Film Kayleigh’s Love Story is up for a national award
A FILM highlighting the dangers of online grooming in memory of murdered schoolgirl Kayleigh Haywood has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.
Kayleigh’s Love Story is one of the finalists in the social screen category of the Clarion Awards run by EVCOM – the so-called Oscars of specialist videos produced by the corporate and charity sectors.
It is also up for “best promotional programme” at the Royal Television Society Midlands Awards.
The film, which was produced by Leicestershire Police, tells the story of the last two weeks in the life of Measham schoolgirl Kayleigh, who was groomed online over 13 days by Ibstock resident Luke Harlow.
Kayleigh eventually agreed to spend the evening at his house, and two days later she was raped and murdered by his next door neighbour, Stephen Beadman.
The film has been made to raise awareness of grooming and child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Controlled screenings of the film start at secondary schools next month and it is hoped every child aged 11 and above in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will have seen the film by Christmas.
The film has also been released to all police forces in the UK and it will posted online in 2017.
Deputy Chief Constable Roger Bannister said: “The film was made with the support of Kayleigh’s parents and was done in consultation with experts in their field throughout the UK.
“The intention behind the film is to keep children safe and to prevent online grooming which, as Kayleigh’s Story illustrates, can have tragic consequences.
“We are delighted that it has been recognised by EVCOM and shortlisted for an award”.
The film was made by Loughborough-based Affixxius Films, whose senior partner Tim Cabrelli said: “It is difficult to be proud of a piece such as this due to it’s content and, although its technical and artistic execution is testament to the immense talent of the Affixxius Films team, we’re delighted with the shortlisting but hope that it is recognised for its message above all else.”