Celebrating fresh perspectives and local stories at Big House | Short Films at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, expect a mix of powerful short films, creative installations, and opportunities to interact with the filmmakers themselves.
Heritage can mean different things to different people – a family tradition, a local landmark, a song, a recipe, a ritual, or even a community story.
The event is part of a project called Perception Busters which is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, young people have been learning film making skills and producing films bursting heritage myths. Big House | Short Films is part of the Children’s Capital of Culture Festival Year and is funded by Children’s Capital of Culture UK shared prosperity funding.
A spokesperson from the organisers said: "Heritage is often thought of as old buildings, museums, or history books-but we believe it’s much broader than that. It can be a memory, a place, a sound, a tradition, a family recipe, or a song that’s passed down. We want to hear your voice and your perspective.
On November 15, the films will be showcased at the festival where the audience will vote for their favourite film and the winner will win a small prize.
Wentworth Woodhouse set up a volunteer Digital Team to keep in touch with its supporters in 2020, during pandemic lockdowns.
A grant of £132,880 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2024 has enabled the stately home to create more digital opportunities.
The project has come to be thanks to 20 young people who had their lives changed by taking part in Children’s Capital of Culture Trainee Creative Producer programmes at the mansion in 2022 and 2023.
They learned digital skills for film-making and produced live shows, documentaries and film concepts in the build-up to the Children’s Capital of Culture festival year.
They formed a lasting link with the Trust. Many are now volunteers and a number set up the Wentworth Woodhouse Filmmakers’ Club.
Steve Ash, volunteer founder and leader of WWPT’s volunteer Digital Team, said: “Before they came to us, they all thought heritage was just old buildings that had no bearing on their lives.
“Their preconceptions were transformed by the hugely positive experience that they had here, and discovering how we use our buildings and gardens to enhance everyone’s lives today.
“Thanks to their idea, we received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Perception Busters will give two more people training in the art of film-making. It’s a massive leg-up to get into the film and TV industry, as a number our 20 alumni have done.”
Wentworth Woodhouse website
Children’s Capital of Culture website
Images: WWPTStems
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