'It's a wrap' for youth homelessness in Lambeth The cameras have just finished rolling on an innovative film project set to reduce the number of homeless teenagers in the borough. Councillor Steve Reed, Lambeth Council leader, and the cabinet member for housing, Cllr. John Kazantzis, were on set to see the final scenes played out.
Prodigals - a short film commissioned by Lambeth Council, explores the links between family difficulties and youth homelessness. Directed by Manny Bonett of Public Picture UK, it aims to raise awareness amongst young people about the dangers of leaving or running away as a result of family conflict.
Filmed in Lambeth during June, Prodigals storyline centres on Ryan, his girlfriend Kelly and his younger brother Leon.
Ryan has left home, fed up with family rows and craving the freedom to do things his way. He dreams of becoming a professional footballer, but quickly falls into a life of hardship. Leon is also on the verge of leaving home after a family row. He has some tough choices to make and looks to his brother for guidance. Will he make the right choices? Kelly’s life is in turmoil because of her mother’s new partner and her infatuation with Ryan. What does she do and what will the consequences of her decisions be?
The film is just one of a number of activities that will support the Council’s campaign to raise awareness about youth homelessness. A Prodigals soundtrack is being produced by local music producer Neville Thomas of 2B3 productions, to support the film launch and to reinforce the key messages with young people. It will feature songs by up and coming young artists Tada and Typah. Teaching packs - which will include a DVD of Prodigals – will also be available for schools and a Prodigals website is under construction.
Councillor Steve Reed, Lambeth Council leader said: “It’s crucial for us to communicate with young people in a way that is relevant to them – especially on a potentially life-changing issue like homelessness. It was great visiting the film set to see how this project is developing, and I am confident that this film will raise awareness among young people, of the dangers of leaving home in an unplanned way”.
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Councillor John Kazantzis, cabinet member for housing commented; "It was a pleasure to be on the film set for this exciting and innovative project. Raising awareness of homelessness and the support that is available for teenagers is vital in order to prevent more young people being faced with this issue".
Prodigals will be launched at the Brixton Ritzy in September and will be followed by regular screenings for secondary school pupils throughout Lambeth.
