TWO BUDDING young film critics from Wanstead High School paid a visit to 10 Downing Street to attend the screening of a controversial new documentary.

Year 12 students Nadeem George and Taaibah Khurshid joined sixth formers from schools across London to watch Burma VJ - the first film screening of its type ever held at the Prime Minister's London residence.

The documentary was made by Burmese journalists to expose the brutality of the regime which currently rules their country and featured dramatic footage of the anti-government marches led by Buddhist monks in September 2007.

Sarah Brown, the Prime Minister's wife hosted the event for youngsters involved in the national FILMCLUB group which promotes the watching of movies and documentaries in schools across the country.

Nadeem said: “I’ve seen many deaths on film before, Hollywood deaths – but this is the first time I’ve seen an actual person die on film.

"Now I know the true meaning of the word ‘courage.'

"And to see the film in such historic circumstances made it an even more unforgettable night."

Tracey Phillipson, arts co-ordinator at Wanstead High said: "Foreign Office Minister Ivan Lewis and the film’s director Anders Østergaard attended the screening.

"In the discussion that followed the film, the FILMCLUB students were quick to ask the minister what we in Britain were doing to help what remains of the Burmese protest movement.

"For all the FILMCLUB sixth formers involved, Burma VJ itself was an intense and moving experience."

For more information visit: filmclub.org