'Inspiring Women, Then and Now': Downe House students capture women’s voices

Downe House students recently screened their short documentary featuring interviews with members of the Shaw-cum-Donnington Women’s Institute.

 

The film celebrates their experiences, achievements and community impact.


Downe House School recently hosted a special screening of 'Inspiring Women – Then and Now', a student-made documentary capturing the voices, memories and lived experiences of members of the Shaw-cum-Donnington Women’s Institute. Created by Upper Sixth Film and Media students, the film explores how women’s lives, opportunities and roles have evolved across generations, while celebrating the shared values of resilience, community and creativity. 

The screening took place in the Downe House Auditorium, with Shaw-cum-Donnington WI members attending as special guests alongside students, parents and members of the local community. For many WI members, the evening marked the first time they had seen the completed film, offering a moving moment of shared reflection and celebration. 


Founded in 1915, the WI has long played a vital role in giving women a voice and strengthening local communities. For Downe House students, working closely with WI members offered a unique opportunity to learn directly from women whose lived experiences span significant social and cultural change. The experience encouraged students to listen with empathy, ask thoughtful questions and gain insight into the challenges and achievements of earlier generations, deepening their understanding of women’s history beyond the classroom. 

The documentary forms part of the Downe House Film Department’s extensive outreach programme, which supports students in developing filmmaking, interviewing and storytelling skills while engaging meaningfully with the wider community. As a relatively new department within the school, Film at Downe House continues to expand its range of projects, collaborating with multiple departments to capture and celebrate academic and co-curricular work across the school. Alongside outreach initiatives, the department offers Trinity Acting for Screen qualifications, film competitions and a collaborative Film Club, giving students the creative and technical confidence required to thrive in an increasingly self-made content and digital media industry. Central to this approach is teaching students how to curate a positive digital footprint that showcases their artistry, professionalism and technical expertise. 

Georgina Hughes, Head of Film and Academic Drama at Downe House School, who led the project, said: 

'We are incredibly grateful to the women of the Shaw-cum-Donnington WI for sharing their stories so openly. Their reflections were thoughtful, moving and often very uplifting. This film is a celebration of their experiences and of the powerful connections that can be formed when generations come together.' 

Gina Millard, of the Shaw-cum-Donnington Women’s Institute, added: 

'The students were extremely welcoming and friendly to all members. It was a breath of fresh air working with them and supporting them with their studies and building community relationships.' 

The evening concluded with a discussion between WI members and students, offering a shared reflection on the filmmaking process and the stories captured on screen.

February 2026