The movie being made in South London with former inmates in front of and behind the camera

Young offenders from areas hit by gang violence are making a movie and will showcase some of their work next week, on November 15, to attract more funds.

The motion picture, 100 Mistakes, has already used South London locations, shot by a prize-winning Italian director-producer whose work has recently been nominated to go to the Berlin Film Festival.

The project, funded by the Backstage Trust, is from a script written by Jerome Sewell, who last week won a gong from the Koestler Arts Award, which supports creative work by current and former inmates.

Unique Talent, which rehabilitates young offenders and prevents gang crime in South London, hired cast and crew from among its clients. 

The staff will be put forward for jobs with major production studios and other companies through Unique’s partner Iconic Steps – who work with Disney, Warner brothers and Netflix.

The cast and crew will also get a major employability package alongside the work.

The producers are hosting a red carpet film event on November 15, to showcase a trailer and celebrate the launch – which will be attended by some of London’s biggest funders including the London Community Foundation and Youth Music.

Director Chirellini said: “This film is a precious occasion to talk about London’s people from a different point of view, far from clichés and far from the usual narration. Also, it is a great opportunity for young girls and boys to approach showbusiness, participating in a real experience on a real cinematographic set.”

Aisosa Henkom, who is working as a sound operator, said: “My experience has been lovely. Being involved in this is one of the best experiences ever, being involved in a media crew and seeing a film become reality; it has been giving me inspiration to make my own films.”

Devonte Ellis Swayby, from Mitcham, who plays one of the main characters, said: “I got involved in this production because I felt I could relate to it – what the story is about, is what I am going through right now. This production is opening doors for me.”

Another lead, Zion Reid-Dunn, from Battersea, said: “Working with Jerome, Adriano and the other crew members was a blast all half term. It kept me focused and busy, working on set. That has been a dream come true because ever since I was young I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I’ve always wanted to be on the big screen.

“I’ve always wanted to be another person’s inspiration. All in all working with Jerome has been a life changing crazy experience.”

Sewell, who is also executive producer, said: “We believe in the full aspirations of the youth in our communities, just as others believed in us. We strive constantly to put young people at the forefront of industry and realize their dreams which is why we launched this production in the first place.”

Other members of the team include Jayden Campbell-Witter from Addiscombe, Joseph Nkiwane- from New Addington, Roksana Turowicz from Thornton Heath, Maciej Gulewski from West Croydon and Janique Ovid from Croydon.

Pictured top: Cast and crew filming: from left, Zion Reid-Dunn, Devonte Swyby, Michael Appiah. PHOTO: Jerome Sewell