Ex-offenders determined to break stigma around mental health begin production on new film

Young offenders from areas hit by gang violence have started production on their new movie which shines a light on mental health issues with the help of service users from psychiatric hospitals.

Therapeutic Productions, a company created by ex-offenders and working with disadvantaged communities, launched the making of its new feature film – Prodigal Monster – on Monday after receiving funding from the Arts Council, MSN Fund and the Wimbledon Foundation. 

The film crew behind Prodigal Monster includes actors Jerome Prince, 39, of Sunny Hill Road, Streatham, and Simeon Jackman Smith, 20, from Gilby Road, Tooting, as well as assistant director of photography, Tyrus Preece-Walkes, 18, of South Norwood High Street, Croydon.

Set to be released in November 2024, Prodigal Monster will focus on the positive impact that rehabilitative services can have on people trying to recover from mental illness and turn away from a life of crime. 

South London Drill artist Tiger Bless, whose music features in the production, said: “People with mental health issues have been stigmatised and this is going to show a different side of mental health, how people can break through and make something out of their lives.”

Over seven days the team shot more than 30 scenes across South London, depicting experiences that can lead to mental health issues among young people including caring for family members, drug use, violence and family crisis.

The team of more than 14 crew members of 40 cast members joined the set to shoot scenes in Thornton Heath, Streatham, Norbury and Westmister. 

Over the past few months, Therapeutic Productions have been working with a team of hospitalised ex-offenders who spent time at the Royal Bethlem hospital, in Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham.

Service users from the psychiatric hospital were commissioned to create illustrated set designs and record soundtracks for the motion picture at a recording studio in Brixton.

Young people from the Notre Dame estate in Crescent Lane, Clapham, also worked with Brixton based social enterprise Lerato Community Initiative to create music for the film’s soundtrack.

The film is headed by Mitcham based Production company MTN productions and led by director Joshua Idusohan and Executive Producer and Managing director of Therapeutic productions Jerome Sewell.

Mr Idoshan said: “The reason I joined this project other than the deepness and realness of the subject is also because of my relationship with Jerome and the family-like element of our team. 

“The beautiful thing is that the ethos of what we do goes into the film and how you feel it. 

“So far the process has been good, all the planning we have been doing over the months is coming to screen. 

“It shows you how life is and opens that door of understanding for others whilst increasing sympathy.”

Pictured top: From left, Nancy Roberts, Joshua Idusohan, Brandon Novis, Roksana Turowicz and Johan Nayar on set in Westminster (Picture: Joshua Idusohan)