Two teens are starring in a short film about the impact of knife crime on young people.
Oscar Couchie, 15, from Crawley, and Iliria Krasniqi, 17, from East Grinstead, have taken the lead roles in Ripple, a production that confronts the harsh realities faced by young people in schools today.
The film, told through the voices of children and teens, aims to shine a light on what they see as a "frightening and growing epidemic".
The storyline for Ripple begins with an impulsive decision by a school friend to carry a knife, setting off a chain of events that ripple through the lives of all those involved.
A school prom descends into chaos, revealing deeper issues beneath the surface, as the students grapple with bullying, cyberbullying, insecurity and the pressure of growing up under the constant glare of social media.
Oscar plays Felix, a friend of Will who carries a knife for safety, while Iliria plays Sasha, a kind-hearted girl whose rejection inadvertently causes problems.
Read more:
-
Primary school pupils star in film urging care for countryside
-
The Sussex beach where rock legend filmed the world's most expensive music video
-
'Some films should not be made. Sports films are high on that list'
Both students train at acting schools LeBlanc School of Acting and Stages Performing Arts School respectively.
The film, created and written by Carol Wilson, a talent agent, acting coach, TV and film producer and former detective, aims to raise awareness of the issue of knife crime and mental health among young people.
Carol Wilson, with her unique background dealing with serious crime, has firsthand experience of how a single impulsive decision can change the course of a young person’s life forever, a risk dramatically intensified by the carrying of knives or blades.
After a successful screening in Covent Garden on Tuesday, February 17, Ripple has been submitted to film festivals and received its first official selection for Manchester Lift Off film festival for "Best Ensemble Cast".
Parents of the teens are eager to see the film played in schools to raise awareness of these issues.
Camera Ready Events, the global events company based in television and film, has provided Oscar and Iliria with the opportunity to work both behind and in front of the camera, covering tough topics that impact teenagers today.
Share