Eduqas GCSE Film Studies increases diversity

Introducing 35 new films to enhance representation and diversity to Film Studies

As part of our continuous efforts to improve diversity and inclusivity within our specifications, we are proud to announce the inclusion of 35 new films as part of our A level in Film Studies.

Commenting on these additions is our Film Studies Subject Officer, Jenny Stewart: “Film is an impactful medium, it evokes an emotional response, through compelling storytelling that the audiences can relate to.

We understand the importance of diverse representations, both on and behind the screen, and are proud to introduce films which offer learners further opportunities to engage with subjects that resonate with them.

As the leading awarding body for Film Studies, we are confident that the new films, with their enhanced representation at both GCSE (which were introduced in September 2022) and A level will elevate learners’ experience, allowing them to engage with materials which reflect their own experience, culture and lives and explore cultures and lives that are different to their own.”

Selecting new films

The films were selected following a thorough and rigorous review process, which was overseen by our subject specialists. As part of the selection process, we considered the views of teaching specialists, our commitment to address ethnicity, sexuality and gender balance of filmmakers and to choose materials which reflect the rich diversity of filmmaking.

In total, 25 new feature films and 10 short films have been introduced to encourage students to examine a range of contemporary issues, through a diverse range of perspectives, which includes:

  • 2 feature films and a short film featuring characters with a disability or different ability
  • 7 films made by female directors
  • 14 films featuring female protagonists
  • 5 films featuring LGBTQ+ protagonists
  • 8 films made by directors from the global majority
  • 10 films featuring protagonists from the global majority

Commenting on the films is Nikki Parchment, Education Programmer at the BFI: “'BFI champions diversity in stories, storytellers, and wider industry roles, so we are delighted that Eduqas has taken these steps to further broaden out film to embrace and respond to a changing world. As a leading provider of film education to young people in the UK, we will celebrate and promote this extension to the film studies canon wherever we can.'

Schools and colleges can begin delivering these new films from September 2023, with first assessment in summer 2024 for AS and 2025 for A level.

Diverse and engaging materials

Through the study of film, students will explore influential and significant filmmaking from a range of historical periods. The selection of films reflects contemporary issues from racism to LGBTQ+ acceptance. The additions to our A level specification are a continuation from the 13 new films that were added to our GCSE specification in 2022.

Key additions to our AS/A level specifications include:

  • Imitation of Life (Sirk, 1958) - The film explores Black American identity and systemic racism, as well as centring the narrative on women’s lives and ambitions. It is notable for Juanita Moore’s sympathetic portrayal of Annie, a Black housekeeper whose daughter passes for white, and Sirk’s symbolic use of mise-en-scene and cinematography.In 2015 it was submitted to the Library of Congress National Film Registry as a work that is “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
  • Mulholland Drive (Lynch, 2001) - David Lynch’s surrealist modern classic explores the dark underbelly of Hollywood. This psychological thriller, it tells the story of an aspiring actress named Betty Elms, newly arrived in Los Angeles, who meets and befriends an amnesiac woman recovering from a car accident. The story follows several other vignettes and characters, including a Hollywood film director. A BBC poll ranked Mulholland Drive as the ‘Best Film of the 21st Century’ in 2016.
  • Moonlight (Jenkins, 2016) – This coming-of-age story follows a Black American gay man as he navigates through three periods of his life; his struggle with his sexuality, his identity and the addiction-rooted problems of his Miami community. Moonlightwon the Academy Award for Best Film, the only LGBTQ+ film with an all-Black cast to do so. It also won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor.  


Supporting you

To support schools and colleges in the delivery of these new films, our team of Film Studies experts will be expanding our FREE digital resources, including factsheets and blended learning resources. In addition, we will be updating our AS/A level Film Studies Textbook and accompanying Revision Guides. We will also be delivering a suite of professional learning courses to guide teachers/lecturers with the new films, and support materials.

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Contact the team

If you have any further queries, please contact our Film Studies Team today: film@eduqas.co.uk
029 2240 4301