Alien abduction saves Natalie from the menace of the school bullies and takes her off to the planet Helicon, where she is asked to solve a problem of failing Purple students. It is a world in which racial harassment, bullying and cultural denial are as much part of the school timetable as history and art.

Given confidence by her experiences of significant improvements within her own school on Earth, she is able to help her alien friends begin to sort out their affairs and convince the head teacher of the reality of a serious ‘Green Problem’, before returning home to confront her own harassers.

A World Of Difference is an entertaining and thought provoking film. Its use of animation within a science fiction genre prevents the stereotyping of either victims or perpetrators. There is a positive message about the effectiveness of good school practices. The film is suitable for a wide audience and acts as a catalyst for discussion.

12 minutes
Audience: Young Teen

Copyright © 1997 Leeds Animation Workshop