Blackheads (From The Argus)

Blackheads

3:43pm Tuesday 8th February 2011

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By Annie-Marie Page, teen outlook »

Over the past few months I have been creating a documentary with several young people to raise people’s awareness on how the media portrays young asylum seekers, refugees and Muslims.

The documentary is called Blackheads. We felt this is a good name as it makes you question what it means. I see it as meaning that you can be a ‘black head’ without being black. There were 16 of us aged 13-23, all from different countries but living in Brighton. This made the process easier as we all had lots of ideas to put together.

We did the film as part of the project BandBazi. We had great help from a few adults who I would like to say thank you to (you know who you are). At first I found it very difficult to express my thoughts and ideas because I didn’t want to come across as if I was saying something racist or ignorant when I would not like to see myself as a racist person and would feel uncomfortable offending someone.

I think quite a lot of English people are nervous to speak about some topics (though we all know the media is not afraid). After a few weeks of working together I found my confidence improve when talking about asylum seekers, refuges and Muslims. In the four months we have edited, directed, and acted, written, filmed and sung to create the 15 minute film with three chapters. There are lots of styles in the film such as hilarious satire, upsetting moments and interesting insights and ones that make you re-think you beliefs.

I think I can say for all of us who made it that we found it very enjoyable and an excellently educational experience. We are going to have our film premiere on Thursday, February 17 at The Light House, Kensington Street. If you would like to have more information on it then feel free to call them on 01273 647197.

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