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Children in the cinema at DCA

Schools Programme

Bring your class to Discovery Film Festival to experience cultures, languages and stories from all over the world.

Join us from Mon 2 – Fri 13 November 2026

We're pleased to welcome you to the 23rd edition of Discovery Film Festival, bringing you another incredible selection of cinema experiences to enhance your classroom learning.

We're delighted that for the second year running, we’re making the festival free, removing barriers to attendance and ensuring that all children can experience the magic of cinema at DCA. Bus travel is also free for Dundee schools.

A trip to the cinema can be accompanied by a workshop, and we have free resources made by a dedicated group of local teachers.

We have fantastic international films for all ages, from Early Years to Senior Phase.

Read on for an overview of what’s on. We can’t wait for your pupils to see our brilliant films in the best place to experience them: the cinema!

Click here for our school booking enquiry form
 

Discovery Film Festival 2026 Schools Leaflet

Download
3.5 MB (PDF)

Discovery 2026 Schools Screening Times

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197 KB (PDF)

Films

Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Beef (Ruido)

Beef – Schools Screening

A heartfelt drama set in Barcelona’s underground rap culture, for age 15+.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Lowland Kids

Lowland Kids + Q&A – Schools Screening

A powerful look at teens affected by climate change, suitable for age 15+.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Mary Anning

Mary Anning – Schools Screening

For age 7+, a beautiful animation about the famed fossil hunter.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Olivia ad the Invisible Earthquake

Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake – Schools Screening

A family facing homelessness learn the power of community in this fantastic animated film, recommended for age 10+.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Ollie

Ollie – Schools Screening

A troubled teen takes up skateboarding in this French drama for age 15+.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Smiling anthropomorphic trees stand in a beautiful colourful landscape

Papaya – Schools Screening

A vibrant dialogue-free animation for age 5+.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe!

Shorts for Middle Ones – Schools Screening

Animation from around the world for age 7+.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Animated still of a cute mouse

Shorts for Tinies 2026 – Schools Screening

A first cinema experience for tinies aged 0+
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
Astral film still

Shorts for Wee Ones 2026 – Schools Screening

For age 3+, a collection of short films to delight little film fans.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
The Red Balloon

The Red Balloon – Schools Screening + Workshop

Recommended for age 6+, a poetic French classic.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
The Secret Floor

The Secret Floor – Schools Screening

A thrilling time travel adventure for age 9+.
Discovery Film Festival – Schools
When Mumbo Jumbo Grew Large

When Mumbo Jumbo Grew Giant – Schools Screening

For age 5+, a story of friendship and belonging.

CLPL for Teachers

Discovery Film Festival – Teachers
Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake

Teachers CLPL: Stop Motion Animation for the Classroom

This two-part workshop takes you through practical animation activities and ideas for your class.
Children and their grown ups ready to watch a film in DCA's colourful cinema seats

Enhance your visit to Discovery Film Festival!

Join a workshop, visit the galleries and enjoy a space for lunch
A class of children working on art at DCA

Resources

Free resources for our 2026 films

What teachers say…

The film was excellent, the organisation was superb, all the staff were extremely helpful and very accommodating.

The children love it and many do not go to the cinema outside of this.