Film Club
Rich Mix
In 2010, Vital Arts launched Film Club, an imaginative programme of film and animation for young patients at The Royal London Hospital, run in partnership with the hospital school and Rich Mix. Film Club ran from 2010 - 2015.
Over the course of the project, children explored the magic of cinema — from watching and reviewing acclaimed animated films (including classics from Japan’s iconic Studio Ghibli) to stepping behind the camera themselves. Guided by professional filmmakers, participants learned practical skills in stop-frame animation, storyboarding, and editing, bringing their own ideas to life on screen.
Teachers from the hospital school also benefited from specialist CPD sessions in filmmaking and film literacy, enabling them to integrate creative media into their teaching. At the end of each term, a special DVD compilation of all the short films was produced, giving young filmmakers a keepsake to share with family and friends — and a proud reminder of their creative achievements.
The stop-frame animation workshops quickly became a highlight of the hospital school calendar. Working with Skidaddle Film, children designed and animated 3D models in fantastical, personally imagined worlds, proving that even in a hospital setting, storytelling and creativity can transport you anywhere.
Film Club not only developed technical skills but also boosted confidence, collaboration, and self-expression — giving young patients the chance to see their stories take centre stage on the big screen.
Who is Rich Mix?
Rich Mix is a dynamic, independent charity and multi-arts venue in East London, rooted in Shoreditch yet open to the world. Since opening in 2006 in a transformed leather factory, it has hosted a wide-ranging cultural programme - from independent cinema and festivals across its three-film screens to live performances in theatre, music, dance, spoken word, visual art, and more. Rich Mix champions diversity and accessibility, supporting emerging and established artists alike, and nurturing creative engagement with young people and local communities. Income generated from ticket sales, bars, and space hire is reinvested into its charitable mission.
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