YOUNG actors and musicians from across the city are hoping to raise awareness of domestic violence with a new film.
Beats And Brains will be shown at schools across Notts to draw attention to the issue after a number of high-profile cases.
The film and its soundtrack were produced by Nottingham youth charity, Base 51, which aims to educate young people about healthy relationships.
Forty young people aged 13 to 25 are taking part in the project, which began rehearsals at the NGY Myplace youth centre in Castle Gate, Nottingham, on Monday.
The plot follows two young male characters, Miles and Nathan. Miles is the perpetrator in an abusive relationship and Nathan is trying his best to make the right decisions.
Nathan is played by Dexter Atkinson from The Vista, Stapleford. The 16-year-old said: "I've never acted before and I'm enjoying it. I'm learning a lot more skills. I know domestic violence goes on and I want it to stop."
Project co-ordinator, Lucy Sheldon, a sex and relationship education worker for Nottingham City Council, held a three-hour domestic abuse workshop with the young people taking part.
She said: "The goal is to educate people about domestic abuse and help educate them about relationships."
Alison Thomas, children and young people manager at Notts Domestic Violence Forum, said: "Other films are quite simplistic. They explain domestic violence, but this understands concepts and talks about choices and gender equality. I hope the film brings the debate forward and this is the start of the generations that will be educated about domestic violence."
Filming of the short film, expected to be about 20 minutes long, ends today.
Yesterday's rehearsals were held at Nottingham Forest's training ground in Wilford.
A club spokesman said: "As a club we take a strong stance against domestic violence. That is why we are backing the Post's Man Enough campaign and the film – both of which aim to raise awareness of the crime. No one should have to tolerate domestic violence."
The Post's Man Enough campaign is aiming to raise awareness of domestic violence and is urging 10,000 people in Notts to sign the White Ribbon campaign to end violence against women. So far more than 4,300 people have signed up for the campaign, run with Women's Aid Integrated Services, the Notts Domestic Violence Forum and Notts Police.
Readers can sign the White Ribbon pledge at www.man- enough.org or text Man Enough to 81400. Women who need help can contact Nottingham's Women's Aid on 0808 800 0340 or visit www.wais.org.uk
Are you a young person who has been affected by domestic violence? If you are, e-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk or call 0115 905 1966
