St Luke's Primary make hate crime film

St. Luke's Primary drama club, Kim Farrall, Head Teacher, Chesca Fisher, teacher, Caroline Kennedy, M6 Theatre and Parvez Qadir film maker

St. Luke's CE Primary School worked with Yasin Khan, the Equality & Community Cohesion Officer from Rochdale Council, as he delivered hate crime workshops with the children around bullying, racism and social media.

Kim Farrall, Head Teacher, St Luke's CE Primary School said: “The children were inspired by Yasin's workshops and he was impressed by the children's responses that he asked us to produce a film alongside M6 Theatre Company to produce a short hate crime video.

“There is a lot of hate crime video material available for secondary schools but not as much for primary schools.

“The aim was to produce a short film that could be used in other schools across Rochdale and beyond.

“Unfortunately, Yasin was diagnosed with lung cancer before we embarked on the filming and is currently having treatment.

“We wanted to make the film an even bigger success and make him proud of the impact his work has had in our school.

“The children worked alongside M6 Theatre Company with Caroline Kennedy and Parvez Qadir, along with their teacher Chesca Fisher.

“The children had a big input in writing the script and seeing how a short film is put together. It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to take part in and they worked with a professional film maker from Mako Media.

“Parvez is a professional actor and has had roles in Coronation Street, Casualty and Holby City.

Parvez and Caroline said: “It has been inspiring to work with young people. They have had an input in writing the script, then acting on screen and producing a film. It has hopefully inspired a new generation to enter the industry. Hate crime is a hot topic at the moment and the film should inform and start discussions around bullying and racism.”

Ms Kim Farrall added: “We hope to launch the film 'Don't Hate Me' in the new academic year and invite the parents of the children in the film, Rochdale Council and the Mayor to the event to watch the film. It will then be launched to schools.

“We want to make Yasin proud, as without him the children wouldn't have had this opportunity to be involved in a project like this.”