The city of Nottingham has once again found itself at the forefront of a pressing national issue: knife crime among young people. But amidst the stark reality of this epidemic, there are glimmers of hope – and one shining example is 'To Those Who...', a powerful new film tackling the complex issues facing inner-city youth. The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, joined forces with local community projects to support the film's premiere at Broadway Cinema, delivering a poignant video message that highlighted the organisation's dedication to nurturing talent in the area.
Prince Harry expressed his regret at not being able to attend the screening in person, but praised the film as a testament to the "creativity and resilience of Nottingham's young people." He also acknowledged the long-term commitment of local organisations, some of which have received support from him for over a decade. These partnerships underscore the importance of grassroots initiatives in addressing the deep-seated issues driving knife crime.
'To Those Who...' is more than just a film – it is an educational tool designed to be screened in schools, youth services, and community settings. The production delves into the struggles faced by young people, including limited choices, economic pressures, and loyalty conflicts with personal ambition. Prince Harry noted that the story told in the film may resonate painfully close to home for many, illustrating how quickly options can narrow under pressure and potential can be lost without support.
The Duke's message also stressed the importance of community and potential, highlighting the significance of young people being seen, heard, and believed in. He concluded by affirming that "your story, your voice, and your future matter" to those present at the screening.
The film received funding from Take 1 Studios and support from various local organisations, including Nottinghamshire Police, Community Recording Studio (CRS), The Pheasants at Radford Football Club, and Broadway Cinema Nottingham. Prince Harry used his platform to draw attention to the vital work of these grassroots projects and called upon local businesses, funders, and leaders to provide their backing to such initiatives.