Lights, Camera, Action as Homeless Young People Shoot their First Film!
Homeless young people in Cardiff have been given the opportunity to develop their life skills and improve their future prospects as part of a unique filmmaking project.
As part of their ‘Learning 4 Life’ programme, the South Wales youth homelessness charity, Llamau, have engaged more than 20 socially excluded and homeless young people who live in supported accommodation in a filmmaking project. The project is financed by the Film Agency for Wales, the Arts Council for Wales, Flick Television Company, the Freemasons South East Province, and the Oakdale Charitable Trust.
Initiated and led by producer and mentor Heledd Wyn, the young people have taken full and active ownership of the development and production of this series of short films, many of which are based on their own life stories. “Through the creative process of film making, the young people are unlocking their potential for visual story telling. We celebrate their achievements,” said Cardiff-born Heledd, who is also a professional director.
According to Frances Beecher, Chief Executive of Llamau, the filmmaking project has given the young people an opportunity to express themselves and has motivated them to learn more.
“Working in small groups, the young people have worked together to film, edit and produce their chosen short films. It has been a great opportunity for them to develop their communication and interpersonal skills while learning about the film industry,” she explained.
“Our hope is that the project will provide the inspiration that these vulnerable people need to improve their ability to integrate with society and develop their future prospects.”
“As a Film Agency, we are committed to providing financial support to education initiatives that are aimed at enhancing film literacy. Film education has the potential to bring a host of valuable, broader benefits such as developing communication
skills, general literacy, promoting social engagement and notions of citizenship.
We were keen to support the Llamau project as it enables vulnerable and socially excluded young people to enter an environment where they can develop their confidence and re-engage socially. Access to film should be a cultural entitlement,
rather than an activity reserved for the lucky few,” added Pauline Burt, Chief Executive of the Film Agency for Wales.
Film Agency for Wales is funded by the Arts Council for Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government and the UK Film Council. Further information is available at: Llamau is a registered charity working in South Wales as specialist providers of advice, accommodation and support services to homeless young people with exceptionally high support needs, a client group that few other organisations are willing or able to assist.
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