YOUNG PEOPLE in Haringey have become movie stars as part of their stand against knife crime.

Students from Haringey Sixth Form College in Tottenham have created and starred in their own three-film series showing the devastating impact youth violence can have.

The films – called I’m Out – show the consequences of getting caught up in violence, by telling the stories of young people involved and the impact on their families.

The series was recently premiered at Cineworld in Wood Green.

Among those who attended the event was Tottenham Hotspur Ambassador and ex-England star Ledley King.

The project – led by young people, for young people – was created with the support of Haringey Council and the Metropolitan Police, produced by Casual Films.

The name I’m Out was chosen by young people to encourage others to seek the support and opportunities they need to keep out, and stay out, of youth violence.

Among the actors in the films was student Jordan Anaedozie.

He said he hoped that the films show young people the consequences of getting involved in violence and how quickly things can escalate.

He said: “Will knife crime ever cease? We can only hope. Many films have been created showing how immense knife crime is in certain communities but who has really shown its effects on others? 

“Knife crime is a decision made by an individual, primarily based on what they have been exposed to, but many don’t know the effects and consequences of their decisions.”

‘The film shows how quickly things can escalate’

Anaedozie continued: “Being a part of this film has opened my eyes to the aftermath of this crime – not only that but the potential that each and every individual has. Everyone who is a part of a gang, they all have a dream, but how hard are they chasing it and what sacrifices are they making to achieve those aspirations? It is always the ‘easy way out’ that leads to unnecessary regrets.”

More than 20 young people took part in the project, starring in the films, helping on set and working in production.

Will knife crime ever cease? We can only hope. Many films have been created showing how immense knife crime is in certain communities but who has really shown its effects on others?

Jordan Anaedozie, actor, I’m Out

Cllr Mark Blake, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Equalities, said: “Knife crime is affecting the lives of this borough’s young people, families and communities and we all have to work together to tackle it. It is an issue across London, but in Haringey we have decided to do something different: to let our young people use their own voices to beat this.

“I want young people involved in gangs – or who are at risk of getting involved – to know that there is support, and there are ways out. I’m Out shows just how quickly things can escalate and how they can affect you, your friends and your family. There are better futures for you here in Haringey.”

‘There are ways out’

Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming, [Met Commander for Haringey and Enfield, said: “I welcome and applaud the initiative taken by our young people to show the devastating consequences of knife crime, not only for those directly involved but also those closest to them.

“I hope the films are seen far and wide so that our young people think long and hard about carrying a knife and becoming involved in a gang in the first place. This is a message created by our youths for our youths and I couldn’t think of a better way for us to start this debate and help put an end to the serious youth violence we are seeing on the streets of London.”

To watch the films please visit www.imout.org.uk