrive.

Film Facts The fact that this is a 3D IMAX® film means that the audience can get a real insight into the mysterious world of the deep sea. Whilst watching through your 3D specs, you experience waves rushing towards you and the feeling of being momentarily engulfed in the ocean; a jellyfish field appearing to fill the whole theatre; a shark powering towards you and predators pouncing from behind rocks and devouring their prey. Pre-viewing activities 1. What type of creature do you think could be one of the planet’s most ‘strange and unusual beings’? Draw what you imagine this deep-sea creature to look like. 2. Find out how 3D vision works at an IMAX® theatre. How do you think it will be different to going to see a film at a regular cinema? Post-viewing activities 1. Write about the most exciting part of the movie for you. 2. Deep Sea uses 3D to its maximum potential. What other subjects do you think would be good filmed this way?

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Eight Below

Running Time: 120 minutes Cert: PG Suitable for: KS2 Literacy, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship, Geography, Science, History Website: http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/liveaction/eightbelow/ Synopsis Inspired by a true story, Eight Below is an action-adventure about loyalty and the bonds of friendship set in the extreme wilderness of Antarctica. The film tells the story of three members of a scientific expedition: Jerry Shepard, his best friend, Cooper, and a rugged American geologist, who are forced to leave behind their team of beloved sledge dogs due to a sudden accident and perilous weather conditions in Antarctica. During the harsh Antarctic winter, the dogs must struggle for survival alone in the intense frozen wilderness for over six months until the adventurers can mount a rescue mission. The film is inspired by the events of a 1958 Japanese Antarctic Expedition.

Film Facts An ill-fated Japanese expedition to Antarctica in 1958 inspired the movie Eight Below. In 1958, a scientific expedition to the South Pole ended with a dramatic rescue from the impossible weather conditions the team encountered on the return journey. The scientists had to leave their hard-working and loyal Sakhalin Huskies behind until the weather improved. In Antartica, this can mean months. Despite being left on their own, two of the dogs, Taro and Jiro, managed to survive for months in the extreme conditions.

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In the 1958 event, twelve Sakhalin Husky sledge dogs were involved. In Eight Below, eight dogs were used – two Alaskan Malamutes, Buck and Shadow, plus six Siberian Huskies. Many more dogs were needed to act out difficult scenes; each actor-dog had help from other dogs who performed stunts and pulled sledges. In all, thirty-two dogs were used to portray the film's eight canine characters. Pre-viewing activities 1. Find out where Antarctica is and why it is described here as an ‘extreme wilderness’. 2. Do some research on the internet to find out more about the real story behind the film Eight Below. Post-viewing activities 1. How did the filmmakers convey the sense of freezing cold that is prevalent in Antarctica? 2. Which of the dogs is your favourite and why? Dewey, Old Jack, Buck, Max, Maya, Shadow, Shorty or Truman. 3. Having seen the film, why do you think Huskies are used to pulling sledges?

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Forces of Nature 2D

Running Time: 50 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS2 Literacy, Geography, Science Synopsis It is one thing to contemplate the immense power of nature, another to experience these forces first-hand. Forces of Nature showcases the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes and severe storms as you follow scientists on their groundbreaking quests to understand how these natural disasters are triggered. Learn what is being done to predict and prepare for these events – and minimise their deadly effects – as you come face-to-face with Earth's most destructive forces. Film Facts Volcanoes, earthquakes and tornadoes can all cause enormous damage, so predicting where and when they will strike is of great importance. This film shows how scientists are working to understand volcanoes, earthquakes and tornadoes better. We see how volcanologist Dr Marie Edmonds has devised sensors that monitor the underground activity of magma to better predict future eruptions; geophysicist Dr Ross Stein studied the earthquake repair records in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia over the centuries to find clues about the history of earthquakes in Turkey. He discovered a pattern in quakes along the long North Anatolian Fault system, including the massively destructive quake at Izmit in 1999, and predicts the next earthquake just a few miles south of Istanbul. Dr Joshua Wurman and his team chase tornadoes in trucks equipped with Doppler radar in an attempt to probe the interior of a tornado just as it is born. Pre-viewing activities 1. Create a fact sheet on earthquakes, volcanoes and severe storms. 2. Write a story about a bad storm that you have experienced – starting with the events leading up to the storm and then the aftermath. 3. What do you think are the pros and cons of being a volcanologist, geophysicist or a ‘tornado chaser’? Post-viewing activities 1. The famous actor, Kevin Bacon, narrates this movie. What do you think the narration adds to the movie? Would it have been harder to understand without the narration? Forces of Nature is a ‘National Geographic’ film, made with funding from the National Science Foundation. Why do you think it is important that films like this are made?

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Greyfriars Bobby

Running Time: 104 minutes Cert: PG Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, History, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship Website: www.bobbythedog.co.uk/ Synopsis The story of friendship between a young boy, Ewan, and his dog, Bobby. Set in nineteenth century Edinburgh, the two embark on many adventures that will change their lives and the city forever. The film is adapted from the true story of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier who sat beside his master’s grave for fourteen years, only leaving to forage for food. The name Greyfriars Bobby has become a byword for loyalty and friendship.

Film Facts Bobby was a Skye terrier dog that became famous in nineteenth century Edinburgh, Scotland. Bobby's owner, John Gray, was a policeman who died in 1858 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, the graveyard surrounding Greyfriars church in the Old Town of Edinburgh. Bobby, who survived John by more than a decade, is said to have spent the rest of his life sitting on his master's grave. The film Greyfriars Bobby was released in the UK in February 2006. The famous Edinburgh Castle scenes were actually shot in nearby Stirling Castle. Today, a small statue of Greyfriars Bobby stands in front of a pub, also called Greyfriars Bobby, which is located in front of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Pre-viewing activities 1. Bobby the dog is famous for his loyalty and devotion. What do these words mean? To whom are you loyal? 2. Greyfriars Bobby is set in Edinburgh. Locate Edinburgh on a map of the UK and find out how far away it is from your home or school. If you live in Edinburgh, find out how far away you are from Stirling, where some of the scenes were shot.

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Post-viewing activities 1. The central character of the film is Bobby. How does the West Highland Terrier who played him help to tell the story? How do you think you would get a dog to ‘act’? 2. The film is shot in Scotland. Which landmarks did you notice and how were they important to the story?

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Heidi

Running Time: 100 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship Synopsis Heidi is the story of a little Swiss girl with a gift for happiness. Heidi is five when she is sent to live with her grandfather in his lonely hut high in the Alps. She quickly grows to love her carefree new life with him in the mountain air, and the old man comes to love her too. They are both unhappy when Heidi is sent away again, to a family in town, but she soon manages to get home to her Alps - and to share her happiness with her new friends.

Film Facts Heidi is a story focusing on events in the life of the title character, a young orphan girl, in Switzerland. It was written as a children's book in 1880 by Swiss author Johanna Spyri. Children all over the world love the Heidi books. The film Heidi (2005) was filmed in Slovenia and Wales. Pre-viewing activities 1. Heidi is described as having a ‘gift for happiness’. This means that her sunny personality makes others happy. How can you make people happy? Do something today that makes somebody smile and start a ‘Happy Gifts’ diary. 2. Find the Swiss Alps on a map. Which is the tallest mountain? 3. Find out more about the Heidi book by Johanna Spyri. What else did Spyri write? Were there any sequels to Heidi?

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Post-viewing activities 1. The actress who plays Heidi (Emma Bolger) was interviewed by reporter David Savage. The interview can be seen here: www.popcorn.co.uk/page.asp?partid=122 One of the questions he asks is: ‘There are lots of different versions of Heidi, like the famous one from the 1930s, starring Shirley Temple. Why do you think they keep remaking the story?’ Emma replies: ‘It's so innocent and sweet, and most films these days are like (SHOTGUN NOISE) "Die!" And this is very innocent. Heidi is innocent. She does nothing wrong. That's what keeps it alive. The love that's in it. It's a children's film. There's no killings or weird things like that.’ Do you agree with Emma? Is Heidi ‘very innocent’? Does she do anything wrong? Is there too much violence in modern stories? 2. How does the camera shoot the mountain scenery? Where is the camera placed to shoot the mountain scenes?

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Hue and Cry

Running Time: 82 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS2 Literacy, History Synopsis One of the first successful post-war Ealing comedies, Hue and Cry is set around the bombsites of London's East End. A gang of kids excitedly realise that their favourite blood-and-thunder comic is being used as a means of communication by crooks, and (since the police turn a deaf ear) they set out to discover more. Through their nosing, the kids enter another world: capturing a blonde lady and torturing her for information by using a feather and dealing with the wicked and eccentric Felix H Wilkinson (Alistair Sim) along the way. Film Facts In common law, a ‘hue and cry’ is the process by which by-passers were summoned to help the police stop and catch a criminal who had been witnessed in the act of committing a crime. Most of the film Hue and Cry was shot on location in post-war London and the kids’ playgrounds were the bomb-damaged buildings. The film is used today as a historic document because of its images of a war-damaged London. Pre-viewing activities 1. The ‘Blitz’ was a time in the Second World War when bombs were dropped on key cities. London was bombed heavily. Find out where the bombsites of London were, and how the bombing affected city life. 2. Many famous films were made at Ealing Studios in London. Find out where the studios are and list the hit movies that were made there. Post-viewing activities 1. Hue and Cry is described as a ‘thriller for children’. Would you agree with this description? 2. How would the film be different if it were made in modern-day London?

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Monsieur Hulot's Holiday (Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot)

Running Time: 114 minutes Cert: U Mostly silent, some subtitles Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, Geography, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship Synopsis Jacques Tati’s character Monsieur Hulot takes a trip to the seaside, where he unfortunately causes havoc. His intentions are always good, but the outcome is usually far from that. Tati made virtually silent films long after sound was invented as he used visual and physical comedy to amuse his audience rather than scripted jokes – this film was made in 1953.

Film Facts Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot, also known as Monsieur Hulot's Holiday (UK) and Mr Hulot's Holiday (US), is one of Jacques Tati's most famous films. The film was originally recorded with both French and English soundtracks. The character of Monsieur Hulot was reprised in a number of Tati's later films, including Mon Oncle (1959), Playtime (1967) and Trafic (1971). Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot was filmed in the town of Saint-Marc-sur-Mer in the Loire-Atlantique region of France, and a bronze statue of Monsieur Hulot was later erected overlooking the beach where the film was made. Pre-viewing activities 1. Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday is a comedy about how people behave on holiday. Where did you go on holiday this year? What funny stories can you tell about your August vacation? 2. Where is Saint-Marc-sur-Mer? What do the words ‘sur-Mer’ mean? Post-viewing activities 1. Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday is a series of funny sequences. Which was the funniest and why? 2. How is sound used to add to the comedy?

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Princes et Princesses

Running Time: 70 minutes Cert: U Subtitled Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, Geography, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship, R.E. Synopsis Directed by Michel Ocelot, the internationally acclaimed creator of Kirikou and the Sorceress, Princes et Princesses is an episodic anthology film. It offers six tales, with stories that stretch the centuries from the majesty of ancient Egypt to the light years of a space age future, with stops in medieval Europe and Japan along the way. Featuring The Princess of Diamonds, The Fig Boy, The Sorceress, The Old Lady's Coat, The Cruel Queen and the Fabulo Trainer, and Princes and Princesses, each story presents the beauty, poetry, romance and the wonders of places around the globe.

Film Facts In Princes et Princesses, a man and woman use a fantastic machine to stitch them into the costumes of various figures of ancient and future royalty. Created in a style of silhouette animation, the film uses shadow puppetry to tell the stories. Pre-viewing activities 1. Create a fact file on the film’s director Michel Ocelot. Who is he and where was he born? What other films has he made? Has he won any awards? 2. The film tells six different stories about princes and princesses. Do you know any stories about royalty? Choose one and storyboard it for an animation. Post-viewing activities 1. Which of the six tales was your favourite? Why? 2. How does the style of animation add to the magic of each tale?

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Racing Stripes

Running Time: 94 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, History, Art and Design, Geography, Science Website: http://racingstripesmovie.warnerbros.com/home.html Synopsis This is the next big thing in talking animals! Combining live action with CGI animation, this is the heroic and heart-warming adventure of a zebra called Stripes who thinks he’s a prize-winning racehorse! In the middle of a thunderstorm, a travelling circus accidentally leaves behind a baby zebra. The gangly foal is rescued by a farmer, a retired horse-trainer, and ‘Stripes’ is taken under the wing of the farmer’s daughter who has the same aspiration as her new pet – to ride in the big race, the prestigious Kentucky Open, as her father initially won’t let her ride in the potentially dangerous sport. With the help of his new farmyard buddies Stripes overcomes the problem of his appearance and why the other horses treat him as an outcast. Some champions are born not bred!

Film Facts Racing Stripes is an adventure/comedy movie, directed by Frederik Du Chau. The movie was filmed in Pietermaritzburg and Nottingham Road, South Africa. There are many animals featured in Racing Stripes: Stripes is the star of the movie. He’s a zebra. Tucker is a vertically challenged horse. Franny is a goat. Sandy the horse is a professional show jumper – and Stripes’s special friend. Buzz and Scuzz are a pair of horseflies. Reggie is the Walsh farm's rooster. Goose is a pelican from the big city. Sir Trenton, Pride and Roughshod are horses – they are the baddies in the film.

Pre-viewing activities 1. Where in the world would you need to go to in order to see zebras in the wild? 2. Create a fact file on zebras – are they fast runners in real life? Post-viewing activities 1. How do Buzz and Scuzz help Sandy escape from Sir Trenton? What part do they play in helping Stripes out in the race? 2. During the race, how do Roughshod and his rider try to stop Stripes? How does the camera capture the action?

Sharks 3D

Running Time: 50 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS1/2 Science, Geography, Literacy Website: www.sharks3d.com/ Synopsis Sharks 3D offers an astonishing up-close encounter with the lions and tigers of the ocean. Come face-to-face with a multitude of shark species, including the Great White, Hammerhead and Whale Shark. Witness them as they really are: not wicked man-eating creatures, but wild, fascinating and endangered animals that have been in existence since a million years before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. You can join the expert team of ocean explorers on this unique round-the-globe expedition documenting the life of the ultimate predator.

Film Facts Sharks 3D is a 3D IMAX® theatre film experience. The abbreviation IMAX stands for Image Maximum. It is a film format created by IMAX® Corporation that has the capacity to display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film display systems. A standard IMAX® screen is 22m wide and 16m high but can be larger. Pre-viewing activities Download the Educator’s guide from www.sharks3d.com/ 1. Carry out some research with your classmates to find out how people feel about sharks. Why do you think sharks are feared so much? 2. Find out as much as you can about the different types of sharks there are. Post-viewing activities 1. Now that you have seen Sharks 3D, do you feel differently about sharks? 2. What can you do to help preserve marine life?

Space Station 3D

Running Time: 50 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS2 Literacy, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship Website: www.imax.com/spacestation/ Synopsis Narrated by Tom Cruise, this is the exciting story of the world’s first Space Station. The audience is whizzed at 17,500 mph, 354km [220 miles] above Earth to experience the wonders of how sixteen nations combined to construct a laboratory in outer space. Film Facts Space Station 3D is a documentary film about the International Space Station. It is the first IMAX® 3D production filmed in space. IMAX® Technology is the most powerful film technology in the world: it features giant screens up to eight storeys high and specially designed theatres which immerse you in new worlds. Pre-viewing activities 1. Research the film at www.IMAX.com/spacestation/ 2. Pretend to walk in ‘zero gravity’ in a PE lesson. Post-viewing activities 1. What three things did you learn about life on board a laboratory in outer space? 2. What was the best bit about seeing the film in 3D?

Stuart Little 2

Running Time: 78 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship Website: www.sonypictures.com/cthe/stuartlittle3/site/ Synopsis Stuart's mother is over-protective of him, especially when he narrowly escapes injury in a soccer game. His brother George has also made a new friend so Stuart is feeling lonely. Stuart rescues a canary, Margalo, from a falcon; she moves in with the Littles. One day, Margalo is nowhere to be found, so Stuart and Snowbell set out across the city to find her. Film Facts Stuart Little 2 is a 2002 film, directed by Rob Minkoff. It is a sequel to the 1999 film Stuart Little, and includes characters from the children's book by E B White such as Margalo the bird. Pre-viewing activities 1. Find out about the author of the Stuart Little stories, E B White. 2. If you have seen the first Stuart Little film, have a guess as to what might happen in this sequel. Read the synopsis to help you. Post-viewing activities 1. How does the cat Snowbell feel about Stuart living in his house in Stuart Little 2? How is this different to the first Stuart Little film? 2. The film is shot in a typical American city, a lot like New York. In fact, some of the film was shot in New York. What types of buildings and backdrops did you notice? Draw a typical setting for the film. 3. If Stuart Little were to come to your locality, what kinds of adventures would he have? What would be the title of your Stuart Little movie?

Tarka the Otter

Running Time: 87 minutes Cert: PG Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy Synopsis When Tarka the Otter is born, his mother protects him against the dangers of the English countryside. When his mother is killed by Deadlock, the evil leader of a pack of bloodthirsty hounds, Tarka is left to look after himself. Tarka grows up fast and falls in love and raises a family. Eventually he is forced into a confrontation with the dreaded Deadlock, in a battle Tarka’s life depends on. Film Facts Tarka the Otter is based on the book: Tarka the Otter: His Joyful Water-Life and Death in the Country of the Two Rivers by Henry Williamson. The book narrates the experience of an otter. The movie, narrated by Peter Ustinov, was released in 1979, with a screenplay by the famous conservationist and author Gerald Durrell. Pre-viewing activities 1. Create a fact file about otters. 2. Find out about the author of the original novel, Henry Williamson. Read the opening pages of the book. What type of film do you think Tarka the Otter will be? Post-viewing activities 1. What does the film Tarka the Otter teach us about the natural world around us? 2. What emotions did you feel as you were watching the film?

The Wild

Running Time: 94 minutes Cert: U Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship, Geography, Science, History Webstie: http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/thewild/ Synopsis Ryan, an adolescent lion, is struggling with his inability to roar. Feeling like he doesn’t belong, he jumps onto a crate and is accidentally shipped from his New York Zoo to Africa. Now running free, his zoo pals must put aside their differences to help bring him back.

Film Facts The Wild is a CGI animated film about escaped zoo animals. The main characters include: • Samson the Lion • Larry the Anaconda • Benny the Squirrel • Ryan the Lion Cub • Bridget the Giraffe • Kazar the Wildebeest • Nigel the Koala • Blag the Wildebeest Pre-viewing activities 1. Create an animal directory of The Wild, by putting together a fact file on each of the animals listed above. 2. The film takes place in the city of New York and in Africa. Describe the similarities and differences between these two locations. Post-viewing activities 1. Which was your favourite animal and why? 2. How did the animators show the contrasts between the different settings?

Winged Migration

Running Time: 85 minutes Cert: PG Suitable for: KS1/2 Literacy, Geography, Science Website: www.sonyclassics.com/wingedmigration/index_flash.html Synopsis Winged Migration is made up of a series of journeys around the world with migratory birds. More than 450 people using planes, gliders, helicopters and balloons were necessary to follow a variety of bird migrations through forty countries and all seven continents. The film covers landscapes that range from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the remote reaches of the Arctic and the Amazon. The result is an eye-opening experience of the wonders of the natural world.

Film Facts Winged Migration shows the huge journeys commonly made by birds during their migrations. The movie was shot over the course of three years on all seven continents. Shot using in- flight cameras, most of the footage is aerial, and the viewer appears to be flying alongside birds of successive species. They traverse every kind of weather and landscape, covering vast distances in a flight for survival. The film was shot from ultralights, paragliders and hot air balloons, as well as trucks, motorcycles, motorboats, remote-controlled robots and a French Navy warship. Filmmakers exposed the eggs of some of the birds to the sounds of people and film cameras so that the birds would not be afraid of them later.

Pre-viewing activities 1. What types of birds migrate to and from your locality? 2. Watch the skies for birds over one day. Note down the different types of birds that you see, paying attention to their behaviour and actions. Post-viewing activities 1. Which birds impressed you the most? 2. Storyboard the flying sequence of one of the birds from your locality as it flies above your school.