SOUTHEND YMCA is looking for young movie buffs to take part in a new project.

A film club for youngsters aged 16 and over is being set up by the YMCA, in Ambleside Drive.

Each Saturday from January 31, a thought-provoking film will be shown, after which viewers can have a drink and snack and discuss the film’s merits.

Project co-ordinator Jane Dolby said: “When we watch a film, we all interpret it slightly differently.

No one is right or wrong in how they perceive the film – just different.

“It can be like that with life, too.

Everyone’s experiences and perspectives are unique to them and using the medium of film, we hope to help youngsters explore and share their own opinions and understand others’ points of views, too.”

All the films will be in some way thought-provoking and, hopefully, inspire some lively chat and opinion.

Films in the pipeline include the Green Mile, Lord Of The Flies, the Colour Purple, Of Mice and Men, alongside movies which pose more modern dilemmas such as the Matrix, the Terminator, Sliding Doors and maybe even Freaky Friday, where a mum and daughter swap bodies and gain insight into each other's lives and challenges.

All films will be checked to make sure they are age appropriate.

The three-hour sessions will give young people the opportunity to take a level 1 volunteering/leadership qualification.

It will also be useful for anyone studying media, drama or English literature, or anybody who just loves watching films. The YMCA Motivate volunteering programme and the Prince’s Trust educational programme is also available for young people.

Both are full-time placements where young people will gain amazing CV and confidence building skills get to go away on a week’s residential trip to increase their employability skills, do community work, gain new qualifications and make new friends.

If anyone is interested in any of these three projects just drop a line to info@SouthendYmca.org.uk or call 01702 301301 saying whether they’d like to do the Prince’s Trust, motivation, film club or come and chat about all three to see what suits them most.