‘Smile More’ & ‘Love Bomb’: Fairfield student voice creates powerful short films
Students from Fairfield High School (FHS) have played an integral part in creating short films focusing on highly emotive topics of racism, coercive control/toxic relationships. Working in conjunction with Integrate UK, a national youth-led charity campaigning for gender and racial equality, and three other schools across Bristol, ‘Smile More’ and ‘Love Bomb’ demonstrate the devastating effects all too often experienced – but not so commonly reported – by young people.
Working with a professional script writer and BAFTA nominated film crew, the films which have taken over a year to come to fruition, are now being used as a resource by Ofsted and Governments internationally.
‘Smile More’ follows the story of secondary school student & boxer Noah, who constantly is on the receiving end of racist bullying, especially from Martin. Noah feels like no one is in his corner. This nine minute film was predominantly set at Fairfield during the beginning of the Summer holidays, in addition to other locations throughout Bristol.
Integrate explains the story line behind the 11 minute long ‘Love Bomb’: Skye and Danielle are excited to go to university in Brighton, but then Skye meets Jake… Love bomb is an educational resource used to create discussion with students & train teachers on coercive control/toxic relationships.
In keeping with its inclusive values/ethos and the importance of using people from protected characteristics coming together to change the world, Fairfield’s representation for these films included input from these student activism groups including Arise (Anti-Racism in Secondary Education), LGBTQ+, Prayer, Aim, Student Ambassadors and Eco-Club.
At the films’ premier at the city’s Tobacco Factory Theatre, four FHS students spoke in front of an audience of 350, encompassing students, the Police force leading on equalities in the South West plus Directors of Safeguarding at Bristol City Council. What an accomplishment!
Edel Cronin, Vice Principal at FHS comments: “I am so proud of all the young activists involved with the conception, writing, filming and editing of these short films which will reach thousands of young people on a global scale. We feel confident that the powerful messages will have a positive effect for generations to come.”
For more information, and to explore future/similar opportunities, please contact: [email protected]
