To mark and celebrate Purple Friday, the British Council and STET are offering a new annual programme for secondary schools. The programme includes a short LGBTIQ+ themed film from the UK, classroom materials to help teachers discuss LGBTIQ+ themes with their students and a tailor-made workshop in English delivered by a professional actor from STET. During the workshop students will have the opportunity to learn about LGBTIQ+ experiences in an international context. The workshop will also offer them a safe space to share their personal reflections and experiences. The materials made available for the programme and workshop have been carefully selected for students aged 15-18.
About the programme
Students first watch a short LGBTIQ+ themed film originating from the BFI Flare Festival and selected by the British Council under the name Five Films for Freedom. Then they get on their feet and continue with a workshop on the themes of the film, exploring behaviour, perceptions and identity matters. In this interactive session, students are encouraged to be creative and expressive with the help of several drama exercises, lead by a professional, experienced actor.
About the film
This year's 9-minute film, Ladies Day by Director Abena Taylor-Smith, is set in the north of England. A young, black lesbian girl spends the day in an Afro-Caribbean hair salon. It's full of fun, sheen spray, gossip and laughter, but how will she deal with the casual homophobia?
Find out more about the film and the Director below: