The power of mentoring – youth workers on film about gangs secure employment

A feature film set in South London which explores gang life and experiences of the youth has helped its young workers secure employment.

The film, called 100 mistakes, finished production weeks ago and already those who were involved are seeing the benefits of the mentoring provided by community organisation Unique Talent.

More than 60 young Londoners were involved in the production, which was filmed in Thornton Heath, West Croydon and Putney.

Sekou Diaby, 21, acted as the assistant director and interim director during 100 Mistakes film shoots as a protégé to the award-winning film director Adriano Chiarelli.

He has since gone on to work on ‘mockumentaries’ and has been flown out of the country on different shoots.

He has applied for jobs with major television companies, and is now making his own productions with other members of the crew on 100 Mistakes. 

Hanan Lamallam, 21, from Croydon, joined the 100 Mistakes production as a supporting actress featuring as the character Jodey.

She is an activist, multi-skilled entrepreneur and businesswoman.

Following her work on the film set she has focused on building her graphic design business with the support of Bettering Education, a charity in Croydon which worked with Unique Talent on the 100 Mistakes production.

Hanan has now hired a team of graphic designers, while securing contracts for a separate business she has, which includes a mentoring service, and has been speaking to manufacturers about her clothing line business.

Hanan also stood as a candidate for councillor in Croydon in the May elections.

Following her last shoot on the 100 Mistakes feature film, she has been hired to feature in other film sets. 

She said: “It was nice to see a lot of young people all together. I feel that it was genuine and we were acting out our lives.”

Jasmine Timms, 19, from Greenwich, starred as one of the main characters in the film, playing the role of Rachael.

Since featuring on 100 Mistakes, Jasmine has gone on to further her career in the industry, featuring on other shoots including commercials for Subway and music videos for bands such as Burner Boy and Inhaler.

Jasmine was able to present her work on 100 Mistakes while going for future roles.

She said: “I was able to develop a new network, including scriptwriters and the production team, and it helped my acting in regards to learning lines in fast-paced environments.”

Jerome Sewell, executive producer of 100 Mistakes and who works for Unique Talent, said: “The impact of this production is felt in the lives of many and across South London. We have told a South London story for the people of South London made by a young team from South London.

“As our youth go forward and look to the new horizons of their career, we commend their dedication and skill, wishing them the best of luck and our continuing support. As the film demonstrates, the journey of mentoring our young people is lifelong.”

Pictured top: From left, Devonte Ellis Swayby, Joel Dowuna and Joshua Mansano (Picture: Jerome Sewell and Joshua Mansano)