Teenagers' film up for accolades

The animation, entitled ‘Hope’, is aimed at raising awareness of emotional wellbeing in young people.

It was created by 20 Year Eight girls from Allerton Grange School, Moortown, and explores issues around bullying, peer pressure, identity, poor self image and mental health.

The film project was led by Shantona Women’s Centre in Leeds which works to promote better health within the community, in partnership with Space2, a local arts and health charity, and Allerton Grange School.

Staff from Space2 and Shantona worked with the girls running workshops to generate ideas and a script for the film, which is touring city schools and is being shown in the community.

Project manager, Jelena Zindovic from Space2, said: “The girls have created a truly unique animation with a really powerful message. This project has helped them to build their confidence, develop their leadership skills and explore their creative abilities.”

As part of the project the girls wrote a poem, with the support of performance poet Michelle Scally Clarke, which is in the film.

‘Hope’ has been shortlisted in the Key Stage 3/4 category and Mediafish Perspective Award category of the Golden Owl Awards, which celebrate the best of young people’s filmmaking across the city.

The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday at Leeds Town Hall.