Discovery Young Programmers 2025
We take a look at what our Discovery Young Programmers have achieved this year
Discovery Young Programmers are a group of 15- to 18-year-olds who are passionate about film. They attended a two-week summer programme to learn about film programming through a series of sessions and workshops with DCA staff and visiting guest experts, as well as attending film screenings in our cinema.
This year's Discovery Young Programmers are Luke B., Alyssa C., Katie F., Katie M., and Joshua M, and they have selected the film Folktales to share with our audiences during this year's Discovery Film Festival.
Folktales
Folktales is a heartwarming and powerful documentary that this year's Discovery Young Programmers have selected to screen at this year's Discovery Film Festival. The film follows three teenagers, each experiencing their own challenges, who are dropped in the arctic wilderness for one year to attend a "folk high school" in rural Norway.
Hege, Romain, and Bjørn Tore must rely only on themselves and a pack of loyal sled dogs as they take the daunting step from childhood to adulthood. Freed from technology, social media, and the noise of modern life, this brave trio learns to face themselves for the first time and experience an unexpected transformation. hrough intimate storytelling and exhilarating cinematography, Oscar-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady examine humans on the cusp of adulthood, finding themselves at the edge of the world.
Discovery Young Programmer Alyssa says:
I loved Folktales for its amazing visuals and heartfelt storytelling that brought a new light to these folk schools that I knew nothing about until now. However, I can say, one day I will find myself in the arctic circle thanks to this film. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and creativity. This makes it a great watch for all ages and our stone age brains. If you enjoy stories that celebrate culture, imagination, and the power of friendship, this is a film for you.
Discovery Young Programmer Katie had the exciting opportunity to interview Hege, one of the stars of Folktales. Visit the link below to read the interview and find out more about Hege's time in the arctic, her experiences with grief and what surviving in the great outdoors taught her.
Join us for Folktales on Sun 2 November at 15:15, screening as part of Discovery Film Festival.
Discovery Film Festival is DCA's international film festival for young audiences. Join us from Sat 25 October - Sun 2 November for two exciting weekends of films, creative activities and gala events as part of the festival.
Discovery Young Programmers is supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery.
