Ths story of the Berkeley Institute is to be the focus of a new documentary, organised by a group of former students who graduated around 50 years ago.

The film, which will follow the creation and evolution of the school, will be produced and co-directed by celebrated Bermudian filmmaker Lucinda Spurling, along with co-directors Kara Smith and Karli Smith. They will be working alongside Bermudian historian and Berkeleyite Clarence Maxwell, who has agreed to consult with the film makers on the project. Dr Maxwell is currently writing the “definitive history” of the school.

The documentary is set to premiere in January next year.

The effort was launched by the Committee of the Class of ‘63, who decided last year that they wanted to make a significant contribution to the school to mark their 50th anniversary.

A spokeswoman for the Committee said: “The Class of ’63 believes that it is important for today’s generation of Berkeleyites and the Bermuda community generally to have a full appreciation of Berkeley’s proud history, the school as it is today and the future of this fine institution.

“The 30-minute film will look at the school’s origins and its development throughout its history. It will examine the influence of the school in our community throughout the 20th century and beyond and address how Berkeley, its evolving philosophy, its leaders and its students have helped to shape Bermuda.”

She added that the project has received funding from both the Berkeley Educational Society and a grant from the Cultural Legacy Fund through the Bermuda Arts Council.

“The Berkeley Institute has provided a rich legacy to Bermuda,” the spokeswoman added. “Its history needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. The Berkeley Class of ‘63 is proud to be a part of this film project.”

The Berkeley Institute first opened in the now-demolished Samaritan’s Hall on Court Street on September 6, 1897, with the goal of providing first class education to both black and white Bermudians.

The school moved to St John’s Road five years later, where it remained until 2006 when it moved to its current location on Berkeley Road.