Film: 21st Century Literacy is rooted in the belief that in the same way that we take for granted that society has a responsibility to help children to read and write - to use and enjoy words - we should take it for granted that we help children and young people to use, enjoy and understand moving images; not just to be technically capable but to be
culturally literate too.

Britain already has what are probably some of the best film education initiatives in the world. However, for most young people, if they experience film education at all it is as isolated episodes that lack coherence and consistency. We want to move film education on from being a series of disconnected experiences to becoming an integral part of every young person's life. The strategy set out in Film: 21st Century Literacy is the first step on the road.

Beginning with young people across the country, we want a society where a dynamic film and moving image culture is part of every citizen's enjoyment. We won't achieve that in five years or ten years, but if we start now, we may do it in a generation.