Kenneth Branagh has spoken of the “power” of film as a means of engaging students, as he was announced as an ambassador for the film-education charity Into Film.

Belfast-born Branagh is best known for his acting and directing interpretations of Shakespeare plays, such as Hamlet and Henry V, as well as for playing the vainglorious defence against the dark arts teacher Gilderoy Lockhart in the film of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Branagh first worked with Into Film earlier this year, when he hosted a special fundraising screening of his latest film, Cinderella. He decided to support the charity after being impressed by the work that it does using film to help educate children in disadvantaged communities.

“Film is an accessible and powerful medium,” Branagh said. “It can reach young people from every walk of life, and inspire them to want to learn and achieve more.”