The film club at Burnham Market Primary School has garnered national attention with its nomination for the prestigious Into Film Awards in the ‘Best Film – 5-11’ category. Their short film, S.I. Superficial Intelligence, poignantly reflects a contemporary issue, focusing on the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. The narrative follows two children who, in an attempt to streamline their homework, create an AI robot that soon spirals out of control, illustrating the unintended consequences such technology can unleash.

Ash Williams, the school’s film club leader, remarked on the project’s significance, stating, “Making S.I. Superficial Intelligence has brought our school together in a way I’ll never forget. The film itself and its message of AI has become a teaching stimulus in the school and our wider academy.” This sentiment underscores the transformative impact of the filmmaking process on students, offering them a unique platform to express their creativity and engage with important societal themes.

The film premieres on March 25, 2025, at Central Cinema in Fakenham, an event organised by Active Fakenham, marking a significant milestone for the young filmmakers. It is priced modestly at £5, ensuring accessibility for families and the local community. The project exemplifies a comprehensive educational approach, encompassing scriptwriting, prop design, puppetry, cinematography, and even coding, all guided by Williams and performance coach Callum Adkins.

Burnham Market Primary School has not only found success with S.I. Superficial Intelligence. The school has previously achieved accolades with Thinking Green, another of their short films, which was nominated in the ‘Time For Action’ category at the same awards. This demonstrates a robust commitment to empowering students through filmmaking while addressing pressing issues such as environmental sustainability.

In addition to these achievements, the school achieved further recognition by winning the primary category in the Childnet Film Competition 2023. Their award-winning film, Time 2 Talk, focuses on promoting online safety and was showcased at the British Film Institute in London. Head teacher Rachel Stroulger expressed immense pride in her students’ accomplishments, reflecting on the importance of integrating creative projects into the educational framework to enhance learning outcomes.

The Into Film Awards, scheduled to take place on June 24, 2025, at Leicester Square’s Odeon Luxe, will be hosted by television personality Rose Ayling-Ellis. She praised the creativity of the young filmmakers, highlighting the importance of initiatives that celebrate the artistic talents of children across the UK. This event serves as both a recognition of hard work and a vital encouragement for young creators to engage deeply with film-making as a form of expression and commentary on the world around them.

The achievements of Burnham Market Primary School and its film club are emblematic of a wider trend in education, where the integration of creative pursuits not only enriches the learning experience but also equips future generations with the skills to navigate complex contemporary issues. The school’s ability to foster such a vibrant and engaging learning environment speaks volumes about its commitment to holistic education, an approach that is increasingly essential in today’s rapidly changing landscape.


Reference Map

  1. Paragraphs 1, 2
  2. Paragraphs 2, 3
  3. Paragraphs 4
  4. Paragraphs 4
  5. Paragraphs 5
  6. Paragraphs 4
  7. Paragraphs 6

Source: Noah Wire Services