Young film-makers from disadvantaged communities have made documentaries exploring social issues such as drugs, alcohol and unemployment, as part of a Bradford City of Film-funded project.

The films will be screened next week at a ceremony marking the youngsters’ achievements.

The young people, aged 14 to 19, completed film-making courses at the Community Film Skills Academy, run by Bradford creative development agency Fabric. Funded by City of Film and Mediabox – delivered by a consortium in partnership with Skillset and the UK Film Council to fund media projects involving disadvantaged young people – the project was aimed at equipping youngsters with basic film-making skills, including camera work, sound, editing, interviewing and presenting.

Aimed at young people not engaged in education, employment or training, the courses were devised and delivered by Fabric and InspirEd, which delivers creative workshops for schools, youth clubs and community centres, specialising in film-making, photography and digital media.

Linking up with organisations such as Bradford Foyer, Barnardo’s, Key House and Connexions, the project involved small teams writing, shooting and editing a documentary film exploring issues affecting them and their communities. They interviewed Bradford East MP David Ward, Bradford South Police Superintendent Angela Williams, Challenge College head teacher Sian Harris and Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood, and tackled subjects such as school, drugs and alcohol, attitudes to the police and unemployment.

The four documentaries were screened at the National Media Museum last weekend, as part of Bradford International Film Festival.

Fourteen of the 30 young people involved achieved a Bronze level Arts Award, equivalent to half a GCSE, and two were offered work placements with InspirEd, sharing their skills with other young people. One young woman, who wants to be a TV presenter, will study media at college.

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