JOBLESS
teenagers hope to give ailing Wearside a television tonic.
They believe there is plenty in Sunderland to
smile about and to prove it they are to make a film of life in the
town.
The film makers then plan to send their documentary
to the BBC in answer to a film about the town called "Are the
Kids All Right" which painted a dismal picture of dole queues
and street fights.
Danny Dixon, a member of Southwick Neighbourhood
Youth Projects (SNYP) explained yesterday that the youngsters were
so annoyed by the BBC film that they decided to make their own.
"We are all so angry because it just did
not paint a fair picture of Wearside," said 19-year-old Danny,
an unemployed factory worker, of Ellis Square, Southwick.
"The BBC film totally ignored all the good
things that exist in the town - and just dwelt on closed factories
and dole queues."
Danny is no stranger to film making as two years
ago he directed a short documentary called "Life on the Dole"
for a Manchester company.
About 12 SNYP members, aged from 13 to 19, are
involved in the project, and hope to feature Sunderland Football
Club in the film.
"We also want to show some |
of
the community projects that are going on, such as the Southwick
village farm, and also show the great neighbourhood spirit that
exists in Southwick and other areas of Sunderland," added Danny.
Borrow
The teenagers have been given a big start in the
project by being able to borrow film and sound equipment from Sunderland
Polytechnic.
"All the people involved in making the film
have been born and bred in Sunderland, and I am sure they have a
lot more idea what the town is like than film crews from London,"
said Danny.
"Most people involved in the film are on
the dole so none of us would deny there is unemployment in the town.
But I do not believe that it is that much higher than in other towns."
The film makers also hope to improve the image
outsiders have of the town.
"I know of quite a few people who were put
off coming to Sunderland after seeing the BBC film, and we hope
that after they see our film they will realise it is not such a
bad place after all," said Danny.
Coun. Alan Waistell, chairman of the polytechnic
governors, said he thought the film was "an excellent way to
improve the image of Sunderland."
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