My Life as a Courgette Workshop, Film Screening and Talk

  • Sat 28 October 2017
  • 2 – 5 pm

Join us for a screening of this charming animated film, plus a creative workshop with Jim Parkyn, Senior Model Maker at Aardman Studios, all organised by local community interest company Where West Begins. ‘Here is a little miracle of gentleness, tenderness and intense, traditional Frenchness’ says The Guardian about this funny and engaging animated feature showcasing the life of an orphan called Courgette. Nine year old Icare, known to his friends as Courgette, is sent to a local orphanage after the accidental death of his abusive mother. There he struggles at first to find his place in this strange, at times hostile, environment. But with the help of his new-found friends, Courgette eventually learns to trust and might find true love with the newly-arrived Camille. The director’s ambition was to “make a film about children that speaks to them about abuse and its remedies in today’s world” and according to all critics she achieved her goal. This beautifully tender film, Oscar nominated for best animated feature, will delight kids and adults alike. Jim Parkyn, from the animation studio Aardman (the ones behind Shaun the Sheep and many advertisement campaigns), will lead a creative workshop before the screening. Jim Parkyn is senior model maker at Aardman and is a hand behind such favourites as Chicken Run, Wallace and Gromit, Creature Comforts, Pirates in an Adventure with Scientists, Shaun the Sheep and much, much, more! He says “Anybody can make a model but it’s the little tweaks that make it a character. In the model making class we’ll make it easy by breaking it right down into basic shapes that fit together. The clay has to be warm and in the workshop we’ll be warming it up by hand to make it flexible and workable and then everything we’ll do will be by hand, no tools required. It’s amazing the different effects than can be created by finger and nails. You’ll be able to take your model home and experiment even further.” Jim conducts workshops regularly but says “Every time I see something different. Whatever we are making everyone puts something in of their own personality and creates their own accessories. Every workshop is unique!” After the screening, there will be a guided discussion with fostering associations and families to answer potential questions and share with the audience their own experience. Tickets are £8 (£4 concessions) and can be purchased from the Where West Beginswebsite, but are free to children on free school meals & in care. Please email contact@wherewestbegins.org.uk to access the free guest list. DIRECTOR: Claude Barras GUIDANCE: PG RUN TIME: 66 mins In English with French subtitles.

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