National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
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Blue Kenny
Someone new, someone old, something borrowed and something blue combine to make a school tale that pits inspired youth against aged cynicism.
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Overview
This drama, filmed in and around Oakdale Comprehensive in Blackwood, Caerffili (once attended by Manic Street Preachers), involves a new, inspired teacher, an old teacher who has seen it all before and and doesn’t intend anyone or anything to change, a poetry book borrowed from the school library, and a blue dog! At its heart is a boy who though naturally school-averse is yet full of life and eager to “make things happen”. Winner of the D M Davies Award at the 12th IFFW, 2000.
The poem read in the English lesson is ‘Classroom’ by Michael Rosen. Kier Alexander, writer and director of this film and once an actor and stage manager, is now himself an English teacher, familiar with the classroom, and author of a novel entitled ‘The Ruby Slippers’. The rock band, Manic Street Preachers, thanked on the credits, contributed to the costs of producing this film. IFFW is the International Film Festival of Wales.
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