Met Police back Leo Powell’s film against knife-crime

Short film 'Step Back' addresses gang culture and knife-crime among young people, featuring Xavien Russell, will be released early next year

This project is birthed from the work that Leo has been doing with young people

TEACHER, TRAINER and facilitator Leo Powell from Enfield, has begun filming his short film Step Back, a drama turned sci-fi which looks at the impact of knife crime and its consequences.

We want people to watch Step Back and understand that being involved in gangs and arming yourself with a knife quite literally ruins lives

Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming

The film, which is being backed by the Metropolitan Police and partially funded by the Home Office, follows the life of Marcus “Legs”, a 16-year-old boy who becomes entangled in gang culture.

The film comes at a pivotal point for the youth of England and Wales, where knife crime has risen to record highs since records began in 2011. Leo hopes that the film can be used as an educational resource to educate children about the life-altering consequences of using a knife.

Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming, Commander of Haringey and Enfield, said: “This video is a powerful reminder of the tragic consequences of carrying a knife- both for the victim and perpetrator.

“We want people to watch Step Back and understand that being involved in gangs and arming yourself with a knife quite literally ruins lives.”

The film follows a 16-year-old boy named Marcus, or his tag name “Legs” (played by Xavien Russell) who, after attempting to steal trainers on his 16th Birthday, is confronted by a shop assistant where an altercation breaks out and Marcus stabs the assistant, fleeing and unknowingly leaving him to die.

Marcus is found guilty of murder and is sent to prison and whilst in prison is stabbed as an act of revenge for the shop assistant he killed. Now Marcus finds himself in the back of an ambulance, but as Marcus takes his last breath, he suddenly opens his eyes and realises that he is not dead, but instead has woken up in his bedroom one year earlier as a 15-year-old boy with a second chance at life.

The origins of Step Back are derived from Leo’s work with young people which began in 2010.

Step Back, which will be released early next year, will be produced by Little Drops Production, the production company responsible for producing “Amani” a short film based on a true story of knife-crime which has amassed over 2.9 million views on YouTube

Leo’s work in the area of Country Lines has gained huge traction, where he has been awarded funding through MOPAC, and the Mayor of London’s Young Londoner’s Fund. In 2019, Leo took on the role as mentor in Feltham Youth Young Offender’s Institute working for the organisation Roadlight, where he worked with the most challenging high-risk offenders in the country.

“Any resource which highlights the stark reality of knife crime and raises awareness can only be a positive, and we hope this film resonates with our youngsters and drives them to make more informed life choices.”

Said Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming: “We will be working closely with Leo once this video is complete to identify opportunities for the film to be used during workshops to help draw out vital conversations about knife crime.

“If you are concerned about someone you know who may be carrying a knife, help and support is available online via KnifeFree.

You can also contact the police; call Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111; or visit Fearless.”

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