Learning a new language can be a great challenge and from time to time, it is hard finding the motivation to learn all that new vocabulary and grammar, especially because it takes a lot of effort learning a language perfectly. Therefore, the GAL teachers give their best making the lessons as varied and interesting as possible.
For my year-project, as a volunteer at LIS, we´ve decided to produce a film together with the GAL students from Grade 7. In November, we chose to stick with the topic “fairy tales”, because it was a wonderful theme to start with around Christmas time. The children had the opportunity to influence the movie from the very beginning through suggestions and ideas. Afterwards we analysed the given material and decided to do a modern adaption and mix of “Snow White” and “Robin Hood”.
The story takes place in the Leipzig International School. Snow, her dwarfs, Robin Hood and his gang decide to save the school from the evil headmistress, who wants to get rid of all holidays. The movie was filled with little hints and Easter eggs referring to the original fairy tales.
After some auditions, every student was given a role. It was a great opportunity for the children to be creative and to show their talent to their classmates. Learning their texts at home and under the supervision of teachers was also a good way to learn new vocabulary, speaking loud and clear, finding the right pronunciation and tone and taking responsibility.
It was for both, the kids and us a huge challenge performing and recording the movie because everyone bore a great responsibility during the play. If someone forgot to learn their lines, it was to the disadvantage of the whole group and other solutions had to be found. Luckily, the kids have been as reliable as possible.
Overall, it was a lot of fun shooting the scenes together. Not everything went as planned, but we´ve managed to film everything on time and the results are wonderful. Even though we´re non-professionals, I love what the kids have achieved and how they´ve developed in such a short time.
I want to say thank you to all the wonderful actresses and actors and also to Frau Jacobi, who did such a great job in supporting and guiding the students and me during the whole shootings and preparations.
January 2019
Skady Huttunen