Appleton Academy Students Premiere Films at NSMM Exhibition
Fifteen Year 9 students from Appleton Academy spent three days in February 2025 writing, filming, editing, and making movie posters — and in June their work went on public display at the National Science and Media Museum.
Their films, posters, and on-camera interviews were featured in ReelBFD: Digital Arts, Bradford Stories, an exhibition celebrating Bradford's young digital storytellers that ran from 14 June to 7 September 2025.
The workshop was delivered by Tanya Vital as part of Bradford Digital Creatives — a programme Vital Culture UK runs in partnership with NSMM, Born in Bradford, and Bradford 2025. Every group screened a completed film on the day they made it. Every time.
One museum staff member reportedly couldn't tell a student's work from that of a professional filmmaker.
“This wasn’t about expensive kit or flashy effects—it was about showing students they already have what they need to tell powerful stories.”
