Films that spark Scout values

He Named Me Malala (2015)

Suitable for: Scouts and up
In October 2012, 15 year old Malala Yousafzai was riding the bus when a member of the Taliban came on board, asked for her by name and opened fire. It was an attempt to silence her for speaking out against a ban on girls attending school across Pakistan. But Malala survived, and she refused to keep quiet. Filmed over 18 months, this moving documentary accompanies the Yousafazis as they go about their lives in the aftermath, with Malala’s subsequent rise to fame, her settlement into a new home in the UK, and the challenges she faces in juggling her global campaign work with being a teenager. In one scene, Malala holds power to account at a UN conference. In the next, we see her play fighting with siblings, blushing when asked if she plans to take anyone to prom, and fretting over a failed physics exam. Although everything about Malala’s journey is spellbinding to watch, it’s these tiny glimpses into her daily life that make this particular documentary so special. It reminds us that so many of our heroes are ordinary people, and that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things.
Scout values: integrity, care, belief, co-operation

Paddington (2014)

Suitable for: Beavers and up
Michael Bond – author of the original Paddington books (later a TV and film series) – grew up in Britain during the second world war, and watched as his parents opened their home to evacuees fleeing persecution. Those early experiences shaped his views on the importance of kindness and hospitality, and ultimately inspired him to imagine the story of a bear who crosses oceans in shipping containers before ending up at Paddington station with nowhere to go, nobody to lean on, and nothing but a duffle coat and a suitcase stuffed with marmalade. That is, of course, until he meets the Browns, who take him under their wing – only to find themselves forever changed by this chance encounter with a walking, talking bear. On the surface, it’s a charming film about a very clumsy bear and the sticky situations he finds himself in. But it’s also a story about what it means to extend a helping hand to someone from a faraway land, the importance of belonging, and the sheer deliciousness of the humble marmalade sandwich: all things we should endorse and encourage the next time we break bread on camp.

Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation

Liyana (2017)

Suitable for: (Older) Scouts and up
Filmed in an orphanage in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Liyana tells the story of five children who call it home and the paths that led them there. With the support of their teachers, they’re encouraged to work together to turn past trauma into an original folk tale about a brave young girl who embarks on a perilous quest to save her twin brothers from danger. Weaving together sublime 3D animation and behind the scenes footage, the film is part documentary, part interactive storybook – seamlessly blending fact and fiction to offer a rare perspective, shaped almost entirely by the children’s lived experiences. It’s impossible to avoid that punch-in-the-gut sensation, seeing these bright-eyed and brilliant children reveal details of their difficult lives with candour. Leaders should be aware that it contains some topics not suitable for all young people (some children talk openly about losing family to HIV, for example; others of armed men stealing children in the middle of the night). But, for those who are mature enough, the film is educational in its content, remarkable in its execution and unforgettable in its messaging: hope always wins.

Scout values: integrity, belief, care, co-operation

Song of the Sea (2004)

Suitable for: Cubs and up
This film’s beautiful hand-drawn animations breathe life into the most magical of Celtic myths, capturing the story of the selkies – mythical creatures capable of therianthropy: the art of changing from animal (in this case, seal) to human form. The story follows Ben, a 10 year old boy who lives with his father, Conor, sister, Saoirse, and sheepdog, Cu, in a lighthouse near the Irish shore. When Saoirse is brought into the world, his mother vanishes. People claim she died in childbirth, but to Ben, things can’t be as they seem.
Could it be that Saoirse – born mute – is not only responsible for Mum’s disappearance, but a selkie in disguise? Why is Dad acting so weird? And what really lies beneath the depths of the sea that borders their home? Exploring grief from a child’s perspective, this film might not be suitable for those who’ve lost a parent, especially recently. But in the end, it remains a powerful – and surprisingly funny – tale about finding our voices (literally and metaphorically), accepting how we feel (even when it’s sad or scary), and doing everything we can to protect those we love.
Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation

The Goonies (1985)

Suitable for: (Older) Scouts and up
Though this ’80s classic features several big scares and swears that will render it unsuitable for some young people, it remains an absolute favourite at camps and sleepovers – and it’s not difficult to figure out why. It follows the treacherous trail of a group of kids who stumble upon a treasure map in their parents’ attic. They then find themselves being pursued by a hook-slinging, car-chasing gang of criminals who also want dibs on the treasure. There are near-impossible clues to solve and labyrinths to navigate, crazy cool gadgets to try out and booby traps to dodge; pirate ships to climb aboard and crushes to win over – all the ingredients kids so dearly love. And beyond the (now-dated) special effects, over the top stunts and oversized props, there’s a crucial message, too: about being yourself and standing by your friends and siblings – even if they’re considered outcasts by the ‘cool’ kids – and making sure no one gets left behind. Because Goonies, like Scouts, never give up, never give in, and know that true friendship is worth more than its weight in gold.

Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation

My Life as a Courgette (2016)

Suitable for: (Older) Cubs and up
When we’re introduced to nine year old Icare, aka Courgette, he’s alone in his bedroom, surrounded by worn down crayons and spilled beer cans. Downstairs, his mother burps and yells at the TV. A ripped up family photo lies on the floor and an argument breaks out. After a terrible fight, Courgette finds himself sent to a children’s home where, in the words of one long-time resident, ‘Everybody’s the same: there’s no one left to love us’. What follows is a hilarious, heart wrenching insight into the care system, from the point of view of those within it. Blending wry dialogue with heartwarming stop-motion animation and a great soundtrack, it’s a unique and irresistible tale of resilience, hope and humour in the face of life’s bleakest scenarios; a testament to the power of the families we create for ourselves, geniously disguised as a harmless children’s film. Suitable for adults (who’ll be bowled over by its brilliance and tenderness) and young people (who will rightly miss some of the film’s underlying themes, but gain lots nonetheless): we can’t recommend it highly enough. 
Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation

Mulan (1998)

Suitable for: Beavers and up
It’s the 15th century and China is facing invasion from the Huns, a nomadic tribe keen to conquer the land. In an effort to gather defence, one man from every family is called to arms. But for the patriarch of the Fa family – a former warrior of great fame and respect – there are issues preventing him from fulfilling his duties. In old age, he cannot walk properly, and is certain to perish as soon as he steps into battle. That’s when his brave daughter, Mulan – tired of being mocked for being too ambitious and too tomboyish – decides to go on a secret mission to prove her worth in a society she feels is yet to acknowledge it. One dark and stormy night, she prays to her family’s ancestors for protection before fleeing into the heart of the conflict, dressed in her father’s armour and disguised as a man. What follows is a classic Disney story of bravery, honour and a quest for love and truth – with a difference. Released at a time when the only other princesses on screen were mostly seen swanning around in big ball gowns and fainting at the feet of their admirers, it stood out for all the right reasons, and continues to show girls they can do anything.
Scout values: integrity, belief, co-operation

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Suitable for: Cubs and up
‘The whole universe depends on everything fitting together just right. If one piece busts, even the smallest piece, the entire universe will get busted.’ Set in the fictional landscape of the Bath Tub (often compared to areas of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina), this is the tale of Hushpuppy, a heroic six-year-old who – faced with a changing climate that threatens to flood what remains of her childhood home – decides to fight back. Along the way, she must sail the seas, battle ancient creatures unleashed from the melting ice caps, and find her feet in an increasingly hostile world. It’s a fable that’s hard to describe, but don’t let the quirky appearance fool you. Beneath the whimsy is a film of lasting depth: a celebration of friendship forged across generations, the power of imagination and the importance of never giving up. It’s a tough watch in places, with moderate swearing and several harsh truth bombs that reveal the deep divide between the rich and the poor. But watch it with young people aged eight and above and it’s sure to become a firm favourite. Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation

The Boy who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

Suitable for: Scouts and up
It’s 2001 in Malawi and the Kamkwamba family, like many others in the region, are struggling to make ends meet. Despite the burdensome financial costs, parents Trywell and Agnes try to keep on top of their children’s education. But when 13 year old William is forced to leave school after they fall behind on his payments, he becomes determined to help not only his family but the whole community, who are all doing their best to deal with an escalating famine as violence and panic begin to break out. Inspired by instructions he finds in a library book, William becomes obsessed with the potential and wonder of basic engineering and building techniques, rising early and going to bed late in order to tirelessly research and work on a wind-powered device that he hopes will help to restore the land, and save as many people as possible while there’s still time. What follows is an amazing true story of a real-life hero; a remarkable teen who harnessed his initiative and curiosity to change his community – before becoming one of the world’s most famous engineers.

Scout values: integrity, co-operation