Clifton College launches pioneering interactive School film

Clifton College has launched ‘The Spirit Within’, an innovative and interactive school film that allows viewers to explore the School in a completely new way. Through a series of branching scenes, audiences follow a pupil named Jemima, who discovers a remarkable new power - the ability to ‘port’ into other students. As she moves between their perspectives, viewers are invited to uncover the School’s spirit and community from multiple angles.

Described by its creators as a “first of its kind” project, ‘The Spirit Within’ was filmed over just five days with a full production crew and the enthusiastic involvement of Clifton College’s pupils and staff. Every scene reflects their authentic energy and creativity, resulting in a film that’s as inspiring as it is technically ambitious.

“We’re so excited for people to experience ‘The Spirit Within’. It was so fun to create something so ambitious together with Clifton College. It’s not just a film - it’s something for viewers to explore and interact with, and it feels like a perfect reflection of Clifton College’s creativity and forward-thinking attitude. Working with the pupils and staff was an absolute pleasure; their enthusiasm and collaboration really made the film what it is.”
Dan Coomber, Bear House Media

Across its interactive format, the film invites viewers to choose their own path - deciding which students Jemima ‘ports’ into and uncovering different emotional stories, locations, and experiences along the way. The result is a richly layered portrait of School life, full of warmth, curiosity, and imagination.

The collaboration between Clifton College and Bear House Media has created a film that not only showcases the school’s facilities but also embodies its ethos of innovation and participation. Pupils and staff contributed both on screen and behind the scenes, ensuring the final piece feels genuinely representative of Clifton College’s vibrant community.

‘The Spirit Within’ is now available to stream via Clifton College’s brand new website www.cliftoncollege.com where viewers are encouraged to explore it multiple times to discover new routes, characters, hidden Easter egg scenes and moments that together reveal the School’s true spirit.