Students from Medina College recently celebrated the premiere of their powerful original film Unheard, created as part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme.

The project began with one important question posed to students:
“If adults were listening, what would you tell them?”
Through honest discussion, reflection and creativity, students transformed their thoughts and experiences into a compelling script, supported by drama teacher Mrs Rogers. After interviewing potential directors, the students chose to work with acclaimed filmmaker Bruce Webb, who directed and edited the film.

The students were involved in every aspect of the production process. Alongside taking acting roles themselves, they also operated cameras, managed sound, worked on production roles and even composed the film’s original music. Professional actor Leah Barbara West joined the cast in the role of teacher Ms Grant.

The premiere evening, held at Medina College, welcomed a range of local stakeholders, including Nigel Hartley, the Isle of Wight High Sheriff. Following the screening, students took part in a Q&A session with Bruce Webb, impressing the audience with their professionalism, confidence and maturity.

Nigel Hartley described the evening as an “extraordinary experience” and said he was “so proud of our Isle of Wight young people”.

Opening the evening, Co-Head of School Anna Mursell reflected on Medina College’s vision for its young people: “Every student is valued, and every voice matters.”
She praised the students for bringing our values to life through the project, adding that they had been “the driving force behind every single aspect of this filmmaking process."

The project was supported throughout by Peta Rainford from Artswork and Mrs Palmer from Medina College.

Closing the evening, Anna Mursell congratulated the students on creating “a remarkably powerful piece of filmmaking” and thanked everyone involved in supporting the project. She concluded with a message directly to the young filmmakers:
“You asked us to listen, and tonight, you made absolutely sure that we heard you.”

Peta Rainford also praised the students publicly following the event, highlighting the honesty and openness of the conversations that inspired the film and gave it its “integrity and power”.

Unheard will now feature in Artswork’s LISTEN UP! youth-led film festival this October as part of Creative Island’s CAN YOU HEAR US? programme, funded by Arts Council England.

The entire Medina College community is incredibly proud of all the students involved for their courage, creativity and commitment in bringing such an important project to life.