Integrate UK, a youth-led charity, is set to release a powerful new short film titled “Theatre Boy” on November 8th, 2024, aimed at raising awareness of knife crime in the UK. Created by young activists, the film will be available to watch and share following its official release at the charity’s annual youth conference.
In advance of the public launch, a pre-screening will take place at Chatham House, a prominent policy institute, on October 24th, 2024. The event will feature a panel discussion with young advocates and experts, highlighting the global impact of knife crime and discussing potential solutions.
Integrate UK is calling for broad engagement with the film following its release, in hopes of sparking meaningful conversations and promoting youth advocacy. The release of “Theatre Boy” comes at a crucial time, as the UK government has recently unveiled a 10-year strategy to reduce knife crime incidents by 2034. This effort is supported by a coalition of campaigners, community leaders, and public figures, including actor Idris Elba.
Integrate UK’s youth-led initiatives align with this national effort, particularly in their focus on using education and creative advocacy to combat knife crime. With over 50,000 knife-related offenses recorded in England and Wales in the past year alone, young people are disproportionately affected by this violence. Integrate UK is calling on the government and educational bodies to introduce mandatory educational programs in schools to prevent future tragedies and protect students.
Hana, a 17-year-old activist involved in the project, shared, “Being part of this film gave me the chance to share my experiences and help others understand how serious this problem is. Too many young people feel like they have to carry a knife for protection, and we need to change that mindset.”
Lisa Zimmermann, CEO of Integrate UK, expressed her pride in the work of the young people involved, stating, “If we want a better society, we need to listen to our youth and ensure their voices are part of important conversations. If we give them the opportunities and platforms and really learn to listen to them, anything is possible.”
In addition to the film, Integrate UK offers peer-education workshops in schools to educate students about knife crime and other critical social issues such as gender inequality and racial discrimination. These workshops, delivered by young activists, use creative tools like music videos and dramas to engage students in discussions and challenge stereotypes. The workshops are free to state schools and are supported by multimedia resources to ensure they resonate with young people nationwide.
Janet Fyle MBE, Chair of Trustees, emphasized, “Our role is to empower young people to speak up and create the change they want to see in their communities. This film and our educational programs are just one way we are supporting their efforts to challenge the status quo and create safer, more inclusive environments.”
Integrate UK encourages everyone to watch the film and share it on social media, using the hashtag #EndKnifeCrime to amplify the message. By using creative tools and empowering young people to speak out, Integrate UK hopes to drive meaningful change and create safer communities.
To stay updated on the release of “Theatre Boy,” follow Integrate UK on their social media channels and website. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #EndKnifeCrime and sharing your thoughts on the film.
Notes to Editors:
Trailer: https://bit.ly/TheatreBoyFilm
Media Pack: Images, Quotes, and Factsheet: https://bit.ly/TheatreBoyMediaPack
About Integrate UK:
Integrate UK is a youth-led charity that empowers marginalized young people, primarily from racialized and socio-economically challenged backgrounds, to become advocates for social change. Founded in 2009, the organization initially focused on tackling female genital mutilation (FGM) and honor-based abuse. Now, they address broader issues of gender and racial inequality through education, creative advocacy, and leadership development. By offering training, mentorship, and platforms for young voices, Integrate UK continues to drive impactful change and shape a more inclusive society.
Synopsis of the Film:
“Theatre Boy” tells the story of Anthony, a student who gains sudden popularity after a fight video goes viral at school. His classmate Akira is troubled by the attention that violence brings. As tensions rise and a new danger emerges, Akira witnesses Anthony make a pivotal decision that will change both of their lives forever. The film powerfully addresses the global issue of youth violence, focusing on knife crime. It highlights the pressure many young people face and emphasizes the lasting impact of the choices they make when confronted with peer influence and moments of crisis. The production company is called Grow Big Soup Ltd, and the director is Kwame Lestrade.
The film’s release date is November 8th, 2024, on YouTube.
Integrate UK supports young people with their learning, ambitions, and aspirations and runs a range of creative and
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.