Film-makers get red carpet treatment in bid to stop hate crime

Pupils enjoy big screen premieres for their video work

Videos made by school pupils in a bid to tackle hate crime on social media have had their big screen premieres.

Pupils from six west Fife high schools were given the red carpet treatment at the Dunfermline Odeon as they showcased their films, made in partnership with the police and Fife Council.

The short videos will be posted on social media platforms by Police Scotland and Fife Council, while the young people involved will be asked for their views on a review of hate crime legislation in Scotland.

Fife Provost Jim Leishman was guest of honour at the Odeon’s special screening this week.

He said: “Everyone involved in this project deserves huge credit for the strong message they have created and the quality of the films they have produced.

“It’s great to see our young people working so positively with Police Scotland and council officers to raise awareness of this problem.

“Hate crime is so destructive within our communities and, with the use and proliferation of social media, it can be a blight on young lives.

“It is very encouraging to see these youngsters take a stand against this.”

Concerned about how social media was being used to broadcast and share hate crimes, the community policing team in Dunfermline came up with an idea for a video project to post on social media to raise awareness.

Constables Scott Morgan and Stewart Paton and community learning and development staff Corrine McGinley, Leanne Bower and Vikki Robertson took the STOP HATE initiative to the west Fife high schools.

This was followed up with workshops on the topics of equality and prejudice.

PC Morgan said: “We discussed our idea for the project with the school deputes who instantly gave us their support and commitment.

“They allowed pupils full creative control, with each school coming up with their own themed video trailer based on their own experience of hate crime in the school and across social media.”

Shirley Melville, CLD area team leader, said the response from the young people was honest and brave.

“As a result, they are all being invited to take part in a national consultation event led by Young Scot, YouthLink Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament, asking young people what they think should be included in the review of hate crime legislation in Scotland,” she added.

It is very encouraging to see these youngsters take a stand against this. FIFE PROVOST JIM LEISHMAN