Putting Windsor film-making on the map

A group of teenagers are putting Windsor film-making on the map, launching a hugely successful Film Festival.

The Festival, held on Saturday 5th September at The Swan Community Pub and organised by youth-led filmmaking charity, Notice Productions, was the culmination of months of hard-work from the young the time, who overcome many logistical and legal hurdles along the way.

After finding a solution and receiving ratings for the two films they were premiering, the event went ahead and was attended by over 200 people.

Notice Productions premiered two new films by 17-year-old directors. The Marvellous World of Matthew Milktoast, by first-time director Nathan Franklin, is a heart-warming yet eccentric comedy about a a character struggling to breakthrough from his dull routine. It had audiences laughing aloud and shedding the odd tear, the perfect balance to Poppy Knowles’ film Clark Catches Ghosts. Audiences were gripped by this unique horror film about ghost hunters and wannabe YouTube stars, which is genuinely scary whilst tackling  social issues around peer pressure and social media.

Alongside the eclectic catalogue of films Notice Productions have created in previous years, the festival was also a chance to present films created independently by young people from Windsor and beyond. These richly captured the experiences and concerns of young people today, covering themes ranging from mental health difficulties to academic pressures.

Alongside these and the eclectic back catalogue of Notice Productions films, the Festival presented films created independently by young local filmmakers and a quirky improvised story by four brave seven-year-olds from The Queen Anne’s First School. Mayor Sam Vs The Bees was a collaboration by the school and Notice, about the importance of bees to our ecosystem.

“Showing your films in public can be very nerve-wracking,” said Dani Goodhew Sanchez, the 15-year-old project management lead for the organisation. “However, the Windsor Film Festival provided a safe and positive opportunity for young people to have their films seen and enjoyed by a wider audience.”

Aside from the films themselves, the event was a brilliant networking opportunity for young people interested in film creation and the wider community keen to support the exciting new event. It was also an opportunity to support and celebrate the work of Notice Productions, a unique local organisation that empowers young people to create films on issues that matter to them. The group are authentically youth-run, meaning young people don’t just act in the films, they also write, direct and do everything else required to deliver their ambitious projects. The organisation itself is also run by the young people, with participants leading everything from managing project timelines to organising events.

It is open to all 13-18 year olds to join, regardless of experience, and is always free to take part. The group have many projects commencing in the months ahead, including an innovative documentary piece exploring youth mental health in partnership with fellow local charity, Well Windsor.

“With the first Film Festival being larger and more successful than we could have dreamt of, we already have big plans for what Windsor Film Festival 2027 will bring. We hope you’ll all join us there,” said Jacob Franklin, the 15-year-old Talent Manager of the group. “In the meantime, we invite all 13-18 year olds keen on creating films, whether behind or in front of the camera, to get in touch and join us today.”

To join Notice Productions, go to https://www.noticeproductions.org.uk/join