Children raise their voices to combat hate
THE voices of Rochdale’s younger residents can be heard through a trilogy of short films, to be shown as part of Rochdale Hate Crime Awareness Week, from February 4.
M6 Theatre Company facilitators Caroline Kennedy and Parvez Qadir supported three groups of young people in creating their own unique productions. Working with local film and animation experts Mako Education, Kilogramme and Esky Bluu, the films offer a positive and inclusive approach to living with difference.
‘Don’t Hate Me’ is a children’s manifesto created by students from Year 5 and 6 at St Luke’s Primary in Heywood.
Headteacher Kim Farrall, who commissioned the award-winning film project, said: “By working with professional film makers and drama practitioners, the children not only developed the confidence and skills to share their voices but also learned about potential new career paths in the creative industries.”
‘Our Story’ is an animation made by young refugees from Kingsway Park High School, Rochdale.
This moving film gave the young people a chance to share their feelings and fears on joining a new school and offers meaningful advice on the simple steps that would make a new person feel welcome.
The final film in the trilogy, ‘Wherever The Road Takes Me’, made in collaboration with St Cuthbert’s RC High School and Rochdale council, portrays the lives of six proud members of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
The film challenges stereotypes through the telling of the young people’s individual stories.
Debs Palmer, M6’s CEO said: “Rochdale Council and schools are often at the forefront of empowering creative practice.
“There is such great innovative child-centred work happening in the borough under the radar, it seems a shame not to share it far and wide.”
All the films have been shown at school assemblies across the borough, providing these emerging young artists with the opportunity to influence their peers and share their creative achievements.
The films will be shown at the #THRIVE drop-in facility throughout Rochdale Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Each one has an accompanying education resource which can be found, along with the films, at www.m6theatre. co.uk.