Specialist college students’ production screened at Bijou Cinema in Southport

Students at Ascent Autism Specialist College got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their production of ‘The Jungle Book’ showcased on the big screen.

Students from the college headed to the Bijou Cinema in Southport, where they got to see all their hard work and passion culminated in film form.

The production was developed in collaboration with Rainford High, with students from Ascent College and Rainford each taking ownership of certain parts of the filming process before it was meticulously edited to create the final piece.

The production has been months in the making with the concept being agreed on in 2023 before auditions and production got underway earlier this year.

The story of The Jungle Book chronicles the life of ‘man-cub’ Mowgli, who is raised in the jungle by wolves.

The college decided to take a unique approach to the story and students were given the opportunity to develop their own characters who would then be placed in the storyline.

Starring in the film from Ascent College was Tarran, who shared how incredible it was to see all his hard work on the big screen.

Tarren said: “Taking part in the Jungle Book film was so exciting because I was able to play my own character and shape another into something me and the producer could agree on that I felt comfortable with. 

“It was amazing interacting with cast members and developing my communication skills. It was incredible to watch our film on the big screen at the Bijou Cinema.”

Over the last several months, students from Ascent College worked with Andrea and Paul during rehearsals and filming to bring the film to life.

Head of adult services at Ascent College, Julliet Doherty, said: “Throughout this project, our students demonstrated passion, dedication, creativity and enthusiasm.

“Students developed new characters with others taking on the lead roles from the production. We are incredibly proud of the months of hard work they have put into this project; it has been fantastic to see them develop new skills and gain confidence throughout this process.

Julliet added: “I would also like to thank Rainford High for their contributions to this production, their students were brilliant.”