Young people film movie portraying urban life

Young people from gang-hit communities have just completed filming a feature film that portrays the nitty-gritty of modern urban life, writes Yann Tear.

The film, called 100 Mistakes, features young offenders and was made after a target of £50,000 was raised to complete the production thanks to funding secured from the social enterprise fund Woodward charitable trust and further funding from the Backstage trust.

Last week, the crew of young Londoners from Croydon and Merton shot for five days under the helmsmanship of film director Adriano Chiarelli and director of photography Joshua Mansano just days after Adriano was nominated for a scriptwriting award in his home country, Italy.

In total, 20 cast members and performers participated, with scenes being shot on Putney Bridge, in Thornton Heath and West Croydon portraying areas where gang crime takes place.

Scenes depicted an epic tale of joint enterprise, romance, homelessness, businesses mentorship, entrepreneurism, rap battles and many of the successes and strains faced by young communities in South London.

Executive producer and scriptwriter Jerome Sewell said: “We thank all of our funders in assisting us to take on this herculean task. It shows the belief our civic society has in the investment we are making in the dreams of young people.

“This journey has been indescribable, and I have watched lives transform in front of me. Young people with minds, skills, talents and resilience that is hard to come by.

“If they have shown our society one thing, it is that the capability of youths in our country is limitless, and we wait to see the doors of the industry open to them. I can’t wait to see what they will become in the future.”

Assistant director Sekou Diaby said: “Filming was both difficult and extremely rewarding.

“Having to work with so many different cast members and crew members really taught me what the direction role is all about.

“I stepped into this week with the aim to gain a taster of what the direction role is all about, but I stepped out with a hunger.

“Working with Jerome and Adriano taught me so much to do with professionalism, work ethic and the importance of being able to work under pressure.”

Pictured, from left, Devonte Ellis Swayby, Joel Dowuna and Joshua Mansano Picture: Jerome Sewell and Joshua Mansano