When a film moves its audience, that emotional reaction can become the starting point for real change. But turning inspiration into action takes more than just a screening – it requires resources, conversation, and context. That’s where Educational Resource Guides come in.
SPOTLIGHT: HIGHWAY TO THE MOON’S EDUCATIONAL TOUR
This week, actor and filmmaker Letitia Wright begins the educational tour for her short film Highway to the Moon, supported by an Educational Resource Guide created by Together Films.
The guide provides teachers and students with structured pathways to explore the film’s themes, including self-discovery, mental health, and forgiveness. We created editions for both UK and US schools in order to to speak to each country’s individual context on the issue and also to respond to their individual school lessons and curricula.
As Letitia visits schools to discuss the story and its inspirations, the guide ensures each conversation is meaningful, inclusive, and action-oriented.
This project beautifully illustrates how filmmakers can extend their storytelling beyond the screen, transforming a short film into a catalyst for dialogue, learning, and empowerment.
WHAT IS AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE GUIDE?
An Educational Resource Guide is a bespoke toolkit designed to extend a film’s impact into classrooms, communities, and discussion spaces. Drawing on our recent work for Highway to the Moon, a comprehensive guide typically includes:
- About the Film: Contextual information about the story, director, and creative inspiration, helping educators set the stage.
- The Issues: A research-based overview of the themes explored in the film (e.g. youth violence, racial inequality, mental health).
- Discussion Guide: Structured questions for guided conversation covering emotional reactions, key messages, and themes such as brotherhood, forgiveness, and community healing.
- Lesson Plans: Ready-to-use classroom activities differentiated by school year, with clear learning objectives..
- Further Learning: Signposts to organisations, reports, and resources for educators and youth workers to deepen engagement.
- Take Action Section: Practical steps for students and communities, like hosting a screening, writing to policymakers, or volunteering with youth charities.
By combining creative storytelling with educational design, these guides make it easier for teachers, facilitators, and community leaders to connect art to action.
WHY THEY MATTER
In an era where attention is fleeting, films that engage audiences beyond the credits stand out. Educational Resource Guides help ensure that a film’s message doesn’t end with applause, it evolves into action.
By offering structured, age-appropriate ways to discuss social issues, filmmakers can:
- Reach younger audiences in a lasting and responsible way
- Strengthen partnerships with schools, NGOs, and advocacy groups
- Demonstrate measurable social impact for funders and stakeholders
- Build long-term audience engagement beyond a festival or premiere
These guides act as a bridge between storytelling and social change, using film as the medium for deeper understanding and participation.
READY TO CREATE YOUR OWN GUIDE?
Whether you’re preparing for your film’s premiere or looking to extend its reach, Together Films offers custom Educational and Screening Resource Guide creation as part of our Impact Strategy and Resource Creation services.
We collaborate with filmmakers and impact producers to:
- Identify your target audiences and learning outcomes
- Develop bespoke content aligned with your film’s tone and goals
- Integrate educational standards for schools (K-12 and Primary and Secondary) and institutions
- Craft visual and accessible design ready for print or digital sharing
Our approach ensures your guide is not just informative, but also engaging and actionable, helping you mobilise audiences to think, talk, and do something about the issues your film explores.
