A HARD-HITTING film project dealing with issues facing young people such as safety, violence, bullying, drink and drugs has received a welcome funding boost.
Reel Life Education Project has received a generous donation of £5,000 from AXA Wealth International.
The project’s aim is to create a short feature film entitled ‘Amy’s Choice’, which tells the story of an 18-year-old university student with a promising future ahead of her whose life is changed forever one night when she compromises her safety by making some wrong choices.
Reel Life Education Project was brought together by founder of Ex-Isle Casting and Film Facilities Agency Bev Lawley and retired Castle Rushen High School teacher Tony Wright.
With the assistance of Tony, Bev came up with the idea to develop a hard-hitting, short feature film focusing around consequences young people may encounter when they compromise their safety on a night out, for example paying for cigarettes and alcohol rather than keeping some money for a taxi home.
AXA Wealth International’s cheque was presented at Jaks Bar on Loch Promenade where filming for Amy’s Choice had taken place.
The donation was greatly appreciated by Bev, who hopes by distributing the completed film pilot to all local secondary schools, educational organisations and to the police, will help raise awareness of the pitfalls that you can face on a night out and so attract future funding for further projects.
Chief Inspector Simon Lowe and Stuart Dobson, chief executive Officer at the Department of Education and Children say they are 100 per cent behind the project.
Simon praised Bev and the project highly, saying: ‘The Isle of Man Constabulary is committed to keeping people safe and will work with anyone in the private, public or voluntary sector who can assist us in this overall aim. Your proposed films will clearly provoke thought and debate and allow children and young people to consider important issues in a safe learning environment.
‘This will be beneficial in ensuring that they are empowered in keeping themselves safe.’
Lesa McLaren, international marketing manager at AXA Isle of Man, said: ‘It’s great to be able to sponsor such a relevant and effective project that focuses on raising awareness of important and current social issues.
‘We hope that with the help of our sponsorship in producing ‘Amy’s Choice’ will ensure young people feel empowered and keep themselves safe.’
To learn more about the Reel Life Education Project, what they do and how you can get involved in future films, visit {http://www.ex-isle.com.ex-isle.com}