StreetDoctors and Redthread partner on youth violence film
Amrit Virdi
Friday, October 20, 2023
Charities StreetDoctors and Redthread have worked with a film-maker to create a short feature highlighting the effects of youth violence and trauma.
Titled ‘PTSD’, the film premiered at the Odeon, Covent Garden London, on 19 October and is available to watch on indie film-maker Fully Focused's YouTube short film hub MYM: Million Youth Media.
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The 45-minute film follows the story of Codie, a 20-year-old from Liverpool who moves to London and is dealing with witnessing the brutal murder of his friend. Resembled to ‘The Ghost of Christmas Past’, the film combines the perspectives of victims and perpetrators.
Redthread and StreetDoctors provided the producers with support in sensitively exploring themes of PTSD and mental health.
Teddy Nygh, co-founder of Fully Focused and director of ‘PTSD’ said: “While the themes of trauma and grief may not always claim the spotlight, we must highlight the experiences of our younger generation. Too often, they silently grapple with profound trauma and loss as they navigate the complexities of early life. We hope our film raises awareness, diving deep into this pressing issue, illuminating their struggles, and finding ways to disrupt the cycle of pain.”
The film has been well received by viewers, with many posting their views in the channel’s YouTube comments. One viewer said: “Was absolutely mesmerised watching this. A true work of art and an incredibly poignant and important story to tell”. Another commented: “This was excellent, I didn't want it to end.”
In a joint statement, Redthread and StreetDoctors said: “This trailblazing, incredibly powerful and moving film lays bare the devastating impacts of violence on young people and communities, and also highlights the nuances and complexities that are its features.
“In illustrating the hugely distressing and life-changing effects of PTSD on children and young people, an issue both organisations are dealing with on a daily basis, it forces the viewer to question their assumptions and to go on the film's journey in a search for new meanings and answers.”
The creation of the film created paid placement within story development and production. Cast members include Nico Mirallegro from BBC’s ‘Our Girl’, Georgia Amodu Curtis from ‘Black Widow’ and Ian Hart from ‘Harry Potter’.
