Community Filmmaking | Lambeth Council- Autism: A Unique Life
“Autism: A Unique Life” is a powerful community film created in partnership between Lambeth Council and Chocolate Films.
A Community-Driven Film Project Co-Produced by Autistic Young People
Lambeth Council commissioned this co-produced charity film to create an authentic platform for autistic students across the borough. The goal was to raise awareness of autism from the perspective of those with lived experience, highlighting their challenges, strengths, and personal insights.
The students were involved in every step of the process, from developing ideas and scripting, to filming and editing. Their voices shaped the final films entirely, ensuring the project was not only about them, but by them.
Creative Video Production with Schools Across Lambeth
Chocolate Films, known for its expertise in community filmmaking and social impact video production in London, worked closely with three Lambeth schools: La Retraite School, London Nautical School and Elm Court School.
At each school, our experienced facilitators led two pre-production workshops, introducing students to documentary techniques, story structure, and the basics of film production. The students then developed their own creative approaches:
- La Retraite sparked engaging group conversations by drawing questions from a bowl.
- London Nautical used interviews and visual sequences to express complex emotions and ideas.
- Elm Court brought an energetic twist by throwing paper aeroplanes with written questions to each other, prompting spontaneous and heartfelt responses.
In the production phase, students used professional filmmaking equipment, including cameras, lighting, and sound gear, to film their stories. In the final editing workshop, the young filmmakers provided feedback on rough cuts, ensuring their stories remained authentic and impactful.
Across the three schools, 27 autistic students were supported with communication styles tailored to their individual needs, making the project inclusive and accessible to all participants.
Premiere Screening at Ritzy Cinema, Brixton
The completed films premiered at the iconic Ritzy Cinema in Brixton, attended by families, school staff, Lambeth Council’s SEND team, and the young filmmakers themselves. The event featured a live Q&A session where the students shared how empowering it had been to tell their stories and to hear others’ experiences of living with autism.
Chocolate Films: A Social Enterprise for Inclusive Storytelling
As a dedicated social enterprise, Chocolate Films specialises in video production in London that drives social change. We partner with schools, local councils, charities, and community groups across the UK to deliver impactful community filmmaking projects.
Our work is rooted in co-creation, with a mission to amplify underrepresented voices through film. Whether it’s raising awareness of autism, promoting inclusion, or addressing social inequality, our team empowers individuals to become storytellers and changemakers.
If you’re a school, charity, or organisation looking to produce inclusive, co-created films that make a difference, get in touch with Chocolate Films—experts in community video production in London and beyond.
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What our clients say
The workshops are really hands-on and encourage so much creativity, which is fantastic to see. My child feels so proud of what they’re creating, and the films they work on always turn out brilliant.
If you’re looking for a fun and creative activity for your kids, I can’t recommend their workshops enough.
