Pauline Quirke Academy Heroes unite in support of MediCinema
MediCinema is delighted to be partnering with the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
PQA have been generously supporting MediCinema for several years. Now over the next 12 months under the banner of the PQA Heroes, their staff, academy Principals teams, and of course their students and families, will support MediCinema through a variety of fundraising events. These events will raise vital funds for MediCinema, helping to support NHS patients and their families at challenging times in hospital through the power of film and shared cinema experiences.
The partnership launched with a filmmaking competition, A Hero’s Journey which encouraged PQA students to create a 90 second short film, recognising the role of the ‘hero’ in film, and how heroes can inspire us to find the power to face life’s challenges.
We were blown away by all the entries, and are pleased to share the winning two films below:
Over the years we have been proud to support MediCinema, their work is an inspiration to us and our academy families. At PQA we pride ourselves in offering an inclusive creative space for young people to express themselves through performing and screen arts. A Hero’s Journey has shown us that even beyond our academy walls, our young filmmakers are inspired by the work of MediCinema, and have taken time out of their lives to create inspirational short films that show us that not all hero’s exist in fantasy, they walk among us.
Nick Pilton, Head of Film and Television, Pauline Quirke Academy
We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Pauline Quirke Academy, whose dedication to the power of film and storytelling aligns so perfectly with our mission at MediCinema. Their fundraising and creative initiatives like A Hero’s Journey not only inspires their students but also helps us to bring a sense of escape and hope to NHS patients and their families in our hospital cinemas around the UK.
Jamie Lynch, Director of Development, MediCinema
Both winning films will be screened at the PQA Film Festival on 3rd November at the BFI Southbank.
In celebration of the partnership, the winning entries will also be screened at our MediCinema sites in hospitals around the UK.
About the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts
At the heart of what the Pauline Quirke Academy do is helping children and young people discover their amazing selves through performing arts.
Their classes cover a variety of industry activities, and they’re taught by professionals in a safe, welcoming space where children can really thrive. With project-led, student-driven sessions in acting, drama, filmmaking, and performing, everyone at PQA has the chance to explore and discover their own unique talents.
Founded in 2007 by Pauline Quirke MBE and her husband Steve Sheen, PQA was created to help young people unlock their potential through drama. Pauline and Steve’s vision went beyond acting and singing. Film & Television has been integral to PQA since the very beginning. Discover more about the Pauline Quirke Academy here.