Film youngsters are setting the PACE

Domestic abuse work is honoured at American festival

Actors from Paisley’s PACE youth theatre have picked up an award that was handed out at a US film festival.

Stella McCardie, Natasha MacDonald and Luke Adair took part in Keeping Mum, which was a finalist in the Foreign Short Film category at the Olympus Film Festival in Los Angeles.

The film looks at the impact of domestic abuse on children.

Although the film did not win its category, it was awarded a trophy for making it as a finalist out of 2,000 submissions.

Jenni Mason, artistic director of PACE, said: “It’s always a joy to see our young people get fantastic opportunities, and even more so when that work is recognised in some way.

“We hope that the work we do here helps prepare our members for these experiences, and we’re very proud that three of our young people were selected for roles in Keeping Mum.”

The film was developed after several years of partnership working between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Health Improvement Team, Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership, Community Safety Glasgow and Baldy Bane Theatre company.

The film Keeping Mum and the original play consist of three children’s experiences of domestic abuse and how it affects their daily lives.

The film also won four awards at the prestigious Depth of Field Awards: Outstanding Excellence for Short Film and Direction, Excellence for Supporting Actor Mark Cox and Supporting Actress for Victoria O’Rourke.

David Goodall, of producers Soundsmove, said: “We auditioned in Glasgow over several days to find our lead actors Stella McCardie, Natasha MacDonald and Luke Adair.

“They were excellent members of the cast, who handled their demanding roles with great skill and sensitivity.”

PACE is Scotland’s largest youth theatre company and is renowned for the quality of its productions and the talent it nurtures.

Famous names who have been members of PACE include Gerard Butler, James McAvoy and Paolo Nutini.

We’re very proud that three of our young members were selected for roles in Keeping Mum