YOUNG first-time film-makers have been praised for a documentary about protecting the environment.
Members of the Sahan Society Centre – a community organisation in East Avenue, Hayes that helps Somali families – premiered their short film, Our World, Our Problem, with a special screening at Harlington Community School, in Pinkwell Lane, Hayes, on Saturday.
The film aims to raise awareness of the problems of fly-tipping, graffiti and other environmental issues affecting west London and beyond, and urges people to do their bit to improve the areas where they live.
It took about a year to make, during which time the participants received media training from production agency, ivismedia.
Anab Abdalla, the director of Sahan Society Centre, said: “The young people took the initiative and worked really hard, and we are very proud of what they achieved and the lessons they learned when producing the documentary.
“We were impressed by their creativity, commitment and leadership qualities throughout the production of the documentary. They have gained skills they will be able to take away with them.
“We are very grateful to everyone who helped with the project.”
In the audience were parents, teachers, ward councillors and the MP for Hayes and Harlington, John McDonnell.
The project went ahead courtesy of a £10,000 grant from the Heathrow Community Fund.
The video will be posted on YouTube in due course.
It is hoped this will help the message to be spread further, and that the documentary will be made available in libraries and schools.
