Monthly Archives: January 2012

‘Making a difference’ a documentary by Connor Boston Mahmout

Posted by Consequences (Breaking the negative cycle) on

Connor is a young person I have been mentoring for a while now. Just before Christmas he came to me with an idea for a documentary he wanted to make.  He was passionate about it and I told him I would help him if he could write a pitch about what he wanted to do.  He has now done that, I have helped him recruit a professional team of film-makers who belief in his message and are willing to be involved in the project.  His pitch is now up and running on IndieGOGO a crowd funding website, so it is now in the hands of the public if they believe in the project they can contribute to it.

Please have a look, contribute what you can, even if that making others aware of his plans.

The link for the Pitch is below.

http://www.indiegogo.com/Making-in-a-difference?c=home&a=397806

 

Thanks

Emeka

 

 

‘Making a difference’ documentary

My name is Connor Boston; I am 21 and from Hackney, East London. I have a vision I want to share with the world .I want to create a documentary that will shed light on two key issues that I find really important. I am tired of young people being demonised and generalised by being put in the same bracket. There are a minority who are involved in gangs and criminal behaviour, but it seem that no matter how much positive things that are done by young people seem like the negative by a few will over shadow the good work that is being done by the masses. What this documentary will highlight is a vast array of opinions from different professionals, politicians and most importantly the young people who are from deprived areas who are making strides to become successful. We want to tell their stories to shine some positivity to young people, giving them the opportunity to get their voices heard in hope that it will inspire others to follow suit. Like my mentor Emeka Egbuonu says “sometimes words are not enough it is the actions of your peers that can inspire you to do better.”
The first step in dealing with a problem is admitting there is a problem. Yes there is a problem with gangs, youth violence etc. This bring me onto the next key point I want to execute in this documentary ’MENTORS’, for the young people who are actively engaged in criminal behaviour and have lost their way, we want to inspire them through our actions. This is also done by sharing knowledge, one of the most effective solutions I have found out is by people who are willing to make a difference by sharing their life experiences and give that vital knowledge to a young person. In the documentary we will show how important it can be to have a positive mentor or role model who can help guide a young person to a brighter future.
We all know that they are different reasons why we have so many social ills that drive ‘some’ young people to go down the wrong path, the same way we believe there so many different solutions, this is just one, as there are many organisation and people out there who are working with or without resources to get the job done, but we need more people on the front line, instead of moaning about it to do something.
For me personally I am aspiring actor, but I have a passion to make a real difference in my community. I have a mentor Emeka Egbuonu who is showing me the way and by providing me with various opportunities. He is someone that inspires me through his work and ambition. I am currently delivering workshops and sessions with him in schools and youth clubs, delivering his positive message. He will be directing this documentary for me. As soon as I told him about the idea he was willing to help in any way that he can. Emeka has written a book called Consequences which is his message for making a difference. He also made a documentary called London to LA, a gang intervention documentary. He is willing to give his book and documentary away as an incentive to those that contribute to this project.
The aim is to create something unique, and to eventually screen it in a cinema London when completed. Making sure young people voices are heard and maybe we can have some positive news in the media about the work we would have achieved.

I have a great team who will help me bring this documentary to life.

About us:

Connor Boston Mahmout

I am an aspiring actor/rapper/songwriter from Hoxton, Hackney
that plans to take full advantage of all of the talents I am lucky enough to have been blessed with.
I am passionate about all of my endeavours, mainly music and acting.
music has been a large part of my life for as long as i can remember
and i have enjoyed acting since i first got a taste for it.
I hope to be successful in the entertainment business in some way
whether its music or theatrics, in front of or behind the stage,
and hopefully my drive & determination will one day take me there. I am currently working as a volunteer youth worker to give back to my community

Emeka Egbuonu

The author Emeka Egbuonu is a community and anti-gang worker based at the Crib Youth Project (www.thecrib.org.uk ) in Hackney. He is also one of the London Mayor’s mentors. Emeka came to east London from Nigeria aged seven. He know first hand the damage gang and youth violence can have on a community. This inspired him to dedicate himself to making life better in his community.

He has coached grassroots football team Gems FC and helped organise the Boroughs United talent contest since it began (showcasing the talents of Leona Lewis, Diversity among others). In 2009, Emeka founded the Consequences program of seminars, which equips young people with the confidence and skills to make good choices and avoid becoming involved in gangs or moving on if involved already.

Emeka was also on the frontline during the recent London riots persuading young people not to loot or get involved in criminal behaviour. Emeka is the director of the documentary London to LA, about gang intervention schemes in California. He was one of the main speakers at Birmingham City University’s Understanding the English Riots conference on 18th October 2011.

http://www.emekabnc.com

Drew Cox

Drew Cox is not your ordinary Director. He has the unique ability to Direct and Photograph a wide range of work BUT when needs must can take on the roles of an entire production crew, confidently able to write, shoot, photograph, direct and edit – You might say DC is a production company in his own right! And he enjoys it!
Drew Cox was born and raised in South Africa, where he developed a natural interest and passion for image making and story telling. After moving to the UK to further his studies, he received a 1st class BA(Hons) in Video Production and Communication and has been working as a freelance video director and photographer on a variety of projects all around the world.

He has created work for numerous clients from Coca Cola, Nike, LBi, Marks & Spencers, Oxfam, ITV, BBC, Puma, HTC Mobiles, Mrs Jones, Universal Records, Jack Wills, Aubin&Wills, Bliss, Ignite TV, Creative Partnerships, Breast Cancer Campaign and The Natural History Museum, to a host of independent production companies, artists and musicians.

Specialising in online digital content, commercial work, filmmaking, music, fashion and documentary. His ideas focus on the original, the perceived and the new, combining technologies and different media to create exciting and innovative work in all forms of visual culture.

http://www.drewdox.co.uk

Adebola Ajao

Adebola Ajao is a 25-year-old music video and short film producer & director. Having Graduated from the university of Bedfordshire with a 2:1 in Media Production Adebola Has gone on to set up his own production company producing music videos, short films and magazine features from his home in East london. Adebola specialises in producing content with an urban feel and a small sample of his work can be found at http://www.youtube.com/mradebolauk.
His ability to organise, and make extensive research is second to none.

Michael Ndebumadu

I grew up in Haringey north London. I’ve been writing poetry off & on since I was in college.
I studied Media Studies at Southgate College. I later went on to study a BA in Media-Writing & Production (with a 1 year module in Creative writing)
My writing lies in scripts, poems and fictional-writing. I have also written articles for other projects. My ability to do research is dependent on the topic.
I am quite able to search for relevant info either online and through books if need be; and applied the info when and when needed.
I can also take the initiative and contact individuals/organisations if there is any info which could be of any use.
I also have small experience in youth work, working with primary aged children in an after school homework club.

How the money will be spent:

Filming, and post-production
Travel
Copyright clearances for archive footage and soundtracks
Screening arrangements at a cinema

Something Emeka’s grandmother said for her contribution for to his book “No one person can do everything but everyone can do something.”

So do what you can and contribute so I can make this documentary a reality even if that is sharing this campaign.

Thanks
Connor Boston Mahmout

Tribute to the young people killed in London 2011.

Posted by Consequences (Breaking the negative cycle) on

This tribute was created for The Crib’s Boroughs united show 2012. Every year I am responsible for creating a

tribute to the young people who lost their lives in the previous year.  Every year it never gets easier, seeing so many lost potential,

seeing so many parents bury their children, this is not the way it should be. This is just to show that they will always be remembered.

 

 

 

 

Press Release:: Project by Dean Stalham and Mark Prince

Posted by Consequences (Breaking the negative cycle) on

 

 

 

Mark Prince from the Kiyan Prince Foundation http://www.kiyan.org/ and

Dean Stalham from Art Saves Lives http://artsaveslives.co.uk/?page_id=245

have some solutions on tackling gun/knife crime and youth gang culture.

 

Please join them plus VIP guest speakers on the 27th January 2012 @ Midday at one of London’s most famous and historical venues.

The Drawing Room @ The House of St. Barnabas in Soho. 1 Greek Street, (on

the corner of Soho Square) London, W1D 4NQ

http://www.quintessentiallysoho.com/

http://www.hosb.org.uk/

 

Guest Speakers

Dean Atta http: //www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jan/11/dean-atta-stephen-lawrence-poem

Emeka Egbuonu

Bob Stanley from the band St Etienne and film director Paul Kelly will be showing a film.

Jazzman John Clark will perform a specially written poem.

Jenny Edwards MBE.

 

Testimonials.

The work that Dean Stalham does is invaluable – he brings to animating the

artistic impulses of society’s dispossessed and downtrodden a rare

sympathy, and precisely because he’s been where they have no condecension.

he believes passionately in the role art in saving lives – hence the name

of his charity – and he makes good on this promise. His projects in the

visual art, in performance and in education give people who have lost

their way back their dignity, and enable them to move forward. He is

energetic, tireless and in my experience highly competent. I urge you to

seriosuly consider all he has to say, and to work to assist him. WILL SELF

I found Mark Prince to be not only inspirational but also innovative where he jointly worked with another speaker (unplanned) to deliver a very powerful and relevant message to the young people. JANET LEWIS, UBUNTU

http://www.hendon-today.co.uk/news.cfm?id=1093

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/dispossessed/article-24027226-this-man-helped-me-put-down-the-gun-and-pick-up-the-camera.do

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/aug/02/ukcrime.music

 

 

 

Young people ‘Trading Places’ with the Police

Posted by Consequences (Breaking the negative cycle) on

The Crib’s Trading Places workshops

is a programme which enables young people to trade places with police, Teachers, Prison wardens and older people in the community. In these sessions young people reverse roles with the chosen professionals giving the young people and the professionals the opportunity to see how they are perceived by the other. Looking at how to deal with issues both sides face on a daily basis, getting a better understanding of each other through dialogue and role playing. It builds trust and respect within the community and the organizations which work with young people.

The Crib has run these sessions with the metropolitan police for the past 10 years. Running the sessions in the local youth offending teams buildings and community centers, to help build trust and understanding for both the young people and police. It has helped to build strong relationships with young people, local SNT and community police groups. Its effectiveness shows not only in our evaluation but there is significant improvement in communication between young people and police in a number of areas we have worked in.

I remember being part of the pilot session in 2002, it was a two day session. We came into the Crib not knowing what to expect from the session, what could we possibly say to the police and what could they tell us that we will actually listen to.  I was 15 at the time and to be honest all we wanted to do was to have our weekly table tennis competition.

The police arrived and they turned up in two vans, if I remember correctly there were at least 9 of them for that first session.Everyone seemed uneasy with their presence, looked more like a raid to be honest.  They came with their plain clothes.  The session was not how I imagined, Janette project manger for The crib had to stimulate the discussion because she could sense  that none of us wanted to talk to the police.  Eventually after a few games that broke the ice, we started discussing issues that affect us, this was our chance to get our voice heard and if anything would happen after this was yet to be seen. We spoke about police tactics, stop and search, profiling, stereotypes, legal rights, and the justice system.  It was very interesting talking about all these things and seeing thing from a different perspective.  It was all done in a respectful manner as everyone had equal say. This was then followed by role reversal role playing between us and the police. An example of a scenario we had to do was that a group of young people were hanging around on the stairwell in block on the estate, a concerned resident calls the police to come and move them along because of the noise and what looks like fighting. So now we have the scenario, we now had to act as the police who turned up to deal with the situation, and the police were acting as the young people who were only play fighting with each other and having a laugh.

As the police officers we started off with the nice approach, but the police officers acting as young people did not go easy on us, they made it extremely difficult to resolve the situation. I think they have vast experience dealing with scurrilous youth because they were doing a good job. Eventually we had to use force and make them move along.

The second day was really interesting because the police now had to come in with their full uniform and the dynamics of the session changed.  There was a sense of animosity between us and the police, even though it was with the same officers from the day before. We were less interactive and there was less of dialogue between us and them.

Overall Janette was happy with how the pilot session went and it has now been going on with young people all over Hackney and Islington for the past 10 years. The aim was to help build better relations with the police and young people. The reaction over the two days has not changed much when we run the session with the current crop of Crib youth. Over the two days there is more interaction on the day when the police are not in uniform. Even with all our efforts  to create better relations with the police there is still a strong sense of hate, animosity between many young people and the police.

During a post riot discussion we had, many young people condemned the looters and the arsonist. They were saying why were they destroying the own communities, some said had they been involved their anger would have been to support those who were attacking the police. One of the young people in that session said that ” if they were smart the would have organised and focussed all their energy on attacking the police instead of trying on trainers outside JD”. This is a young man that is not involved in gangs or any criminal activity, he says he is tired of fitting a description of every black boy when a crime is committed. He went on to say its not the inconvenience of being stopped but the way people look at him when he is being stopped that angers him, he says it makes him feel like a criminal and that they all have assumptions about him which in turn perpetuate stereotypes about young black males.

This is exactly why we we work hand in hand with the police and safer neighbourhood teams to make a positive difference. Seems like all it take is one significant event to erase all the hard work, nevertheless we keep TRYING!

By Emeka