Pupils produce a gripping film

WINDSOR: Pupils at a middle school have launched a pioneering and gripping film looking into the issue of county lines drugs operations.

The film was devised entirely by pupils in years seven and eight at Trevelyan Middle

School. who spent months making fully improvised dialogue, giving the film an ‘authentic feel’.

Following the story of 12-yearold Elliott, who finds himself coerced and exploited in county lines (the movement of illegal drugs from one area to another, often through the exploitation of vulnerable people).

The film begins with the initial process of grooming and goes on to explore the consequences of county lines on the victim and those close to them.

As well as devising the film, pupils have also played a key role in the technical aspects, taking on roles in directing, editing, and composing the soundtrack.

Pupils have also been campaigning on the issue, speaking both in public and to the media about the dangers of county lines.

In ensuring the film was as true to real life as possible, pupils worked with a range of experts including Emily Vaughn, a county lines survivor and now best-selling author, and Space, an unfunded organisation working with the parents of those affected by county lines.

Space advised cast members on the psychological effect this type of exploitation has upon young people and their families.

Cast members have also worked closely with police and other frontline services, with the local police safeguarding team regularly visiting rehearsals to make sure that key details were as accurate as possible.

The film aims to alter the mindsets of young people and those in the wider community and looks to show, contrary to the perceptions that any type of child in any area can be affected by county lines.

This film premiered at The Old Court in Windsor on Monday, June 20. The event was attended by a range of families, local educators, and frontline workers.

The film can be watched at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=zFcl6T6-cTs