Two lucky FILMCLUB Cymru reporters had the invaluable experience of interviewing the actor Michael Sheen at the premiere of his new film The Gospel of Us.

Tenby teenager Callum Greer experienced his own cinematic close-up when FILMCLUB, the education charity and experts in film for young people, sent him to the premiere of The Gospel of Us in Port Talbot's Apollo Cinema on Sunday.

Callum, 16, from Greenhill School, Tenby, and Chloe Carter, 19 from Bridgend College recently applied to be a young reporter for the charity and were the two youngsters picked to cover the event, at which they met the star of the film, Welsh actor Michael Sheen (The Queen, Frost/Nixon), the poet and screenplay author Owen Sheers and the director Dave McKean. The Gospel of Us, is a feature film rendering of the groundbreaking National Theatre Wales Passion Play production with Michael Sheen. 

FILMCLUB Cymru young reporter Callum Greer said: "What a fantastic and memorable experience. I learnt so much in such a short amount of time; from working within the film industry to how to be a professional interviewer!"

FILMCLUB Cymru was specifically invited to attend the press line-up at the premiere by Michael Sheen, who is FILMCLUB Cymru's Ambassador and Owen Sheers, FILMCLUB Cymru's Champion.

Launched in Wales in May 2011 with the backing of Michael Sheen and the Welsh Government, FILMCLUB helps schools set-up and run film clubs for teachers and pupils to watch, discuss and review a diverse range of films, promoting learning in an informal setting while encouraging critical engagement from young people. Research into the impact of the scheme - which already runs in 7,000 schools in England - shows it is boosting literacy and critical skills, building confidence, integrating isolated students and promoting greater understanding of different ideas and cultures.   Welsh film seasons and a special Welsh blog section with bilingual FILMCLUB news provide added interest for Welsh members. Free to all state schools, FILMCLUB will be made available to Welsh schoolchildren in 800 schools over the next four years.

The Welsh Government recently announced its on-going support for the scheme in Wales.

Education Minister Leighton Andrews said: "FILMCLUB encourages young people to engage with thoughts and concepts that are vital for understanding the world around us. In addition to developing literacy, writing and communication skills, FILMCLUB also harnesses the imagination and potential of those who take part. That's why the Welsh Government continues to support this unique and inspiring project."

FILMCLUB is funded in Wales by the Welsh Government and is supported by the Film Agency for Wales, the BFI and LOVEFiLM. FILMCLUB is partnering with other Welsh organisations such as Literature Wales, Arts Council of Wales, It's My Shout and the Film Education Network to develop a rich programme tailored to Welsh schools.

In addition, FILMCLUB is holding free start-up sessions for teachers all over Wales in the next few weeks and attendees will meet their support co-ordinator, be shown how to navigate around the FILMCLUB website, receive help choosing their first ten films - and leave with all the ideas and resources they need to launch and run a successful film club in their own school or college. Sign-up at filmclub.org/blog/cymru or call 020 7288 4520.

For information about FILMCLUB, visit http://www.filmclub.org">www.filmclub.org